U.S. Embassy Dhaka is now accepting applications for the 2021 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (academic year 2021-2022).  The program offers primarily six-to-nine-month research grants, beginning in September 2021.  One- to two-semester lecturing grants are also available.  A few short-term three-month grants will also be offered to scholars in all disciplines to conduct needs assessment and research related to institution or program development, consult with administrators and instructors of post-secondary institutions in faculty development, and develop and/or assess academic curricula or educational materials.  Experienced Bangladeshi professionals, university faculty members, and researchers at think-tanks and relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations (with 10 years or more professional experience) are invited to apply.  The Embassy seeks proposals on a wide range of topics in all disciplines with a special focus on university administration and curriculum development, distance learning, education technology, public health, biological sciences, pharmacy, disaster management, and urban planning education and other education fields.  Candidates interested in lecturing grants must have extensive teaching experience and a confirmed invitation to lecture at a host institution in order to be considered for a Fulbright grant.  Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.  The application submission deadline is 16:30 BST Friday, January 15, 2021.

The Fulbright program is competitive and is intended for highly motivated scholars with advanced degrees (Ph.D.), or equivalent professional experience, who propose to conduct research and/or teach their specialty.  Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.

This fellowship is meant for Bangladeshi citizens.  Prospective applicants must reside in Bangladesh at the time of application.  Applicants possessing U.S. permanent residency or citizenship, or in the process of receiving U.S. permanent residency are not eligible for the award.  Due to funding limitations, applicants who have recently received a major U.S. government grant or have recent significant study abroad experience must wait five years before applying for a senior Fulbright award. Only in extremely rare circumstances will an applicant who has previously received a Fulbright Visiting Scholar grant be awarded a second grant.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar grants include all program related expenses, a stipend, and cost of the grantee’s Bangladesh/USA/Bangladesh air tickets.  Grants also include a monthly allowance for one dependent who will spend at least 80% of the grant period with the grantee.  If a grantee receives a nine-month grant, a dependent may be eligible to receive an air ticket if she/he remains with the grantee at least 80% of the time.  Applicants must return to Bangladesh immediately upon completion of their research or teaching assignments.  Upon successful completion of the grant, all grantees are required to report to the American Center and submit their research findings in writing.

Lecturing grant aspirants must have extensive teaching experience.  Overseas teaching experience is considered as an added qualification.  Candidates must submit course syllabi along with a curriculum vitae and a confirmed invitation to lecture at a host institution in order to be considered for a Fulbright grant.

For the short-term grants, in case a letter of invitation is not received, candidates are strongly encouraged to identify three institutions that have appropriate facilities for the kind of project they wish to undertake.  Names of preferred colleges/universities should be mentioned in the applications in rank order, with an appropriate rationale for the preferences.

Prospective applicants must submit an online application through the online application system.  All relevant documents in support of the application also need to be uploaded electronically to the online application system.  The following documents are required:

1. Three reference letters (please read application instructions for detailed information on reference reports)
2. Confirmed letter of invitation from a host institution
3. Correspondence from U.S. institutions, if available
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Passport copies for the applicant and for any and all intended accompanying dependent(s)

The online application is available at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2021. Applicants should create a log-in account in order to access the application.  Applicants should read all instructions carefully before completing the application form. Submitted proposals must be detailed and accurately written with an outlined research plan that can be completed during the grant period. The program is highly competitive, and the selection committee places great emphasis on the written proposal.

The deadline for submitting the online application and all required documents is 16:30 BST Friday, January 15, 2021. After a review of proposals, the Embassy will set up interviews with short-listed candidates.

For further information, please contact Cultural Affairs Specialist, Ms. Raihana Sultana, at the American Center at SultanaR1@state.gov.