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.

About the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal

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. What Does the Program Support? The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal supports two broad groups of applicants: - Post-doctoral researchers seeking to conduct research or guest lecture at U.S. institutions. - Senior artists seeking professional and artistic development opportunities in the United States. The programme encourages participants to build lasting academic or artistic collaborations and bring knowledge and experience back to Nepal. What Funding and Benefits Are Provided? Selected scholars receive a comprehensive support package that includes: - J-1 visa sponsorship for the scholar and eligible dependents. - J-1 visa-compliant health benefits. - Round-trip international travel to the United States. - Flight support for one dependent. - A stipend to cover living expenses. - Settling-in support. - Dependent allowance. - Professional development allowances. 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. Research Opportunities for Post-Doctoral Researchers Post-doctoral researchers can use the programme to conduct advanced research at U.S. institutions.

Supported activities may include:

- Conducting research. - Guest lecturing. - Pursuing scholarly interests. - Developing academic collaborations. - Advancing knowledge in their field. Research projects must have a direct relationship with Nepal and demonstrate how the proposed work can contribute to knowledge in the applicant’s field. Opportunities for Senior Artists Senior artists can use the programme to advance their professional and artistic careers.

The opportunity can help artists:

- Expand professional and artistic networks. - Develop new skills and expertise. - Strengthen their artistic practice. - Collaborate with American colleagues. - Share Nepal’s cultural and artistic heritage with U.S. communities. Applicants should propose a clear artistic project that can be completed during the grant period. How Long Can the Project Last? 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. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be Nepalese citizens.

Eligibility for Researchers

Post-doctoral researchers must:

- Be Nepalese citizens. - Hold a doctoral degree received between 2012 and 2023. - Have at least three years of post-doctoral experience. - Demonstrate proficiency in English. - Propose a detailed research project to be completed within a maximum of nine months in the United States. The research should directly relate to Nepal and contribute to knowledge in the applicant’s field.

Eligibility for Artists

Senior artists must:

- Be Nepalese citizens. - Have equivalent professional training or experience. - Have at least five years of recognized professional accomplishment. - Demonstrate proficiency in English. - Propose a detailed artistic project that can be completed within a maximum of nine months in the United States. English Language Requirement 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. Return Requirement 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. What Activities Are Not Supported? The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Nepal does not support every type of academic or professional activity.

Grants are not intended for:

- Attending conferences. - Completing doctoral dissertations. - Travel and consultation involving multiple institutions. - Clinical medical research involving patient contact. - Clinical training for medical doctors. Medical doctors seeking clinical training are therefore not eligible under this programme. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain applicants are excluded from the programme.

Ineligible applicants include:

- Dual citizens of Nepal and the United States. - Permanent residents of Nepal and the United States. - Applicants who do not have sufficient professio