Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for Researchers (Moldova)

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program offers non-degree research grants for senior researchers, university lecturers, and experts in different fields who hold a doctoral degree or equivalent professional experience. The program supports selected Moldovan scholars to conduct research in the United States in specified fields for a period of three to nine months. The application deadline is 6 November 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). Opportunity at a Glance

About the Opportunity

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program provides support for non-degree research conducted by selected scholars in the United States. It is designed for senior researchers, university lecturers, or experts who can propose a feasible research project and demonstrate the ability to carry it out in English. The program also emphasizes the expectation that the Fulbright experience will benefit both the scholar and their home institution in Moldova, including students and faculty, as well as the U.S. host institution. Funding and Benefits

- Grant purpose: Non-degree research support for a U.S.-based research placement.

- Duration: Grants are awarded for three to nine months.

- Host placement planning (not required, but common): The source notes that while it is not required, many applicants are in contact with colleagues at U.S. institutions and have made preliminary plans by securing a letter of invitation from the prospective host institution.

Not specified in the source: the monetary award amount, whether travel costs are covered, and any detailed expense rules.

Who Is Eligible? To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

- Citizenship and residency:

- Must have citizenship and live permanently in the Republic of Moldova. - Permanent residents of the Transnistrian region may be considered regardless of citizenship.

- Visa eligibility:

- Must be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa. - Program participants must return to and reside in Moldova for two years after completion of their programs.

- Academic/professional qualification:

- Must hold a doctoral degree or have equivalent professional experience at the time of application.

- Research proposal:

- Must suggest a feasible research project.

- Language:

- Must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to carry out the research project.

- Medical clearance:

- Must receive satisfactory medical clearance. Important ineligible cases (as stated) - Researchers in medicine, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, and other fields whose proposals include clinical contact with patients are not eligible. - Candidates with medical degrees are not allowed to pursue medical residencies or internships in the United States as Fulbright Fellows. - Persons who desire permanent residence in the United States are not eligible. Additional eligibility requirement - Applicants must currently be affiliated with one of the higher education or research institutions in Moldova. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The program supports research in the fields listed below (as stated in the source): - Economics and development - Education - Finance and banking - Public policy - Public administration - International affairs - Marketing - Law - Library and information science - Technology policy and management Why This Opportunity Matters This opportunity is relevant for senior Moldovan academics and experts seeking to conduct non-degree research in the United States while maintaining a professional and institutional link to Moldova. The program’s structure is intended to support a research placement that is valuable to the scholar’s home university and to the U.S. host institution, with an expectation of knowledge sharing after returning to Moldova. How to Apply - Use the official online application system. - Create an account or log in. - If you are a first-time user, create a new account. - If you already have an account, log in with your email and password. - Complete the application during the open application period for Moldova. - The source states that you can submit only during the time when the program is open for applications in Moldova.

- Submit by the deadline: 6 November 2026.

- Deadline time and time zone: Not specified in the source.

- Submit only through the official U.S. Embassy online system. - The source states that any application submitted to the United States or elsewhere, separate from the official U.S. Embassy online system, will not be considered. Application materials (as listed)

Applicants should include:

- Detailed statement of proposed activity for research in the United States - Letter from employer confirming employment in Moldova (in English) - Detailed Curriculum Vitae (resume) - Three (3) Letters of Reference - Bibliography - Letter of invitation from U.S. Institution (if available) - Copy of passport Not specified in the source: formatting requirements, word limits, or whether letters of reference must be submitted directly by referees through the portal (the FAQ indicates recommendation letters are submitted by recommenders, but the exact submission mechanism is not fully detailed). Selection timeline (as stated) - Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed. - Final selection and placement will be made in the spring of the following year. Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Submit through the official system only. The source explicitly warns that applications submitted separately from the official U.S. Embassy online system will not be considered. - Ensure your research proposal fits the program’s non-clinical scope. Proposals involving clinical contact with patients in relevant medical fields are not eligible. - Use English appropriately. The program requires sufficient English proficiency to carry out the research project. - Avoid plagiarism and improper AI-generated text handling. The source includes guidance that copying language/content produced by generative AI directly into an application may negatively