Dear Vice Chancellors and Deputy Vice Chancellors, 

The Public Diplomacy Sections of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria are pleased to announce the annual call for applications for the Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP) for the 2026/2027 academic year. The program offers senior faculty from select Nigerian universities the opportunity to conduct research or carry out curriculum development activities at U.S. academic or research institutions. ARSP, also known as the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

The selection process and final award of grants are extremely competitive. 

Application Opens: February 3, 2025.

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025. The online application with supplemental documents uploaded as part of the application must be submitted by the deadline.

To start an application, applicants must visit and click "create an application" at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026  

Program Information: ARSP offers two categories of grants as follows. Applicants must indicate their grant category.  

Research Grant: ARSP research grant offers senior faculty from select Nigerian universities or research institutes, opportunity to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of nine (9) months, beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2027. November/December start dates are discouraged as they pose logistical challenges and universities often provide limited support at that time. Applicants for research grants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application. Post doctoral research will not be supported under the research grant. 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 Grant: ARSP program and curriculum development grant offers senior faculty or administrators from select Nigerian universities or research institutes, opportunity to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution for a minimum of three (3) months and a maximum of five (5) months beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2027. 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.  This grant is 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 at the time of application.

It is critical that applicants provide a detailed project statement as it will be referenced to help facilitate the placement process. Project statements less than one page will not be considered for selection.

Grant Benefits: The grant covers J-1 visa, round trip airfare to the U.S., a travel allowance and monthly stipend. The grant also covers the Fulbright ASPE health benefit. The grant also covers dependent allowance and travel of one dependent if he/she will stay with the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period.

As a special requirement, candidates’ projects/research proposals must align with the new U.S. administration’s priorities of strengthening national security, promoting economic prosperity, and advancing American values.

Eligibility Requirements:

An intended applicant must be a citizen of Nigeria or a permanent resident and should hold a valid passport issued by the Nigerian government. 

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 for research grants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application.

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.

Applications with project statements that are less than one page will not be considered. The program application includes the opportunity to describe your academic work and research.

Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant and have had no experience or limited experience in the United States. 

Each application must include three letters of reference.

Letters of invitation from U.S. academic or research institutions are strongly encouraged but not required. If a letter of invitation indicates potential laboratory fees, applicants should be encouraged to seek other potential host institutions for consideration.

TOEFL exams are not required but applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to carry out their research projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

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.

Plagiarism Policy: The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program seeks applicants whose writing achieves highest academic standards of original research, writing, and citation. 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. When submitting applications, candidates will be required to read, accept, and adhere to plagiarism policy.  

Applicants are advised to contact Fulbright alumni for guidance with the application process, if possible. 

Applicants with specific questions should send an e-mail to AyegbusiCO@state.gov indicating “Fulbright ARSP” in the subject line. 

The Fulbright program is a popular program, and the Public Diplomacy Sections will only notify shortlisted candidates. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.