Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme 2027/2028: Application Guide

The application window for the 2027/2028 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme, also called the Fulbright African Research Scholar Programme, is now open. Eligible faculty from select Nigerian universities are invited to apply for research or curriculum development placements in the United States.

The programme is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education. The selection process is highly competitive; all applications and required supporting documents must be submitted online on or before 30 June 2026.

What the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme offers

The programme gives senior faculty from select Nigerian universities the chance to carry out advanced research or curriculum development at accredited academic or research centres in the United States.

Applicants must choose one grant category when submitting the application.

Grant categories

Research grant

The Research Grant supports senior faculty from select Nigerian universities or research institutes who want to carry out research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research centre.

The duration is a minimum of three months and a maximum of nine months. The grant period falls between August 2027 and March 2028.

The notice states that November and December start dates are discouraged because of logistical challenges.

Eligibility for the Research Grant

Applicants must hold a doctorate degree or an equivalent terminal degree at the time of application.

The programme will not support postdoctoral research that comes immediately after the completion of a doctorate.

Preference goes to candidates with at least three years of university teaching experience and a strong scholarly record.

Programme and curriculum development grant

This category is for senior faculty or administrators who want to develop new academic courses, curricula, or programmes at their home institutions.

The duration is a minimum of three months and a maximum of five months. The grant period also falls between August 2027 and March 2028.

Proposals must show a clear link to the applicant’s professional duties and explain how the knowledge gained will strengthen academic offerings at the home university.

Eligibility for the programme and curriculum development grant

A doctorate degree is not required.

Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree, or an equivalent graduate degree, at the time of application.

This category is designed for faculty or administrators with limited access to recent research or teaching developments.

Project statement requirement

Each applicant must submit a detailed project statement. Any statement shorter than one page will not be considered.

Project proposals are encouraged to match the sponsor’s priority areas. These areas include:

• Security and governance
• Economic growth and trade
• Energy, science, technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence
• U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership priorities
• Agriculture and food security
• Digital economy
• Modern infrastructure and advanced technology

Grant benefits

The grant provides the following support:

• J-1 visa sponsorship
• Round-trip airfare to the United States
• Monthly stipend and travel allowance
• Fulbright ASPE health benefits
• Dependent allowance and travel support for one eligible dependent, if the dependent accompanies the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period

General eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Nigerian citizens or permanent residents with a valid Nigerian passport
• Be in good health
• Show enough English proficiency to conduct research and work with others effectively
• Submit three letters of reference

Successful candidates will later submit a Medical History and Examination Report.

Other conditions applicants should note

The programme is open to scholars in all disciplines. Clinical medical research that involves patient contact is not eligible.

Applications for doctoral dissertation research, general professional travel, or postdoctoral research immediately after earning a doctorate are also not eligible.

Preference is given to applicants who have not received a Fulbright Scholar grant before and who have limited experience in the United States.

Letters of invitation from U.S. centres are encouraged, though they are not required.

TOEFL examinations are not required.

Previous unsuccessful applicants may apply again with revised proposals and updated documents.

Plagiarism policy

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme states that it maintains high standards of academic integrity. Application materials will be checked with plagiarism detection software.

Any case of plagiarism will lead to disqualification. Applicants must read and accept the plagiarism policy during the application process.

How to apply

Applicants should start the process through the Fulbright application portal and click “Create an Application”.

The deadline for submission is 30 June 2026. All forms and required supporting documents must be submitted online by that date.

Enquiries and official details

Applicants who have specific questions should send an email to NigeriaFulbright@state.gov and use the subject line “Fulbright VSP”.

Due to the competitive nature of the programme, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

More details are available on the official Fulbright programme page for Nigeria.

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