The U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso has announced the opening of its annual competition for the Fulbright and Humphrey Exchange Programs, offering several opportunities for Burkinabe citizens and permanent residents to study, conduct research, or participate in professional development in the United States.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (FVS) is available to scholars and professionals interested in pursuing a master’s degree or PhD at an American university. Applicants must demonstrate strong English skills, with a minimum TOEFL score of 575. Some candidates seeking a master’s degree may be selected for the Fulbright Foreign Student – Long Term English (FVS-LTE), which provides up to eight months of English language training in the U.S. before beginning their studies. This track requires a minimum TOEFL score of 520.
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (ARSP) targets university faculty members and professionals from independent research centers, museums, or cultural institutions with educational or research objectives. Selected participants can conduct research in the United States for three to nine months during the academic year. A special component supports those wishing to focus on AIDS-related research or professional development across disciplines such as sociology, social work, anthropology, education, economics, law, public administration, communications, art, theater, medical sciences, biological sciences, and psychology. While good English proficiency is necessary for this program, there is no specific TOEFL requirement.
Mid-level professionals aspiring to leadership roles may apply for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (HHHFP). The fellowship offers about nine months at a U.S. university where fellows engage in graduate-level courses and long-term leadership development activities alongside peers from around the world. This program does not lead to an academic degree but focuses on broad professional growth. Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree, have at least five years of professional experience, and achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550.
For secondary-level teachers specializing in English or other core subjects including math and science—especially those serving local populations—the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) provides six weeks of seminars at an American host university along with classroom observation experiences. Eligible applicants should have completed at least five years of full-time teaching by the start date and possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification; they must also meet a minimum TOEFL score of 450.
Applications are open exclusively to citizens or permanent residents of Burkina Faso through January 16, 2026 via https://forms.gle/XKubeHGNsrDsN7Bk6.
To inform prospective applicants about these programs and answer questions regarding eligibility criteria—including requirements related to education level and English proficiency—the embassy will hold several public information sessions across Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou and KDG between December 5th 2025 and January 22nd 2026.