Open Call for Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (Cape Verde)

Deadline: 30-Sep-26

The Fulbright African Research Scholar Program is inviting applications from eligible university faculty, research professionals, and administrators in Cabo Verde to conduct research or develop academic programmes and curricula at institutions in the United States. The programme promotes academic exchange between Cabo Verde and the United States while strengthening institutional relationships and supporting academic advancement in Cabo Verde. Two grant categories are available: Research Grants for experienced researchers and Program and Curriculum Development Grants for faculty and administrators developing new courses or curricula. The grants provide support for international travel, living expenses, and a monthly stipend during the approved grant period.

About the Fulbright African Research Scholar Program

The programme is designed to strengthen academic and institutional connections between Cabo Verdean and U.S. higher education institutions. Through research and curriculum development opportunities, participating scholars can gain international academic experience while developing work that benefits their home institutions and contributes to higher education in Cabo Verde. Applicants must clearly explain how their proposed project will benefit their home institution and support academic advancement in Cabo Verde. What Grant Categories Are Available? The programme offers two types of grants. Research Grants Research Grants are intended for university faculty and professionals working at research institutes who hold a PhD or equivalent qualification. Selected scholars can conduct research at U.S. institutions for a period of: - 3 to 9 months - Research in any academic discipline Applicants must demonstrate relevant academic and professional experience and explain the value of their research to their home institution and Cabo Verde’s academic development. Program and Curriculum Development Grants Program and Curriculum Development Grants support university faculty or administrators who want to develop new courses or curricula.

The grant supports projects lasting:

- 3 to 5 months - Development of new courses or curricula Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and demonstrate how the proposed curriculum development work can strengthen their home institution. What Does the Funding Cover? The Fulbright funding provides financial support for the approved grant period.

Funding covers:

- International travel. - Living expenses. - Monthly stipend. The financial support enables selected scholars to undertake their approved research or curriculum development activities at U.S. institutions. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the citizenship, academic, professional, and language requirements for the relevant grant category.

All applicants must:

- Be citizens or permanent residents of Cabo Verde. - Be eligible to hold a valid passport. - Have sufficient English proficiency to collaborate effectively with U.S. colleagues. - Demonstrate how their proposed work will benefit their home institution. - Show how the project contributes to academic advancement in Cabo Verde. Additional requirements depend on the grant category. Research Grant Eligibility Applicants for Research Grants must meet the following requirements: - Hold a PhD or equivalent degree. - Have at least three years of university teaching experience. - Be university faculty or professionals at a research institute. - Propose a research project that can be conducted at a U.S. institution. - Demonstrate the potential benefit of the research to their home institution and Cabo Verde. Research Grants are available across academic disciplines. Program and Curriculum Development Grant Eligibility Applicants for Program and Curriculum Development Grants must: - Hold at least a master’s degree. - Be university faculty or administrators. - Propose work focused on developing new courses or curricula. - Demonstrate how the proposed work will benefit their home institution. - Explain the contribution of the project to academic advancement in Cabo Verde. English Language Requirement All applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to collaborate with colleagues at U.S. institutions. Applicants should therefore be able to communicate effectively in English in an academic and professional environment. English proficiency is important because scholars will need to engage with U.S. colleagues and institutions throughout their research or curriculum development activities. Preference for Applicants With Limited Previous U.S. Experience Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant or who have had limited experience in the United States. This preference is intended to provide opportunities to scholars who have had less previous exposure to U.S. academic institutions and Fulbright programmes. Benefit to Home Institutions and Cabo Verde A key requirement for both grant categories is demonstrating the broader institutional and academic value of the proposed work.

Applicants should explain:

- How the project will benefit their home institution. - How the knowledge or skills gained can contribute to academic development. - How the project can support academic advancement in Cabo Verde. - Why collaboration with a U.S. institution is valuable to the proposed work. This institutional impact should be clearly incorporated into the project statement. Clinical Medical Research Restriction Clinical medical research involving patient contact is not eligible under the programme. Applicants proposing research in medical or health-related fields should ensure that their projects do not involve clinical research activities requiring patient contact. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application package containing the required supporting materials.

The application package includes:

- Online application form. - Project statement. - Curriculum vitae. - Three letters of r