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.

Latvia

2 Open Study/Research Award

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

The Fulbright research program in Latvia gives participants the opportunity to conduct research for one academic year at a university or relevant non-university institution, such as a research lab, archive, library, or museum. During the 9-month grant period (usually starting in September) grantees can broaden their professional, scientific, and artistic skills.

AY2024-2025 U.S. Student Hayden Kammer singing in the men's choir Frachori, The Small Guild, November 2024

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
September Start

The grant period will be September to June.

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

All grantees are required to attend a Fulbright pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant, as well as an in-country orientation in September. The virtual pre-departure orientation is organized by IIE.

U.S. Student participants are required to attend an in-country orientation, which usually takes place in September.

Candidate Profile

Well-qualified candidates at all degree levels, including doctoral to the dissertation level, will be considered. Graduate-level students are preferred. Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently. 

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 Fulbright Program in Latvia offers a unique opportunity for Fulbrighters to conduct research and engage in their Latvian communities. Latvia is known for its cultural heritage, and Fulbright participants can immerse themselves in its richness. From traditional festivals to modern art exhibitions, there's always something happening. Beside their research, students build connections and friendships by volunteering in their communities. Latvia boasts stunning natural landscapes, including pristine forests, picturesque lakes, and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea. Fulbrighters enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping during their free time. Overall, life for Fulbrighters in Latvia offers a  balance of professional duties, cultural immersion, and memorable experiences that combine for a fulfilling exprerience.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
12 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.

Not Required

Additional Information: Local language proficiency is not required, unless necessary for the successful completion of the project. However, there is a possibility that U.S. Students will be provided with a stipend to study the local language while in-country.

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

A number of Latvian archives, libraries, museums, and research centers are available for research in the fields of History, Music, Latvian Language, and Political Science.

Applicants are encouraged to arrange their own affiliation and to submit letters of invitation/affiliation with their application. Otherwise, they may indicate preferences for affiliation if an invitation is not available. When applicants do not indicate a host institution preference, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Latvia will seek the most appropriate placements.

Recent Study/Researchers have been hosted by:

Latvian Dance Information Center

Latvian National Center for Culture

Riga Stradins University

University of Latvia

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.

1,650 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
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.

5,570 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Language training allowance
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • Settling in allowance

The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round trip international airfare, settling in expenses, research, and language training.

Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Students can use the following website as a resource to research the estimated cost of living in various parts of Latvia: https://studyinlatvia.lv/latvia/live#

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Housing Arrangements

Grantees will be responsible for finding their own housing in the country. The U.S. Embassy and host institution will provide helpful tips on how to find a suitable housing.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Ingrida Bodniece, Public Diplomacy Specialist: Bodniecei@state.gov
Additional Online Resources
General information about Latvia : http://www.latvia.eu/
Study in Latvia: http://www.studyinlatvia.lv/
Ministry of Education and Science: http://izm.gov.lv/en/education