Cyprus
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The aim of the Study/Research Awards to Cyprus is to strengthen educational and cultural relations between the United States and Cyprus. The Study/Research Award gives young U.S. scholars a unique opportunity to carry out research in numerous fields related to the country's historical past and dynamic present day political, economic, and cultural developments. Applicants for study/research awards design their own projects and will typically work with academic advisers and professionals in Cypriot universities or research institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is September 2026 through May 2027.
There will be a mandatory in-country orientation at the beginning of the grant period.
Grant Length: 9 months.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The virtual event is organized by IIE. This is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow grantees as well as alumni of the Fulbright program to Cyprus.
The In-Country Orientation is typically held in mid-September once all grantees arrive to begin their grants. Orientation is typically three-days and includes briefings by Consular, Regional Security, Political officers, and Public Affairs. The orientation is also intended to assist grantees in applying for the required nine-month visa to Cyprus.
Candidate Profile
Candidates at all degree levels are accepted, but those conducting research for a Ph.D. are preferred. Applications will be considered from well-qualified students in all fields. Applicants should have an excellent academic record and strong reference letters. Proposed projects should be innovative, feasible in Cyprus, and fit into the candidate's previous academic training and future objectives. Applicants should display an understanding of the political issues in the country; projects should be well planned and display appropriate knowledge of the country.
Undergraduates/recent graduates proposing independent research must have the academic maturity, rigor, and depth of knowledge to work independently. Applicants should articulate a clear plan for the outcome of their research. Projects that involve research related to both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities are encouraged.
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.
Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean with an area of 3,572 square miles, is half the size of New Jersey and twice the size of Rhode Island. It lies only 40 miles from Turkey at the nearest point, 500 miles southeast of mainland Greece, and 100 miles west of Syria. With a culturally rich and historically complicated heritage spanning over 8,000 years, Cyprus is a fascinating country to conduct research both historical as well as modern.
At the present time, Cyprus is divided into two areas. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) controls the southern two-thirds of the island, which is populated largely by the Greek Cypriot community. The ROC does not excercise effective control over the northern one-third of the island, which is administered by the Turkish Cypriots. Between the two areas is a buffer zone, also called the "Green Line," which is patrolled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and is a restricted travel area. The Green Line runs through the center of Cyprus' capital, Nicosia, and is the only divided capital city in Europe. However, despite the political division, the island is generally very peaceful and is often referred to as a point of stabilty in a sea of regional turmoil. As of May 1, 2004, Cyprus became an official member state of the European Union. Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated efforts to reunify the island continue and are supported by the United States.
Despite its location, Cyprus is in many ways oriented towards the West. It has been a crossroads of diverse civiliations and cultures throughout its history, and as a member of the EU on its easternmost border, continues to be so. Cypriots generally speak excellent English, are used to meeting people from other countries, and take interest and pleasure in associating with them. Cyprus enjoys sunshine virtually year round. Given the particular conditions that exist in Cyprus, grantees should be informed of the complicated political situation on the island when putting forward their proposals.
Eligibility
12 Months
Permanent residents of Cyprus are not eligible to apply for this award.
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: No Greek or Turkish skills are required unless they are required to carry out your project. However, although English is widely spoken, the official languages are Greek and Turkish, and there are areas where English is not widely known. Some study of Greek or Turkish prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community. Please be aware that the Cypriot dialect is quite different from mainland Greek and Turkish. Grantees should be familiar with the political situation in Cyprus and sensitivities between the two communities in planning their grant activities, even when the proposed research project may not seem to involve politics.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Affiliations are a requirement for American researchers to successfully secure a researcher visa in Cyprus. Applicants are required to secure an affiliation with a host institution and include a letter of affiliation with their application. The Embassy can provide guidance, but the host institution must be approved by the local Research Promotion Foundation and thus be able to issue Hosting Agreements. The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, the Cyprus Institute, the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), the Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute (CAARI), the Cyprus Museum, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology, the Open University of Cyprus, and the University of Nicosia have all successfully served as hosts for grantees.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Tuition fees are not covered by this grant.
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.
$1,900 monthly stipend to cover living expenses
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
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Base allowance (Travel/Transit/Excess Baggage/Settling-in), : $3,570
Research allowance: $1,500
Other (visa, entry permits, testing, etc.): $500
Additional Grant Benefits
In-country support is provided through Post in Cyprus.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Cost of living dependent upon city.
Dependents
While dependents are allowed, they are not covered by the Fulbright grant. Fulbright grantee is responsible for securing any long-term residency visa for their dependents, required in Cyprus for any stay beyond 90 days. To qualify for a dependent visa in Cyprus, proof of marriage is required by the Migration and Civil Registry office, among other documentation.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are expected to make their own housing arrangements. More information on securing accommodation is provided to grantees at the PDO and in communication with the Education and Exchanges Specialist upon receipt of award.