Entries Open: Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award

The Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award, offered as part of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program by the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg (Fulbright Schuman), supports post-doctoral researchers, professors, and professionals. The award funds a three-month research and/or lecturing stay at a U.S. institution, with a focus on NATO-related topics. The application period runs from 15 September to 1 December 2026 (noon CET). Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg (Fulbright Schuman)

- Opportunity name: Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award

- Program type: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (research and/or lecturing)

- Funding amount: Scholarship of 9,000 EUR for 3 months (USD equivalent)

- Additional support/benefits (as listed by the source): - Travel stipend of 2,000 EUR (USD equivalent) - J-1 visa sponsorship - Pre-departure support - Health benefit plan - In-country programming (e.g., local advisor) - Prestigious title and access to the alumni network

- Eligible applicants (citizenship): Citizens of NATO member countries, excluding the U.S.

- Minimum eligibility: Proficiency in English and minimum of a PhD or other terminal degree

- Project relevance requirement: Proposed research/course must be relevant to NATO (per application Project Statement and supporting documents)

- Application period: 15 September to 1 December 2026 (noon CET)

- Program dates (for selected awardees): 1 September 2027 to 30 November 2027

- Start timing for intended stay: Research and/or lecturing stay starting in the academic year 2027–2028 (as stated in the source)

About the Opportunity

The Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award aims to foster awareness and understanding of NATO and to increase the level of debate on peace, security, and defense-related issues. Supported fellows conduct research and/or lecture at a U.S. institution for three months. The award supports proposals with a connection to NATO, including (but not limited to) areas such as: - Cybersecurity - Military history - Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation - Peace and security - Security studies - Transatlantic studies Funding and Benefits

The source lists the following benefits:

- Scholarship: 9,000 EUR for 3 months (paid as a USD equivalent, per the opportunity page)

- Travel stipend: 2,000 EUR (USD equivalent)

- J-1 visa sponsorship - Pre-departure support - Health benefit plan - In-country programming (e.g., local advisor) - Prestigious title and access to the alumni network The source does not specify any additional cost-sharing requirements or exclusions beyond the items above. Who Is Eligible? To be eligible, applicants must meet all requirements listed on the opportunity page:

- Citizenship: Must hold citizenship in a NATO member country, excluding the U.S.

- English proficiency: Must be proficient in English

- Education: Must have a minimum of a PhD degree or other terminal degree

- Background: Must demonstrate academic excellence or an outstanding personal or professional background

- NATO relevance: In the application, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research/course is relevant to NATO (as required by the Project Statement and supported by other application materials) The opportunity page also notes that candidates are responsible for arranging affiliation with a U.S. host institution (see “How to Apply” for details). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The award funds research and/or lecturing during a three-month stay at a U.S. institution. Proposals must have a strong connection to NATO, including but not limited to: - Cybersecurity - Military history - Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation - Peace and security - Security studies - Transatlantic studies Why This Opportunity Matters This award is designed for experienced researchers, educators, and professionals who can contribute to NATO-focused academic and policy discussions. If selected, fellows will conduct a time-bound research and/or lecturing stay in the United States, supported by structured benefits such as visa sponsorship, health coverage, and travel support. The application is centered on demonstrating NATO relevance and feasibility through the Project Statement and U.S. affiliation documentation. How to Apply - Confirm your eligibility based on the opportunity’s requirements (NATO citizenship excluding the U.S., English proficiency, and a PhD/terminal degree). - Prepare a U.S. host affiliation letter (required for the application). The source states candidates are responsible for arranging affiliation with an accredited U.S. university or non-profit research institution (including research institutions, facilities, or think tanks). - Submit a complete online application in English via the Fulbright/IIE platform.

- Meet the deadline: all required documents must be included by 1 December 2026 at noon CET.

- Select the correct program country in the online application: - In the Preliminary Questions section, applicants must select “NATO” as the Program Country. - In the Country Information section, applicants also need to specify they are applying for the Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award. - The source encourages applicants to email after submitting to confirm receipt by the office. - Program timing verification (for accepted fellows): the 3-month program must take place from 1 September 2027 to 30 November 2027. Starting application (as referenced by the source): “Start application (2027-28)” Official page: Fulbright-NATO Security Studies Award – Fulbright Schuman Required documents (as listed by the source) Applicants must include the following in the online application: - Americanized resume/CV - Project Statement (3–5 pages, single-spaced) demonstrating relevancy to NATO - Bibliography of References (1–3 pages) relevant to the proposed research - Diploma of most recent degree including transcripts with