Kosovo
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Applicants may come from any recognized academic field and be at any academic level; however, they must have completed at least a bachelor's degree at the start of the grant. Applicants should have an excellent academic record and strong reference letters. Since Fulbright grantees are representing their country in all aspects, applicants should have strong intercultural and leadership skills. Proposed projects should be innovative, feasible in Kosovo, fit in the candidate's previous academic training and future objectives, and be based on the candidate's overall academic background and profile.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin in October and end in June.
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.
Grantees will also be required to attend an In-Country Arrival Orientation upon their arrival, which will take place during the last week of September.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates at all degree levels will be considered. Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently without supervision.
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.
Kosovo is the youngest European country, in the heart of the Balkans. With 70 percent of the population under 35, it is young and vibrant. Pristina, the capital city, officially has around 200,000 inhabitants, but that number swells during the business day to nearly 500,000. It is very easy to navigate, with a strong cafe culture, many great restaurants, and a large international community. Every other major town is within 90 minutes of Pristina, including Prizren (the cultural capital of Kosovo), Peja and Gjakova (hubs for outdoor enthusiasts). More information on Kosovo and tourism can be found here and here.
A culturally Muslim country, but very liberal in practice, Kosovo is widely considered to be one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with a U.S. favorability rating of more than 95 percent of the population. The ongoing dispute over Kosovo's independence from Serbia creates a unique dynamic, especially with the Kosovo-Serb minority population.
Since Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, its higher education system has slowly been making progress towards a more Western-oriented approach, based on the Bologna System. U.S. Fulbright Scholars have significantly helped to expand the knowledge of students and professors who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study or travel abroad.
Higher education in Kosovo consists of nine state universities: the University of Pristina "Hasan Prishtina” is Kosovo's largest university; the University of Prizren "Ukshin Hoti”; the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”; the University of Gjilan "Kadri Zeka"; the University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini"; the University of Peja "Haxhi Zeka"; and the University of Applied Sciences (UASF) in Ferizaj, the Faculty of Islamic Studies, and the International Business Managment College. There are approximately 11 private institutions of higher education. The academic calendar consists of two semesters (October-January and February-May). Exams are generally offered at the end of each semester.
The Fulbright Program in Kosovo is eleven years old, but is undergoing a significant expansion thanks to a joint investment of funds by the Government of Kosovo and the United States. Significant opportunities remain to make a difference in the state of education in the country. Knowledge of the Albanian language is beneficial, but is not a requirement.
Families are welcome and opportunities for K-12 education are available. You may reach out to us, and we will provide you with a list of K-12 schools taught in English.
Medical facilities in Kosovo consist of the government-sponsored University Clinical Center and private medical clinics. Medical facilities outside Pristina have limited capabilities. For more information, please see this link.
Public transportation is available. Taxis are generally an inexpensive, safe, and a reliable means of transportation.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for trips of up to 90 days. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at Pristina’s Directorate for Migration and Foreigners. To apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide proof of health insurance and an official police background check report issued in the United States prior to travel. See our Criminal Records checks page on our website. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining background checks, certificates of conduct, or fingerprints. For all public information related to entry, exit, and visa requirements available to U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Kosovo, see this link.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
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 Albanian language skills are required, but are considered helpful. Some study of Albanian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Applicants are encouraged to arrange their own affiliation and submit letters of invitation/affiliation with their application. If an invitation is not available, they may indicate preferences for affiliation. When an applicant does not indicate a host institution preference, the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy and United States - Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) will seek the most appropriate placement.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Host institutions do not require 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
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The actual cost of living in Kosovo may vary depending on various factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences.The cost of living in Kosovo is generally considered to be quite affordable. Please check the Expatistan webpage to find out more about the cost of living in Kosovo.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Applicants will make their own housing arrangements. The host institution will not provide housing but host institution may assist grantees in locating nearby and appropriate housing. Contact information of local real estate agencies will be provided to grantees prior to their arrival in Kosovo.
Visa Requirements
Any U.S. citizen visiting Kosovo for more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit. All the grantees will be guided through this process and will recieve all the neccesary information prior to arrival in Kosovo.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
United States - Kosovo Educational Exchange Board: https://www.uskeb.org/