2024-2025 competition is closed. 2025-2026 competition will open in April 2024. 

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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.

Malawi

Open Study/Research Award

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

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Malawi aims to promote collaboration and robust research while strengthening educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Malawi. The program provides the opportunity for academically mature students to complete independent research projects in Malawi through (up to) 9 months of grant support.

The program requires students to be affiliated with an accredited Malawian higher education institution and have their research aligned with the U.S. Embassy's Integrated Country Strategy, which includes: promoting good governance and rule of law, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, and developing Malawi's human capital. 

During their time in Malawi, Fulbright U.S. students will be expected to interact with their Malawian counterparts, and share best practices and resources. They should also report their project progress to the U.S. Embassy.

Grant Length
6-9 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

There is no standard academic calendar for Malawian universities. Fulbright grants will begin between October 2024 and March 2025, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Malawi.

Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2024. Upon arrival, Fulbrighters will receive an in-country orientation and a security briefing.

Candidate Profile

Preference will be given to candidates showing expertise in their field, prior contact with the host institution, and the ability to work independently.

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

Additional Information: Although English is the official language, knowledge of the local language where one will be researching is an added advantage.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline

Fulbright students must affiliate with accredited academic institutions. A list of potential host institutions is available on the National Council for Higher Education website. Upon request, the U.S. Embassy may advise candidates on institutions that match their research interests. 

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) promotes and coordinates all research activities at the national level and ensures that research projects are geared toward national development needs and goals. Some of the regulatory requirements and guidelines can be found on the NCST website, or via email to its Director General.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Research Clearance

Applicants must familiarize themselves with the country’s research requirements for foreign scholars as clearance may be required for some research projects.

Successful applicants must contact the National Commission for Science and Technology to determine whether they'll need to apply for research clearance, and gauge if their proposal fits the ethics criteria for conducting research in Malawi. The research clearance application, together with complete biographical information, must be submitted early enough to reach the appropriate research coordinator at least six months before the date the Fulbrighter intends to start their project.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.AF@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://mw.usembassy.gov
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Public Engagement Specialist: BandaTT@state.gov
Public Diplomacy Officer: DennyEW@state.gov