Zimbabwe
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Zimbabwe aims to promote collaboration and robust research while strengthening educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Zimbabwe. The program provides the opportunity for academically mature students to complete independent research projects in Zimbabwe through (up to) 9 months of grant support.
The program requires affiliation with a higher education or research institution in Zimbabwe, as well as a thorough research plan in any area, but especially:
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),
- Commercialization of Research
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Media and Information Literacy
- Artificial Intelligence
- Energy
During their time in Zimbabwe, Fulbright U.S. students are expected to interact with their Zimbabwean counterparts, share best practices and collaborate on research where possible. Grantees must report their project progress to the U.S. Embassy on a quarterly basis and should consider themselves part of the ongoing U.S. Embassy program.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Zimbabwean universities run on the American semester system - August/September being the start of the new academic calendar. Fulbright grants will begin between October 2026 and March 2027, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe. Students must plan to spend their first 30 to 45 days in country processing research permits and student visas, which are required to commence their projects. Students may begin research and work on projects only after this process is complete. While it is possible to apply for a research permit before arrival in Zimbabwe, there are several in-person requirements at both universities and immigration offices to finalize the visa.
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2026. The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe will provide security briefings and welcome meetings.
Candidate Profile
We especially encourage applicants with a strong academic and research background in the following areas:
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),
- Commercialization of Research
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Media and Information Literacy
- Artificial Intelligence
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 U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe oversees the Fulbright country program. The Embassy also participates in pre-departure orientation activities, during which it shares information on housing, transportation, and amenities. Upon arrival, the Embassy receives students and provides country briefing meetings. Zimbabwe often experiences water and power shortages, however, the Embassy supports students in finding accomodation where these services are available. The Fulbright stipend supports students to live in safe, clean, and secure communities.
Zimbabweans are a welcoming people and it is easy to make friends and connect with local communities. Zimbabweans who studied in the U.S. are eager to connect with Fulbrighters, and the Embassy can connect Fulbright students with this community. Depending on the student's interests, the Embassy will connect Fulbrighters with different communities. Zimbabwean weather is great for outdoor activities, so the current Fulbrighters have joined hiking, running and fitness clubs, where they meet with all kinds of people. The Embassy also provides Fulbrighters with information on cultural activities, in and around Zimbabwe. Fulbrighters are invited to participate in 4th of July activitiies as well as other Embassy activities.
Lastly, although public transport is unrealiable, there are affordable, safe, and reliable taxi services.
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.
Although English is the official language, Shona, Ndebele, or other local languages may be needed for research conducted in rural areas. Researchers who wish to use questionnaires will need to translate the survey questions into Shona and Ndebele. There are several affordable translations services, including host institution support.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Foreign researchers in Zimbabwe must conduct their research through an affiliation with a host university or research institution. Candidates must therefore affiliate with local universities and research institutions. The U.S. Embassy may advise candidates on institutions that match their research interests. Applicants without affiliation letters are welcome to reach out to the U.S. Embassy during their application and we are happy to introduce them to potential hosts.
Some prospective host institutions include:
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Most academic institutions may charge host affiliation fees. Grantees planning to take courses should therefore ask their host institutions about fees and similar requirements before making any financial commitments. Grantees wanting to carry out research will be required to pay US$500 for a national research permit and other affilitation fees of up to US$1,500, depending on the type of research and affilitation institutions.
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 monthly stipend will cover accomodations, food, local transportation, and attendance at limited cultural activities.
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
Housing Arrangements
Grantees can visit www.property.co.zw for general guidance on rentals in Zimbabwe.
Research Clearance
Applicants must familiarize themselves with the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) requirements for foreign scholars as all researchers must obtain RCZ approval/permit (US$500) prior to conducting their research.
Successful applicants must apply for research clearance with the Council before applying for the Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) with the Immigration Department. Once the clearance has been granted, applicants should include the clearance certificate in the TEP application (also US$500). Applicants should ideally submit their applications for both clearances through the host institution at least three months before their intended arrival - as the approval process might require that amount of time.
After completing their research, grantees must file their research findings with the RCZ.