The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has announced a call for proposals for the 2025 U.S. Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP). The program, established by the U.S. Department of State in 2001, aims to connect foreign host institutions with qualified U.S. academics and professionals. According to the embassy, "Through this collaboration, the program strengthens institutional links and encourages deeper cultural and educational exchange between United States and partner countries."
Host institutions are encouraged to design projects that align with their organizational goals and fall within specified disciplines such as American literature, history, studies, values and their global impact, business, communication, computer science, constitutional law, cultural heritage preservation, economics, education, energy, engineering, information technology, international relations, journalism, political science, philosophy, public administration and policy/leadership studies, military and strategic studies, religious studies and security studies.
This year’s call for proposals highlights an America 250 theme in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions; government ministries or agencies; courts; parliamentary or congressional bodies; cultural institutions such as conservatories or museums; and non-governmental organizations including think tanks. The embassy states that “Host institutions are responsible for designing project activities tailored to their needs. All projects must have an educational or training focus and include concrete objectives achievable during the Specialist’s visit.”
Typical activities may involve delivering seminars or workshops; developing curricula or materials; conducting needs assessments or evaluations; or engaging in institutional planning. Projects focused on personal research or clinical medical work are not supported.
Assignments can last from two to six weeks (14–42 days), including travel time. Each project is limited to one country and must take place entirely within the host nation.
Funding for FSP projects comes from both the U.S. government—which covers roundtrip airfare for Specialists along with health benefits and a daily honorarium—and contributions from host institutions that provide local lodging, meals and transportation.
Institutions may suggest a preferred Fulbright Specialist but do not need to identify one before submitting a proposal. If approved for funding by the program’s implementing partner World Learning will match selected projects with suitable candidates from its roster.
Interested organizations should download the application form (Host Institution Project Proposal Form.docx) and submit completed proposals via email at DhakaUSExchanges@state.gov by September 7th 2025. All assignments must be completed in Bangladesh by September 15th 2026.
“We encourage eligible institutions to take advantage of this opportunity to collaborate with U.S. experts and advance their organizational priorities,” stated the embassy.