Call for Applications: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (Nepal)

Deadline: 15-Nov-2026

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal is inviting applications from Nepalese post-doctoral researchers and senior artists to undertake research or artistic projects at institutions in the United States. The programme supports professional development, academic and artistic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of professional networks. Researchers are expected to undertake projects related to Nepal that contribute to knowledge in their respective fields, while senior artists can use the opportunity to develop new skills, expand professional networks, and share Nepal’s cultural and artistic heritage with American colleagues and communities. The programme provides Nepalese scholars and artists with an opportunity to spend up to nine months in the United States working on a proposed research or artistic project. Post-doctoral researchers may conduct research, deliver guest lectures, and pursue scholarly interests at U.S. institutions. Their proposed projects should have a direct connection to Nepal and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Senior artists can use the programme to strengthen their professional and artistic practice, gain new skills or expertise, establish new connections, and engage with American colleagues and communities. The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal supports two broad groups of applicants: The programme encourages participants to build lasting academic or artistic collaborations and bring knowledge and experience back to Nepal. Selected scholars receive a comprehensive support package that includes: The support is intended to enable scholars and artists to focus on their approved research or artistic projects during their stay in the United States. Post-doctoral researchers can use the programme to conduct advanced research at U.S. institutions.

Supported activities may include:

Research projects must have a direct relationship with Nepal and demonstrate how the proposed work can contribute to knowledge in the applicant’s field. Senior artists can use the programme to advance their professional and artistic careers.

The opportunity can help artists:

Applicants should propose a clear artistic project that can be completed during the grant period. Applicants must propose a detailed research or artistic project that can be completed in the United States within a maximum period of nine months. The proposed project should be realistic for the available grant period and clearly demonstrate its professional, academic, or artistic value. Applicants must be Nepalese citizens.

Post-doctoral researchers must:

The research should directly relate to Nepal and contribute to knowledge in the applicant’s field.

Senior artists must:

All applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to successfully undertake their proposed research or artistic activities in the United States. English proficiency is particularly important because scholars and artists may need to communicate with U.S. colleagues, institutions, communities, and other professional contacts during the programme. Selected scholars are required to return to Nepal after completing their grant period. They must return to Nepal for at least two years following the grant. This requirement is intended to ensure that participants bring their knowledge, skills, professional experience, and new collaborations back to Nepal. The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal does not support every type of academic or professional activity.

Grants are not intended for:

Medical doctors seeking clinical training are therefore not eligible under this programme. Certain applicants are excluded from the programme.

Ineligible applicants include:

Applicants should carefully review the applicable restrictions before submitting an application. Each applicant must propose a detailed project appropriate to their professional background.

Researchers should explain:

Artists should similarly explain:

Applicants must be in sound physical and mental health to participate in the programme. This requirement reflects the need for participants to be able to successfully undertake their proposed activities during their stay in the United States. It is a programme that supports Nepalese post-doctoral researchers and senior artists to undertake research or artistic projects at U.S. institutions for professional development and academic or artistic collaboration. Nepalese citizens who meet the relevant professional and experience requirements can apply as post-doctoral researchers or senior artists. The proposed research or artistic project can last for a maximum of nine months. Selected scholars receive J-1 visa sponsorship, health benefits, international travel support, a living stipend, settling-in support, dependent allowance, and professional development allowances. Yes. Researchers are expected to propose projects that directly relate to Nepal and contribute to knowledge in their field. Researchers must hold a doctoral degree received between 2012 and 2023 and have at least three years of post-doctoral experience. Artists must have equivalent professional training or experience and at least five years of recognized professional accomplishment. No. Medical doctors seeking clinical training are not eligible under this programme. No. Grants are not intended for attending conferences. No. The grants are not intended for completing doctoral dissertations. No. Clinical medical research involving patient contact is not supported. Yes. Selected scholars are required to return to Nepal for at least two years after the grant period. Yes. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient to complete their proposed project. No. Dual citizens and permanent residents of Nepal and the United States are among the categories excluded from eligibility. The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal provides Nepalese post-doctoral researchers and senior artists with an op