Applications are now open for the 2027 Fulbright Research Awards for African Scholars, and eligible academic professionals can begin submitting their applications for one of the most prestigious U.S.-funded research opportunities available for African scholars. The program supports African university faculty, administrators, and research institute professionals to undertake advanced research or curriculum development at leading academic and research institutions in the United States during the 2027–2028 academic year.
This fully funded Fulbright opportunity is designed to strengthen academic collaboration, research excellence, and institutional development by enabling scholars to gain exposure to U.S. academic environments and return home with enhanced teaching, research, and leadership capacity. Candidates from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply and pursue research or academic development projects aligned with their professional responsibilities and institutional priorities.
Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive funding package covering travel, research stay support, and academic engagement at U.S. host institutions for a period ranging from three to nine months depending on the grant type. The program offers Research Grants for postdoctoral research projects and Program and Curriculum Development Grants for professionals seeking to develop new courses, curricula, or academic programs for implementation at their home institutions. Scholars will also benefit from access to world-class research facilities, mentorship from U.S. academics, international networking opportunities, and the prestige of being a Fulbright scholar.
Applicants may also indicate interest in the Notre Dame Visiting Scholar Award, where selected candidates will be hosted at the University of Notre Dame in priority areas including sustainability and resilience, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and global health fields such as WASH, nutrition, and maternal health. Participation in this pathway offers additional collaboration opportunities within a leading U.S. university environment.
Eligibility Criteria for 2027 Fulbright African Research Scholar Program
This program seeks committed academic professionals ready to contribute to research and institutional development. To be considered, applicants should meet the following conditions:
- Must be a university faculty member, administrator, or research institute professional
- Research grant applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate a strong scholarly record
- Curriculum development grant applicants must hold at least a master’s degree or equivalent
- Must submit a detailed research or curriculum development project statement
- Must demonstrate strong English language proficiency
- Must include a bibliography of references related to the proposed project
- Preference given to applicants with at least three years of university teaching experience
- Preference given to applicants who have not visited the United States within the past five years
- Proposals involving clinical medical research with patient contact are not eligible
- Applications for dissertation research or immediate postdoctoral study after PhD completion are not eligible
- Applicants must show how the project supports their home institution upon return
- Letter of support from a U.S. host institution is recommended but not mandatory
How to Apply for the 2027 Fulbright Research Awards?
Ready to secure a Fulbright research opportunity in the United States? Follow this simplified application path to apply successfully:
First, decide your grant type. Choose between a Research Grant for postdoctoral research or a Program and Curriculum Development Grant aligned with your institutional role. If interested in Notre Dame hosting, indicate it within your application.
- Uganda: https://ug.usembassy.gov/2027-fulbright-research-awards-for-african-scholars/
- All African Regions: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/countries/sub-saharan-africa
- Research Grants Africa: https://fulbrightscholars.org/award/africa-regional-research-program-7
- Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe: https://ao.usembassy.gov/education/educational-exchanges/the-fulbright-visiting-scholar-program/
- Zimbabwe: https://zw.usembassy.gov/fulbright-program/
- Benin West Africa: https://bj.usembassy.gov/fulbright-african-research-scholar-program-arsp/
Next, prepare your research or curriculum proposal. Your project statement must clearly explain objectives, relevance to your professional role, and why the research needs to be conducted in the United States. Include a detailed bibliography and outline expected outcomes for your home institution.
Then, identify a potential U.S. host institution. While not mandatory, a support letter from a U.S. academic host strengthens your application and helps with placement.
After preparing all documents, submit your complete application online through the official Fulbright application portal. Ensure all information is accurate and original, as plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Finally, monitor your email after submission. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further review and final selection by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in the United States.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the 2027 Fulbright Research Awards for African Scholars is April 10, 2026.