The Fulbright program is the premier international educational exchange program sponsored by the United States Department of State. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright program is an annual appropriation by the United States Congress.
The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section annually offers scholarship opportunities to conduct postdoctoral research; curriculum development research grants; and scholarships for advanced degrees in the United States. Applicants that incorporate activities to build university partnerships between Zimbabwean higher education and U.S. universities are strongly encouraged.
The recruitment process is open and merit based, without regard to academic discipline, faculty rank, gender, or age. Preference is given to individuals who have not visited the United States for any appreciable period within the past five years. Applicants must be resident Zimbabwean citizens working at Zimbabwean universities and/or research institutions committed to returning to Zimbabwe.
The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section offers six Fulbright program opportunities:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ZIMBABWEAN CITIZENS
Advanced Degree Scholarships in the United States
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program awards scholarships to Zimbabwean university faculty for advanced degrees in the United States. Candidates are funded for a maximum of two years. Awards and university placements will be announced in March/April for programs beginning in August/September of each year. Designed primarily to provide professional development and strengthen higher education, the Student Program is the largest Fulbright program in Africa (application deadline: April 1, 2023).
Eligibility Requirements
- Commitment to work at an educational institution in Zimbabwe upon completion of the program;
- Completed prior academic study equivalent to at least a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree;
- Outstanding academic records and preparation in their chosen field;
- Satisfactory test scores (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.). N.B. Test fees are paid for finalists by the Fulbright program; and
- High motivation and a serious commitment to completing the program within a specific timeframe.
Application/Selection Process
After national selection, nominations are recommended to the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for final review. The Institute of International Education then seeks university placement of successful candidates.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2023
Apply here: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2024
Fulbright Foreign Scholar Program
The Fulbright Foreign Scholar program offers grants to conduct postdoctoral research, or a curriculum development program at U.S. academic or research institutions. A good command of English and at least three years of university teaching experience is essential. Applicants must be resident Zimbabwean citizens and working at Zimbabwean universities and/or research institutions.
Research Grants: Awards of three-to-nine-month grants to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August and no later than March of each year. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2023
Apply here: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024
Curriculum Development Grants
Awards of three-to-five month grants to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August and no later than March each year. Proposals should be linked to professional duties and demonstrate how the scholar will use the knowledge gained to develop new courses, curricula, or other academic programs at the home institution. These grants are designed for university faculty or administrators with less experience and who may not have had recent access to research or instructional developments in their disciplines. A doctorate degree is not required, but applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s or equivalent graduate degree at the time of application.
Application deadline: May 1, 2023
Apply here: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024
Scholar-in-Residence Program
U.S. institutions request international scholars to teach for one semester or academic year in the United States. Scholars are requested either by name or by field. U.S. institution requests and proposals are sent to targeted departments in February each year.
U.S. Host University Application link: https://fulbrightscholars.org/sir
OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. ACADEMICS
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar program offers over 800 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields can join over 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding. Announcements are made in April/May of each year. U.S. faculty grants are for one semester or academic year.
U.S. Scholar Program Link: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards
Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds.
During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks. Through engagement in the community, individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.
Graduating university seniors in the United States apply to conduct research in their country of choice.
U.S. Program Link: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/fulbright-us-student-program
U.S. Fulbright Specialist Program
The U.S. Fulbright Specialist Program is a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in two- to six-week, project-based exchanges at host institutions across the globe to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions. Specialists are strongly encouraged to continue to work with host institutions in the years following their initial exchange, creating opportunities for ongoing cooperation and consultancies. Requests to host a U.S. Fulbright Specialist can be sent to publicdiplomacygrants-zim@state.gov
U.S. Specialist Application: https://fulbrightspecialist.worldlearning.org/