Morocco
7 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE) supports fieldwork and research in areas of relevance to US-Morocco relations including: culture, economic integration, religion, society and politics, science and technology, ecological and environmental issues, public health, human rights, law and security, and education.
MACECE also supports projects in the arts (both Performance and Fine Arts) that create and enhance the dialogue between the U.S. and Moroccan artistic communities.
Here is a video of student researcher and ETA grantees sharing their cultural experiences in Morocco during their Fulbright programs.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees proposing fieldwork or library research are not bound by the dates of the Moroccan academic year, but are subject to approval by the Fulbright Commission in Morocco. The Commission prefers, however, that student researchers start in September and attend an in-country orientation intended for all new US grantees. This is an opportunity for grantees to establish a community in Morocco upon arrival and receive pertinent information about life in Morocco.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a virtual pre-departure orientation and in-country orientation upon arrival. If grantees do not arrive in September, they are required to come to Rabat upon arrival to have an individualized orientation meeting with MACECE staff.
Candidate Profile
Applicants at all degree levels will be considered. Ideal applicants should propose a distinctive research project relevant to Morocco that can be reasonably accomplished in 9 months. Applicants possessing appropriate language facility and previous cross-cultural experience will find their research more effectively accomplished and their Fulbright experience enhanced. Applicants whose research projects illustrate a specific knowledge of Morocco, the Maghreb, and the Arab-African world for example, will have a better grasp of research possibilities.
While the Commission appreciates ambitious projects, applicants should consider the following questions: Can the research be reasonably conducted within a 9 month period? Does the researcher have the appropriate level of language proficiency for the intended research? Is the project plan feasible in terms of logistics, geography, timeline, appropriateness of connections/affiliate, methodology, language and cultural sensitivity?
Researchers interested in conducting interviews or fieldwork involving human subjects should familiarize themselves with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and ethical standards process and take appropriate steps to prepare for this process. The IRB review plan should be explained in the research proposal.
The Commission looks favorably on applicants who intend to sustain their experience in Morocco through further study and work experience that builds on the Fulbright grant and promotes long-term connections with Morocco.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Fulbrighters in Morocco experience a wide range of activities, from conducting fieldwork in remote villages to participating in dynamic seminars across diverse cities. These opportunities foster both personal and academic growth. Through partnerships with Moroccan institutions, Fulbrighters engage in scholarly pursuits rooted in the country's history and contemporary challenges. From Islamic art and architecture to North African literature and politics they explore diverse academic landscapes reflective of Morocco's varied terrain. Collaborating with local scholars and students encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, innovative research, and valuable cross-cultural exchanges.
Eligibility
6 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
Applicants must include a PDF document to serve as a Summary of Research in either French or Arabic (not to exceed one page in length) which can be uploaded/appended to the designated upload field under the 'Statement of Grant Purpose' section > translated statement, as part of their Fulbright application package. Applicants may be asked to provide further information that will be used in the semi-final stage for research clearance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While we welcome recent graduates, preference is given to candidates with Master's and PhD qualifications. Bachelor's degree holders should demonstrate research experience.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Candidates for research projects must have either an intermediate level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Darija, French, Spanish or Amazigh. This proficiency should be linked to the language most appropriate for the proposed research project. MACECE discourages the use of translators for research under Fulbright.
All awards for student and ETA grantees include $2500 for the study of a relevant field language. In order to utilize these funds, grantees must submit a plan for formal language study to the Commission for approval. Any language plan relevant to the research project may be considered.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
To demonstrate the applicant's level of preparation and seriousness, MACECE requires applicants to present a letter of invitation, affiliation, or support from a Moroccan institution, university professor, or relevant Moroccan individual to be included as part of the application.
The Commission strongly encourages grantee affiliation with professors, universities, NGOs, or other appropriate Moroccan institutions or individuals who are relevant to their field of research and project proposal. If the applicant chooses an NGO affiliate, there should also be an academic affiliate included. For more detailed information on Moroccan institutions of higher education, please consult the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research website (Arabic) (French). Other useful websites are Jamiati. Unirank, and 9rayti.
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.
The stipend amount depends on whether the Fulbrighter holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
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 cost of living in Morocco varies greatly from city to city. Urban centers like Casablanca and Rabat have higher expenses for housing, dining, and entertainment, while smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options. Coastal cities may have higher costs due to tourism, while inland regions tend to be more economical. Understanding these differences helps people make informed decisions about where to live and manage their expenses in Morocco.
Dependents
Some financial support may be available for legal spouses or dependents.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees will be responsible to secure their own appropriate housing based on the city where they plan to conduct their research. The Commission will provide access to an online portal that includes a city guide, as well as advice and recommendations from alumni on housing. Commission staff can review housing contracts and provide guidance as necessary.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Academic Year and Visa Information
The Academic Year in Morocco spans from October to early July with no summer semester. The fall semester ends with final exams in January and the spring semester typically begins 2-3 weeks afterwards. The semester start dates at Moroccan public universities often vary, are imprecise, and are subject to day-to-day and last-minute changes.
Grantees and their accompanying dependents need to renew their tourist visas every three months. Grantees are ineligible for cartes de sejour (residency permits) in Morocco. All grantees must exit Morocco to another country and re-enter to obtain a new tourist visa entry stamp every 90 days. All expenses associated with visa renewals and the exit/re-entry costs associated with the renewal process are the responsibility of the grantees, in accordance with their grant terms and conditions. (Some funds are included in the grant for this purpose).
Security Information
For travel around Morocco, please refer to the most recent State Department Travel Advisory for Morocco. All grantees receive a security briefing during the in-country orientation in September by the Regional Security Officer of the US Embassy in Morocco. Grantees also have access to a 24/7 phone that is staffed by the Commission team in case of emergencies.
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Dr. Rebecca Geffner, Executive Director: r.geffner@fulbright.ma
Hafsa El Bastami, Deputy Director: h.elbastami@fulbright.ma