Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program
Announcement beginning Monday, June 26, 2023
Competition closes midnight on Monday, October 30, 2023
The Embassy of the United States of America in Cyprus is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program:
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar program provides an opportunity for Cypriot doctoral or equivalent degree holders to lecture, conduct advanced research, or pursue a combined program of lecturing and research at U.S. universities and/or non-academic institutions. Cypriot scholars who receive these grants will spend the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 academic semesters in the U.S. working with their host to carry out their proposed project.
The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia is open to all fields for this grant: however, proposed projects should contribute to the development of knowledge in the applicant’s field; should be beneficial to Cyprus as well as the U.S. host institution; and should be completed within one academic semester.
Outstanding candidates are those who have the capacity and commitment to take full advantage of a program of research or lecturing at a U.S. university, and who are willing to share their experience and knowledge after returning to Cyprus.
Applications will be accepted until the posted deadline. All applicants must apply and submit their applications through the Slate system used for all Fulbright programs around the world. It is therefore imperative that applicants follow the step-by-step instructions provided in a separate PDF document. Pre-screenings will be conducted in November. Successful applicants from the pre-screening will be contacted and invited to an interview in December, with awards announced in early January. The Fulbright Coordinator will work with grantees in their academic placements and will provide a pre-departure orientation at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia.
Priority is given to candidates who have not previously received a U.S. government grant to travel to the United States. The purpose of the Fulbright Scholar Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries. It aims to provide educational exchange experiences to a maximum number of individuals not previously afforded such an opportunity.
The program, subject to availability of funds, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is administered jointly, by the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) in New York, New York.
AWARD BENEFITS/LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, health insurance and various allowances. Some support is provided for qualified dependents. Award benefits vary depending on the location of the U.S. University. Grants are awarded for one academic semester, a maximum of 4 months.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The applicant must:
- hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional training or experience at the time of application in the field of research or lecturing;
- hold Cypriot citizenship. Applicants selected must have a Cypriot passport as they will travel to the United States with it;
- not be citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States;
- demonstrate leadership and a potential for advancement in their profession;
- demonstrate English language proficiency;
- be eligible for a J-1 visa, which requires the grantee to return to Cyprus for a minimum of two years at the end of the grant period;
- be able to complete a satisfactory medical clearance. No qualified disabled applicant will, on the basis of disability, be subject to discrimination, provided that their physical and mental health is adequate to allow them to fulfill the terms of the grant.
- Although letters of invitation from U.S. universities are not a requirement for this grant, submitting a letter of invitation from a U.S. university may make the applicant more competitive for a grant. Those who have previously studied in the United States should avoid seeking affiliation at your U.S. alma mater/previous host institution.
Application guidelines:
The application process must be completed online at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024/
Instructions for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Application can be found on a separate pdf document on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
Not eligible:
- Individuals with recent U.S. experience (more than 6 months within the last 5 years).
- Individuals who have attended school in the U.S. for one academic year or more during the seven years prior to August 2023.
- Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status.
- A candidate with recent third-country experience may have a less compelling need for the Fulbright Program than a candidate who has never had a significant professional stay abroad.
Change of plans:
You should promptly inform the U.S. Embassy of any change in your academic status or future plans after this application has been submitted.
Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
For more information about the Visiting Scholar program please visit www.cies.org.
Questions? Please write to FulbrightCY@state.gov.
