how it works

The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) promotes linkages between U.S. academics and professionals and their counterparts at universities abroad. The program is designed to award grants to qualified U.S. faculty and professionals, in select disciplines, to engage in short-term collaborative 2 to 6 week projects at higher education institutions in over 100 countries worldwide. International travel costs and an honorarium are funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating host universities cover grantee in-country expenses or provide in-kind services.

Project activities focus on the strengthening and development needs of higher education institutions and do not fund personal research. Eligible activities include teacher training, short-term lecturing, conducting seminars, special conferences or workshops, as well as collaborating on curriculum planning, institutional and/or faculty development. 

U.S. faculty and professionals apply to join a Roster of Specialists for a 5 year term.  Roster candidates are reviewed by peers in the same discipline, and by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB). 

Universities outside the US that wish to host a Fulbright Specialist submit project applications through the Fulbright Commissions or U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections in their home countries.  Projects must be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the sponsor of the Fulbright Programs. Program Description >