Applications open for Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program

The Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program offers Swedish scholars funding to conduct advanced research and/or lecture in the United States, with an established affiliation at a U.S. university or research center. The program includes a minimum stay of three months (with visa sponsorship up to twelve months). For the 2027–28 academic year, online applications open on 15 August 2026 and are due by 11 January 2027. Opportunity at a Glance

- Program name: Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program

- Funding organization: Fulbright Sweden (Fulbright/Scholar Program)

- Opportunity type: International exchange / visiting scholar grant

- Who it serves: Swedish scholars conducting advanced research and/or lecturing in the United States

- Grant amount: SEK 50,000 grant award

- Travel support: SEK 15,000 one-time travel allowance

- Visa/fee coverage: Coverage of all SEVIS and J-1 visa fees

- Insurance: Accident and sickness insurance for the grantee

- Other benefits: Fulbright branding; exclusive seminars and events in the U.S.

- Minimum U.S. stay: At least three months

- Visa sponsorship duration: Up to twelve months

- Eligible countries (host): United States

- Eligible applicants (citizenship): Swedish citizens only (dual U.S./Swedish citizens may NOT apply)

- Application deadline (2027–28): 11 January 2027 (deadline time and time zone not specified in the source)

- Annual timeline (2027–28):

- 15 August 2026: Online application open

- 11 January 2027: Application deadline

- March 2027: Selection and notification

- July–August 2027: Visa application and departure to the U.S.

About the Opportunity

The Fulbright Program’s main objective is to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and people of other nations through the sharing of ideas, knowledge, skills, and individual experiences. Fulbright Sweden states that Sweden and the U.S. have participated in this exchange of scholars and students since 1952. For the Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program, scholars are selected based on academic merit and leadership potential. Grantees are expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and contribute to mutual understanding as unofficial “ambassadors” of their country. Funding and Benefits Fulbright Sweden lists the following grant benefits for this program: - SEK 50,000 grant award - SEK 15,000 one-time travel allowance - Fulbright branding - Exclusive seminars and events in the U.S. - Coverage of all SEVIS and J-1 visa fees - Accident and sickness insurance for grantee The source does not specify additional cost-sharing requirements or restrictions beyond the eligibility and application rules described below. Who Is Eligible? To apply, Fulbright Sweden specifies the following eligibility requirements for Swedish applicants: - Swedish citizenship - Proficiency in English - Established affiliation with an American university or research center - Doctoral or other terminal degree completed by the time of departure to the United States Not eligible (examples explicitly stated) Applicants are not eligible if any of the following apply: - No doctoral/terminal degree prior to departure to the U.S. - Dual citizenship with the U.S. (dual U.S. and Swedish citizens may NOT apply) - U.S. residency or possession of a “green card” - Already started academic activity in the United States at the time of application Additional eligibility notes - Scholars already conducting research with a U.S. institution at the time of application are not eligible. - Scholars who have not yet completed a doctoral degree at the time of application must provide evidence of completion prior to departure. - Fulbright Scholars will be issued a U.S. J-1 visa. The visa is issued via the Fulbright office in Stockholm in cooperation with IIE (Institute of International Education) in the United States. The visa process cannot be issued by the host institution in the U.S. for nominated Fulbright scholars. Human/animal subjects note Fulbright Sweden notes that the Fulbright Scholar program may not be appropriate for candidates wishing to pursue programs/projects involving human or animal subjects. More information is referenced in the source, but the specific policy link is not provided in the supplied text. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The program supports Swedish scholars who wish to conduct: - Advanced research in the United States, and/or - Lecturing in the United States The source does not provide additional sector-specific priority areas. It emphasizes that successful applications should envision collaboration between the U.S. and Sweden and support positive change, professional/disciplinary development, and solutions to national and international challenges in the applicant’s field. Why This Opportunity Matters This opportunity is designed for experienced Swedish academics who can contribute to U.S.–Sweden scholarly exchange through research and teaching. It provides structured support for travel and U.S. visa-related costs (including SEVIS and J-1 visa fees) and includes insurance coverage, which can help reduce administrative and financial barriers for visiting scholars. How to Apply - Review the program announcement and promotional materials (links are referenced in the source as “available here” and “promotional flyer here,” but the actual URLs are not included in the supplied text). - Apply via the Fulbright application portal (the source indicates an application website linked below, but the exact link is not included in the supplied text). - After registering and logging in, select “Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program” as the program name. - Read the general guidelines on navigating the application form on the first page. - Complete the Preliminary Questions page so that the remaining application pages become available. - On the Country Information page, select “Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program” under Award Information. - Submit the application and all supplemental documents through the portal by the deadline: - Dea