The U.S. Mission is now accepting applications for the 2020 Fulbright African Research Scholar Program. This award funds African university lecturers and professors to conduct postdoctoral research or undertake a planned program of reading and research. Two categories of grants are offered in the ARSP: research grants and program and curriculum development grants.
These programs are intended to introduce participants to the United States and American people and culture, as well as provide them with a chance to exchange ideas with their American colleagues. Educational and cultural exchanges create human bonds and enduring relationships that build bridges of cooperation and understanding between peoples.
Among the thousands of distinguished individuals who have participated in U.S. government exchange programs over the past five decades are more than 200 current and former Chiefs of State, 1,500 cabinet-level ministers, and many, many other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.
Research Grants
Awards of 3 to 9 months are offered for African university faculty or research institute professionals to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2020 and no later than March 2021. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their fields. Preference will be given to individuals who have at least three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
Program and Curriculum Development Grants
Awards of 3 to 5 months are offered for African university faculty or administrators to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2020 and no later than March 2021. Proposals should be linked to professional duties and demonstrate how the scholar will use the knowledge gained to develop new courses, curricula, or other academic programs at the home institution. These grants are designed for university faculty or administrators with less experience and who may not have had recent access to research or instructional developments in their disciplines. A doctorate degree is not required, but applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s or equivalent graduate degree.
Eligibility
- The ARSP is open to scholars in all disciplines and without regard to gender or age; however, proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Program.
- Applicants must be citizens of the country from which they apply or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by that country.
- Applicants for research grants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent terminal degree in their fields. Preference is given to individuals who have at least three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
- Applicants without doctorate degrees but who hold a master’s or equivalent graduate degree are eligible in the program and curriculum development category.
- Applications for doctoral dissertation research, postdoctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar grant.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have had no experience or limited experience in the U.S.
- Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to carry out their research projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues. TOEFL exams are not required, but Posts may choose to institute local English language testing, if necessary, to evaluate applicants’ language skills. At a minimum, Posts should evaluate English-language proficiency through a documented interview conducted in-person or by videoconferencing, or by telephone if video conferencing is not a viable option.
- Applicants must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report.
- Scholars who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should revise their proposals, update curriculum vitae, and obtain current letters of reference.
How to apply?
Applications must be submitted using the Embark Visiting Scholar system. Please fill all the required fields carefully. Please contact your local U.S. Embassy for more information!
For more information visit: https://za.usembassy.gov/education-culture/fulbright-postdoctoral/
