The application window for the 2027/2028 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP), also known as the Fulbright African Research Scholar Programme (ARSP), has officially opened, offering Nigerian academics an opportunity to undertake advanced research and curriculum development in the United States.
The programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), is open to eligible faculty from select Nigerian universities and research institutions.
According to programme details, selected scholars will undertake research or academic development at accredited institutions in the United States under a highly competitive selection process.
The application deadline is June 30, 2026, with all submissions required to be completed online.
The programme offers two main grant categories, including the Research Grant and the Programme and Curriculum Development Grant.
The Research Grant is designed for senior faculty members to conduct research in any academic discipline, with a duration ranging from three to nine months between August 2027 and March 2028. Applicants are required to hold a doctorate degree and demonstrate a strong academic record, with preference given to those with at least three years of teaching experience.
The Programme and Curriculum Development Grant, on the other hand, targets faculty and administrators seeking to develop new academic courses or programmes at their home institutions. This category does not require a doctorate degree but mandates at least a master’s qualification. The grant duration ranges from three to five months within the same period.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed project statement aligned with priority areas such as economic growth, agriculture, digital economy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Successful candidates will receive a range of benefits, including J-1 visa sponsorship, round-trip airfare, monthly stipends, health insurance, and support for one eligible dependent.
To qualify, applicants must be Nigerian citizens or permanent residents with valid passports, demonstrate proficiency in English, and provide three letters of reference. The programme is open to all academic disciplines, although clinical medical research involving direct patient contact is excluded.
Programme organisers noted that applications will undergo plagiarism screening, with any detected violations resulting in disqualification.
While letters of invitation from U.S. institutions are encouraged, they are not mandatory, and previous applicants who were unsuccessful may reapply with improved submissions.
Due to the competitive nature of the programme, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
