Sierra Leone
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Sierra Leone aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Sierra Leone.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements from all applicable public policy areas and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be eligible for selection. Candidates with projects in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply: agriculture, economic development, education, human rights and justice, and public health.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Fulbright grants will begin between August 2026 and March 2027, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Freetown.
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2026.
Candidate Profile
Candidates at the master's and Ph.D. level 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.
Sierra Leone is located on the west Coast of Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. The country’s weather is tropical: hot and humid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season (May to October) brings heavy rainfall and temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, on the other hand, the dry season (November to April) is generally hotter and drier, with temperatures often rising above 86°F, which can significantly influence daily activities.
U.S Fulbrighters in Sierra Leone often engage in research or academic work in areas such as health, education, sustainable development, culture and governance. They collaborate with local institutions, universities and organizations to strengthen local systems and institutions. The academic year in Sierra Leone varies between institutions but often starts in mid to late October and goes through July.
Fulbright grantees often live and work in communities where they find a strong sense of community among fellow grantees, expats, and Sierra Leoneans, who help them understand the money (SLE/SLL) and its value, and navigate their community experience. They also introduce them to Sierra Leone's vibrant culture; its music; festivals; its unique cuisines; traditional ceremonies; and cultural norms, such as time flexibility or "African time", and different work culture. English is the official language, though many grantees find it beneficial to learn some Krio, the lingua franca, to connect more deeply with the locals.
Accommodations can vary widely depending on the location. Freetown and other bigger towns, often have access to reliable housing with basic amenities. In rural areas with limited infrastructure, living conditions might be more modest, with intermittent electricity and water supply. Before coming to Sierra Leone, grantees are advised to take precautions against diseases like yellow fever, malaria and cholera, including taking vaccinations, prophylactics, and being careful with their food and water hygiene.
Sierra Leone is generally safe, but Fulbrighters are advised to follow guidance from the U.S. Embassy Freetown, including avoiding risky areas and being aware of their surroundings. Shared public transportation, like tricycles ( Kekeh) and motorbikes are common, however some grantees prefer to use private riders or cars for convenience and safety. There are several good quality international private schools in Freetown for dependents of grantees.
Fulbrighters often describe their time in Sierra Leone as deeply enriching, learning not only about Sierra Leonean culture but also sharing American culture with their hosts. The experience of navigating challenges and living in a different cultural and professional context often fosters resilience and adaptability. Fulbrighters receive support from the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, which offers orientation, resources, and security updates.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- 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: English is the official language, although Krio (a creole of English and various indigenous languages) would be useful in and around Freetown. Knowledge of - or the services of an interpreter for - indigenous languages may be necessary for field research.
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 applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications.
Fulbright applicants can propose any credible Sierra Leonean institutions, including universities, research centers, think-tanks, museums, (creative/fine arts-based projects), conservatories (music/composition-based projects), relevant professional and non-profit institutions, or other institutions of research and/or higher education as a host institution.
Higher educational institutes include:
- The University of Sierra Leone, made up of following colleges, located in different parts of Freetown: Fourah Bay College (FBC), Mount Aureol campus, Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Tower Hill campus and College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) Kossoh Town campus.
- Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU), Goderich, Brookfields & Congo Cross campuses.
- Freetown Polytechnic, Kossoh Town campus.
- Njala University in Bo
- University of Makeni (UNIMAK) Makeni campus.
- Eastern Technical University Kenema campus.
- Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology also has (3) colleges: Port Loko Teachers College, Makeni Teachers College, and Magbuaraka Teachers College.
- Koinadugu College, in Kabala,
- Central University in Mile 91.
U.S Fulbright students in Sierra Leone typically carry out Study/Research in different thematic areas, like sustainable development, health, education, culture and governance. They work with local institutions, organizations and universities to strengthen local systems and institutions. The academic year in Sierra Leone varies between institutions but often starts in mid to late October and goes through July.
Students must be prepared to live and work in a developing country with minimal infrastructure. Freetown does not have a continuous water or electrical supply. We do provide access to the Internet and some books on a wide range of themes and topics at our American Spaces in Freetown Bo, Makeni, and Kenema.
Please contact Nandi Zulu, Alumni & Established Opinion Leader Exchange Coordinator, at zulund@state.gov or Peter Allie, PD/Strategic Content Coordinator & E.O.L Specialist at AllieP@state.gov regarding university information and proposed teaching and research fields.
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.
The websites Expatistan and Numbeo have useful, up-to-date cost of living information.
Dependents
Specific Considerations
Even by developing-country standards, the transport and communications infrastructure in Sierra Leone presents daunting obstacles. Sierra Leone reportedly has the lowest level of internet connectivity in Africa, and even the country's major governmental and educational institutions have little or no reliable internet access.