The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

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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.

Ghana

Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
August Start
Grant Length
6-9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Ghana aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Ghana. In Ghana, this is a non-degree research program.

Applications with broad multiplier effects are particularly welcome as are projects that are conducive to candidates sharing their experiences and knowledge with colleagues, students and (ideally) the general public in Ghana and (upon return) in the United States.

Areas of special interest include Human Rights, Peace and Security, and Women’s Economic Empowerment. 

Grant Length
6-9 Months
Grant Period
August Start

Fulbright grantees are strongly encouraged to arrive in early August 2025. An in-country orientation is required and is typically held the third week of August. 

There will likely be limited support from host institutions and the U.S. Embassy during the last two weeks of December 2025 and the first two weeks of January 2026.

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.

An in-country orientation is required and is typically held the third week of August.

Candidate Profile

Diversity in background and experiences is valued.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

The people of Ghana are warm and welcoming and the country is peaceful.  Most Fulbrighters enjoy the beautiful vibrant cultural setting, learning about Ghanaian cultural practices, eating delicious foods, shopping in local markets, and learning local dialects.  In general, daily life for Fulbrighters is filled with opportunities to engage students eager to learn English and learn more about American culture.  During the weekends and holidays, there are ample opportunities for travel within Ghana to numerous tourist sites, including hiking, visiting game parks and waterfalls, and exploring the many historic ties between the United States and Ghana.

Eligibility
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Additional Information: 

English is the official language in Ghana. Study of local languages (e.g., Twi, Fanti, Ga, Dagbani, etc.) prior to arrival and while in-country is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the community. Field researchers may need to coordinate with Ghanaian partner institutions for assistance in specific communities.

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

It is the applicant's responsibility to secure affiliation with a credible and suitable institution in Ghana. Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify a host institution for their project and to include an affiliation letter with their Fulbright application. Affiliation letters are carefully considered during the review process.

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.

3,255 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.

3,850 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Registration/Permitting 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.

The websites linked here and here have useful, up-to-date cost of living information.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Housing Arrangements

Grantees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to explore housing options with their host institution. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.AF@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://gh.usembassy.gov/
Research Clearance

Grantees may need to go through an Institutional Review Board (IRB) process at their home institution and/or Ghanaian host institution if their research includes animal or human research subjects. Fees may be required.

In some cases, the affiliation letter with the host institution will serve as the required research clearance.

Special Considerations

Applicants are encouraged to check the U.S. Department of State's Travel.State.Gov site for the latest travel advisory information during and after the application process.

Visas

Information on visas is available on the Embassy of Ghana website. 

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Fulbright U.S. Embassy Contact: AccraExchange@state.gov