Philippines
7 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Applications are particularly sought in the following disciplines: Environmental Sciences, International Relations, Philippine Area Studies, Geography, History, Arts & Humanities, Anthropology/Archaeology, Law, Education, Linguistics, Journalism, Literature, Political Science, Math, Engineering, Sciences, Public/Global Health, Urban & Regional Planning and Agriculture.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Applicants should propose 9 month projects that begin mid-August 2026 or mid-January 2027, so that their arrivals will correspond with the beginning of the academic terms of higher education institutions in the Philippines.
Orientation
When requested, PAEF can conduct virtual meetings with selected grantees to assist with pre-departure requirements.
Candidate Profile
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.
The Philippines, an archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands, is a country that promises a rich academic and cultural experience for selected Fulbright grantees. Over seven decades of US-PH relations puts the Philippines as an ideal host country for Fulbrighters. The educational system of the Philippines is similar to the United States and English is widely spoken, even in parts of the country outside of Manila. The cost of living in Manila is also relatively cheaper than in most U.S. states.
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: In some cases, knowledge of Tagalog, Cebuano, or other local languages will be helpful, but is not a requirement for grant eligibility. Applicants without Filipino language skills should include plans for language study in their Fulbright projects and should plan to study the language concurrent with their research after arriving in the Philippines.
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
Candidates affiliate with Philippine universities and must include affiliation letters in their Fulbright applications. Applicants are encouraged to check the website of the Commission on Higher Education at https://ched.gov.ph/ (or search the web) for information about the Philippine educational system and its universities, and to directly contact professors at prospective host universities. Other factors being equal, priority will be given to applicants with projects outside of metro Manila.
Selected applicants should discuss possible housing options with their proposed Philippine host institutions.
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.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
Excess baggage fees shall be processed after the grant and via reimbursement of actual cost not exceeding USD 470. Other allowances may include a one-time language training allowance (USD 150) and books and supplies allowance (USD) 1,000.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Selected grantees are encouraged to visit https://www.numbeo.com to compare cost of living between Manila and select U.S. cities. For reference, data via Numbeo presents cost of living in Manila as relatively cheaper than in Washington D.C. Based on indices, consumer prices including rent in Washington D.C. are 189.7% higher than in Manila. Restaurant prices and grocery prices in Washington D.C. are both higher than in Manila (287% and 103.4%, respectively).
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Selected grantees are encouraged to coordinate with their host institutions for housing arrangements. PAEF can also connect grantees to Filipino Fulbright alumni who might be able to assist in housing options.
Geographical Restrictions
Proposals to conduct research in Mindanao will not be considered. Applicants should check the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines' website for travel advisories.