Cambodia
4 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
There are up to 4 awards for U.S. recent graduates, graduate or PhD students to conduct a 10-month period of research in Cambodia.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees may begin their grants in September 2026.
Orientation
Grantees are required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation organized by ECA and IIE in the summer as well as an in-country security briefing upon arrival.
Candidate Profile
Master’s and Ph.D. students are preferred, but graduating seniors and recent graduates will be considered. Applications are welcome in all fields of study. Candidate must be willing and able to work with a high degree of independence.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Self-motivation, creativity, adaptability, and professionalism and are keys to a successful experience as a Fulbright student researcher. As a student researcher, you are expected to problem-solve and operate independently to the extent that you can. You are also expected to be cultural ambassadors and promote mutual understanding between people of the United States and Cambodia. You can work with your U.S. Embassy to program a series of presentations at the U.S. Embassy’s American Center in Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Batttabang and Siem Reap to raise awareness and/or educate the Cambodian students on a topic of your interest (e.g. sports, STEM, etc.), which aligns with the U.S. Embassy’s priorities in Cambodia.
Eligibility
9 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Additional Information: Khmer language proficiency is not a requirement in the candidate selection process. Applicants without Khmer language skills should include plans for language study in their Fulbright projects and should plan to study Khmer concurrent with their research after arriving in Cambodia.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
It is required that applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
- Housing - $300 - $500/month
- Utilities - $150/month
- Food - $350/month
- Transportation – $300/month
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh will assist students with obtaining visas and provide information on housing.
Special considerations
Grantees are reminded to observe all security, safety, and health practices appropriate for Southeast Asia, including malaria prevention. As in all developing countries, the candidates should not expect sophisticated equipment or apartments with American standards of comfort. Living conditions outside of urban areas tend to be harsh and without plumbing and electricity. Housing availability can be limited, although the situation in Phnom Penh, Siem Riep, and Battambong has improved in recent years. Use of libraries can be hampered by short hours, closed stacks, and limited circulation.