Eswatini
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Eswatini aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Eswatini. U.S. Fulbright students in this country will benefit from a rich cultural experience as Eswatini, though small with a population of 1.3 million people, has strong traditional practices.
Eswatini is the world's last absolute monarchy - a fact which presents some unique challenges and opportunities. It is also landlocked by South Africa and Mozambique, and influences from both countries (especially South Africa) will be evident.
The University of Eswatini (the affiliate for most U.S. Fulbrighters) has three campuses: one in the capital city and two in peri-urban areas with vibrant student communities nearby. Most of the other possible host institutions are also located in the country's urban areas.
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mbabane welcomes projects involving fieldwork and research in a variety of subject areas, including: science and technology, environmental studies, economics/economic development, public health (especially HIV/AIDS), and the arts.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Fulbright grants will begin between August 2026 and March 2027, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Mbabane.
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2026.
An in-country orientation will be provided upon arrival for all grantees. This security briefing will be available courtesy of the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy, and is designed to give grantees the security context of the country overall (and the areas in which they will live and work, more specifically.)
Candidate Profile
Candidates at the bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. levels will be considered.
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 Kingdom of Eswatini previously known as Kingdom of Swaziland, is a landlocked country on the eastern flank of South Africa, where it adjoins Mozambique. It extends about 110 miles (175 km) from north to south and about 80 miles (130 km) from west to east at its largest dimensions.
The country has an approximate population of 1.2 million and is predominantly rural. The country has two official languages: Siswati and English. Most Emaswati will be able to communicate in the English language and daily operations in businesses, official offices and institutions can be understood and conducted in English.
The Kingdom of Eswatini is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies and is ruled by King Mswati III.
Eswatini ranks as a lower-middle income country, but the World Bank estimates that 58.9% of the population lives below the national poverty line.
Eligibility
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: Although English is the official language, siSwati may be needed for research conducted in rural areas.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure affiliation with an educational or research institution. It is strongly recommended that candidates identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications.
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
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
Special Opportunities
The University of Eswatini (UNESWA), Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU), and Limkokwing University of Technology can host Fulbright grantees in a variety of fields including, but not limited to: agriculture, business, environmental studies, health, media studies, social sciences, and technology. Other institutions that may be considered include the Baylor Foundation Eswatini, the Yebo! Art Gallery and Design Studio, as well as the National Emergency Response Council for HIV/AIDS (NERCHA).