The U.S. Embassy in Tunis has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. The program offers six-to-nine-month grants to experienced Tunisian professionals, university faculty, and researchers from think tanks, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to conduct research or lecture at U.S. institutions starting in September 2026.
In addition to longer-term research and lecturing grants, the program also provides one- to two-semester lecturing opportunities as well as short-term three-month grants. These shorter grants allow scholars to conduct needs assessments, engage in research related to institutional or program development, consult with post-secondary institution administrators and instructors on faculty development, and develop or assess academic curriculum or materials.
Selected participants will receive support covering all research-related expenses, a stipend, roundtrip airfare, and a monthly allowance for one dependent. Applications must be submitted through the online system at apply.iie.org/fvsp2026 by December 28, 2025.
According to the U.S. Embassy’s announcement: “The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is intended for highly motivated scholars with advanced degrees (Ph.D.) or individuals with professional equivalent experience to conduct research and/or teach in the fields of their specialization on a U.S. campus. We seek proposals on a wide range of topics in all disciplines in education with a special focus on university administration and curriculum development, social sciences, humanities, hard sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, the arts, and business. Selected participants will work closely with faculty associates at a U.S. host institution for the duration of their exchange and have the chance to engage in a broad range of academic activities.”
Applicants interested in lecturing grants must have extensive teaching experience; international teaching experience is considered an added qualification. They are required to submit course syllabi along with their curriculum vitae and a confirmed invitation from a host institution.
For short-term grant applicants who have not yet received an invitation letter from a U.S. institution, it is recommended that they identify three suitable institutions for their proposed project within their application.
Candidates are advised that preference rankings for colleges or universities should be clearly indicated along with reasons supporting those choices.
The selection process is competitive; significant weight is given to the quality of written proposals. All submissions are checked for plagiarism and inappropriate use of AI tools.
Eligibility requirements include holding a doctoral degree or equivalent professional training (at least ten years’ experience), demonstrating sufficient English proficiency for professional activities at an American university setting, being a Tunisian citizen residing in Tunisia at the time of application—and not possessing nor seeking U.S. permanent residency or citizenship.
Applications can be submitted via apply.iie.org/fvsp2026 until December 28, 2025. Additional information may be requested by contacting Tunisexchangeshelp@state.gov.