Fulbright U.S. Student applications for 2025-2026 continue to be reviewed as stated on Competition & Selection webpage. Any updates about application status will be communicated to the applicant over email.

2026-2027 Competition Deadline: Tuesday October 7, 2025 at 5 pm Eastern Time

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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Laos

2 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Flexible Start
Grant Length
10 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research Award
Award Profile

There are up to two awards for U.S. recent graduates, graduate or PhD students to conduct a 10-month period of research in Laos.

Grant Length
10 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

Grantees have flexibility on their grant start dates depending on host affiliation agreement.

Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

Grantees are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation organized by ECA and IIE in the summer.

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.

Being a Fulbright Researcher in Laos is a rewarding and enriching experience. Laos offers a unique environment for conducting research, with opportunities to engage deeply with local communities and cultures. The relaxed and less structured nature of Lao culture requires researchers to be adaptable, as plans may change frequently. As a researcher, you you'll need to be a self-starter who can work independently and take initiative to move your project forward. Resources may be limited, so creativity and problem-solving skills are essential. Laos has a tropical climate, so be prepared for hot and humid weather throughout much of the year. In addition to your research, you are also a cultural ambassador, promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Laos.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are NOT eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
6 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.

Recommended

Additional Information: Knowledge of Lao is encouraged, but not required. Applicants without Lao language skills should include plans for language study in their Statements of Grant Purpose. Grantees without Lao language skills must study Lao concurrent with their research after arriving in Laos.

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.

Novice
Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation

It is strongly recommended that applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications. The U.S. Embassy will assist in facilitating the affiliations for candidates who have been officially awarded grants.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
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.

2,000 monthly stipend amount in
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.

5,550 in
  • 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.

Estimated Cost of Living per month

Housing: $300-$500

Transportation: house-school-house or etc  $300

Utilities (electricity, internet, gas, etc.): $300

Food: $400

Since motorbike usage is strictly forbidden, the expectation is that part of the monthly stipend is spent on transportation to-and-from host schools and other activities.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Special Consideration

Candidates are reminded to observe all security, safety, and health practices appropriate for Southeast Asia, including malaria prevention. As in all developing countries, grantees should not expect sophisticated equipment or apartments with American standards of comfort. Living conditions outside of urban areas tend to be harsh and without modern plumbing and electricity. Housing availability can be limited. Use of libraries can be hampered by short hours, closed stacks, and limited circulation.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EAP@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://la.usembassy.gov/