Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program 2027 (Fully-funded)

Overview

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program brings professionals and academics to the United States for a duration of three to four months. The program takes place during the first half of 2028, specifically from January to March. Participants conduct research focused on priority issues impacting the U.S.-ASEAN relationship, broader ASEAN priorities, or topics with clear implications for the entire ASEAN region, with an emphasis on subjects holding regional significance rather than bilateral focus. Up to 22 applicants are selected, with approximately two participants coming from each ASEAN member state.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include citizens of Brunei or any ASEAN nation who reside in an ASEAN country throughout the nomination and selection process and intend to return to an ASEAN country afterward. Candidates must be university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, or professionals working in think tanks and other NGOs focusing on U.S.-ASEAN issues, and they are expected to demonstrate a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment. Applicants must also possess English proficiency.

Several restrictions apply. Candidates are ineligible if they are currently teaching, studying, or conducting research in the United States, have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years, or have visited the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of Professor or Research Scholar within the past two years. In addition, preference goes to applicants without recent and substantial experience in the United States, and dependent support is not provided.

What you get

The award includes a monthly stipend ranging from US$3,164 to US$4,805 depending on the U.S. city, a round-trip economy-class direct air ticket, and a US$600 transit and baggage allowance. Fellows also receive a US$2,233 professional and settling-in allowance, while qualifying university lab or research fees are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a project statement of three to five pages, a bibliography of up to three pages, and a curriculum vitae of up to six pages. Additional required materials include three letters of recommendation and a passport bio page. A letter of invitation from a host institution in the United States is preferred during the application stage and is mandatory before final selection and departure. Finally, selected grantees must submit a Medical History and Examination Report to finalize their grants.

Key dates

The application deadline is November 30, 2026. The selected scholars travel to the United States for the program during the first half of 2028, spanning January to March.