The application window for the 2022-2023 Fulbright Foreign Student Program is now closed. The program cycle for the 2023-2024 will likely open in early 2022.
Eligibility requirements for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Master’s degree program)
- Nigerien citizenship (Nigeriens holding U.S. citizenship are not eligible)
- A Bachelor degree or equivalent
- A high level of fluency in verbal and written English
- Commitment to return to Niger after the training and serve your country
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not already studied in the United States.
Fields of Study
All fields of study are eligible except for medical and military studies. Though medical studies are not eligible, it is possible to apply for a degree in Public Health.
Grant benefits
The grant covers all expenses related to the study program (i.e. visa fees, travel, academic fees, financial provisions, health insurance,…etc).
Application
- Complete the online application form at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2022. Applications must be fully completed and submitted by March 8, 2021.
- Remember to attach supplemental forms (3 letters of reference; educational degrees and transcripts) to the online application or provide hard copies. Email NigerExchanges@state.gov if you have any questions.
History of the Program & Goals
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas (1905-1995). The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since 1961, more than 135 Nigerien teachers and students have received a Fulbright grant to study in the United States.
The goals of the Fulbright program are to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, academic development, personal development, and sharing the Fulbright experience upon returning home.
Fulbright African Research Scholar Program 2022-2023
Applications for the 2022-2023 Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP) are currently being accepted through June 30, 2021
Applications:
Applications must be submitted online by visiting the following link: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2022/
After completion of your application, please send a confirmation email to the US Embassy at Nigerexchanges@state.gov.
PLAGIARISM POLICY:
When submitting applications, candidates will be required to read, accept, and adhere to the following information pertaining to plagiarism:
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program seeks applicants whose writing achieves highest academic standards of original research, writing, and citation. The program application includes the opportunity to describe your academic work and research. Application materials will be processed using software to help identify any instance of plagiarism. Plagiarism in any part of your application will result in your disqualification from participation in the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. ECA and IIE will follow the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of plagiarism: Plagiarism is the wrongful appropriation or purloining and publication as one’s own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas, of another. It is expected that your project proposal will be your own work and writing, clearly citing secondary sources when describing the academic work and writing of others (including one’s own previously published work). Any sources used in the construction of your responses must be clearly cited in your project statement and bibliography.
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Two categories of grants are offered in the ARSP: research grants and program and curriculum development grants.
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. 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. 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ELIGIBILITY:
1. 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.
2. Applicants must be citizens of the country from which they apply or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by that country.
3. 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.
4. Applicants without doctorate degrees but who hold a master’s or equivalent graduate degree are eligible in the program and curriculum development category.
5. Applications for doctoral dissertation research, postdoctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.
6. Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant.
7. Preference will be given to candidates who have had no experience or limited experience in the United States.
8. 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.
9. Applicants must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report.
10. 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON APPLICATIONS:
1. Scholars must indicate the grant category for which they are applying (research or program and curriculum development). The Institute of International Education (IIE) will assign scholars who do not indicate a preference to an appropriate category.
2. Each application must include three letters of reference.
3. Letters of invitation are strongly encouraged but not required. Applicants are discouraged from requesting affiliation with an alma mater. IIE will honor institutional affiliation preferences as far as possible. Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that IIE identify suitable placements.
4. Laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package for the ARSP and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, and only if funding is available.
