U.S. Scholars

Fulbright Distinguished Chairs Program
• Overview • Who's Eligible • Application Deadline • Why Participate • Catalog of Awards • Application • FAQs • Tips • Review Criteria • Notification Timeline • Chairs Staff

1. How does the Distinguished Chairs Program differ from the core Fulbright Scholar Program?
   The Distinguished Chairs Program is designed for eminent scholars with substantial experience and publications in their respective fields; it is important for applicants to review award descriptions carefully in order to identify expectations for particular awards. Stipends for the Distinguished Chairs Program awards vary by country and are generally higher than those offered for the traditional program.
   
   
2. What is the deadline for applying?
   The new deadline for Distinguished Chair applications is August 1.  The former two-tiered application process -- pre-application of May 1 and invited application for August 1 – has been consolidated into a single step process with a full application due August 1.
   
   
3. How may I get an application?
   You may apply online at: www.cies.org/Chairs/Apply.htm
   
   
4. What must be included in a full application by deadline?
   Each submission should include the following core items:
   • Application form with all items completed and signed
   • Project Statement (up to five pages)
   • Tailored curriculum vitae or resume, including a list of selected publications (up to six pages)
   • Letter of invitation or other relevant correspondence from abroad, if applicable
   • Additional documentation depending on the award (see next question)
     
     
5. Do applications for lecturing and research awards require the same additional documentation?
   Research awards must include:
   • A select bibliography (up to three pages) and
   • Three reference letters
   
   Lecturing or lecturing/research awards must include:
   • Course syllabi
   • Two reference letters
   • One teaching report
   
   
6. Do I need an invitation letter for a Distinguished Chair Award?
   Most Distinguished Chair awards do not require an invitation.  However, in the few cases where one is required, applicants should review descriptions carefully, contact the program officer and the individual named in the award description.
   
   
7. May I apply to more than one country?
   Generally, no.  Applicants apply for only one country at a time.  However, the application form does provide a place where individuals may express interest in as many as three additional country/regional programs.  If a scholar is not recommended for further consideration to the first choice country, the application may be reviewed by other program officers for possible transfer to another country. 
   
   
8. When I may expect to hear whether I will receive the award
   All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the initial peer review deliberations held in Washington D.C. in early fall.  Successful applications are forwarded to the Commissions abroad and the Fulbright Scholarship Board for further review.  Final selections will be announced in late winter.
   
   
9. Who is eligible?
   Eligibility requirements apply at the time of application.  Applicants must meet all of the requirements unless specific exemptions are stated in individual country or award descriptions.  Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin and/or physical impairment.
   
   
10. If I already had a Fulbright, may I apply for a Distinguished Chair award?
    According to guidelines recently adopted by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board:
    “Recipients of a core Fulbright Senior Scholar award (defined as longer than two months) are eligible to receive another traditional award five years after the date of completion of the previous award. The maximum number of core Fulbright Senior Scholar awards is two in a lifetime.
    The five-year requirement between traditional awards does not apply to the Fulbright Senior Specialist Program or other short-term awards, which are defined as awards of under two months duration. Recipients of a short-term award are eligible to apply for a traditional or a second short-term award two years after the completion of the preceding short-term award.”
    
    
11. May I bring my family?
    Many grantees bring their family and report that the time abroad benefited all family members.  Some grants provide benefits for accompanying dependents.  Because benefits vary across countries, you should check the Benefits Table at the back of the Awards Catalog or online for specific information about award in which you are interested.