Ecuador
6 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length8-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America; nonetheless, it has a culturally vibrant society and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Different cultures, languages, and natural habitats merge to offer innumerable opportunities for research and study.
The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador welcomes applications from young professionals and artists in all fields of study. STEM, innovation, entrepreneurship, economy and commerce, law, and the arts are among the fields included as areas of interest to the Commission. The grant provides funding to conduct research projects of 8 to 10 months, in affiliation with an Ecuadorian host institution (higher education institution, NGO, government offices, think tanks, or research institutes), which can provide research guidance and mentorship. For this reason, we encourage all applicants to affiliate with a higher education institution (even as a second or third affiliation).
The project must clearly state its rationale and purpose as well as demonstrate its relevance to enhancing mutual understanding between the United States and Ecuador.
You can learn more about Ecuador here: https://ecuador.travel.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees should plan to arrive between mid-August and early September 2026. Grantees who will enroll in or audit classes must make sure to arrive on time for the start of the semester.
Orientation
In preparation to arrival of grantees the Commission offers:
- Virtual office hours to answer any questions before departure
- Mandatory virtual pre-departure orientation on Monday August 3, 2026
- Mandatory in-person arrival orientation, the week of September 21, 2026
Candidate Profile
The Commission’s academic committee is responsible for selecting U.S. grantees to Ecuador. Successful applicants have well-defined projects with clear objectives, methodologies, and work plans. It is also important that candidates have strong interpersonal skills, are adaptable to new environments, and are responsible adults who represent the values of the program and contribute to their host communities.
Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview.
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.
Ecuadorians are very welcoming to Americans. Grantees are easily integrated into their communities and enjoy the different customs, foods, and festivals throughout the year. During the weekends, grantees get together to travel and visit new places. Due to its geography, in just one hour you can be in a completely different environment.
The Ecuadorian economy is dollarized, which makes it one of the more stable economies of the region. The inflation rate is low. The cost of living is a bit higher in cities like Quito and Cuenca. Costs are reduced in provinces of the central and southern highland region and in rural areas.
You will be able to find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year and very inexpensive compared to international prices. Ecuadorian gastronomy is creative and has ancestral origins infused with heritages from different cultures.
The climate is pleasant most of the year, and we do not experience extreme temperatures. In the highland region, temperatures are about 41° to 75° Farenheit. The Amazon region is humid and the average temperature is 82° Farenheit.
Eligibility
6 Months
Applicants who have received previous U.S. Student grants are not eligible.
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: Spanish language proficiency is necessary, not only for the development of the proposed project, but also in order to communicate on a daily basis. Advanced level proficiency may be necessary depending on the requirements of the proposed project. Applicants should include plans for language study between the time of application and the commencement of the grant in the Language Self-Evaluation. A Foreign Language Evaluation by a college-level Spanish-language instructor is also required.
For applicants proposing research about indigenous populations, basic-intermediate knowledge of the indigenous languages may be necessary, depending on the scope of the proposed project.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
Yes
Affiliation
All independent research candidates must include in their application a letter of affiliation from a university, research institution, non-profit, think tank, or government research institute by the application deadline. It is important that candidates identify an institution/organization that will provide guidance and support to their projects. We highly encourage applicants, particularly recent graduates, to have a university as your first or second affiliation.
If your project requires IRB approval, be sure your affiliation will support that process. The grant does not provide extra funds to pay for IRB, which can cost between $600 - $1,000. Most universities will provide IRB free of charge if you are affiliated with them. Discuss IRB with your affiliations.
Graduate degree candidates must provide a letter of acceptance prior to the grant start. Please note that the grant does not provide for tuition and fees.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Fulbrighters may take coursework at local institutions, but tuition costs are not covered by the Fulbright grant. Some universities have granted tuition waivers on a case-by-case basis with a letter from the Fulbright Commission. Students entering degree programs should make provisions to cover tuition costs for the duration of the program.
Affiliation fees are not covered by the Fulbright grant, nor entrance fees to national parks or research permits.
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 first grant payment will be available upon arrival. The Commission will facilitate the opening of a local savings account, which comes with a debit card. Subsequent grant payments will be made in monthly intervals as direct deposits to the grantee's local bank account. Payments are made the last working day of the month.
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
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
All grantees will receive the following one-time allowances:
- Settling in allowance: $500
- Research allowance: $400
- Funds for books and materials: $250
- Local travel: $300
The following allowance is reimbursed after presenting receipts:
- Excess baggage: up to $200
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
The mid-year seminar usually takes place in February and is focused on providing grantees an opportunity to reconnect with fellow Fulbrighters, to share, and learn from each other and invited guest speakers, and to participate in cultural activities.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Ecuador is an inexpensive country; for this reason, many Americans and Canadians have chosen to retire in the country.
Housing: Apartment rentals can go from $400 to $600 per month. Rent can be significantly reduced if you find a roommate.
Food: Grocery expenses per person can be up to $200, and a good 3-course lunch can go from $3.50 to $8. In good restaurants you can expect to pay $25 to $70 with non-alcoholic beverages.
Utilities and services: These are also inexpensive: gas, water and electricity will not exceed more than $50 per month. Internet service can be as low as $20 per month.
Transportation: Public transportation services (buses, Ecovia, Trolebus and Metro) go between $0.35 to $1.00 per ride. Minimum taxi fare ranges from $1.45 to $2. Uber service is also inexpensive. Most travel to other provinces can be done by land in buses or vans which costs $8 to $25 per person.
Healthcare: costs a fraction of what you would pay in the U.S. and most services are covered by the accident and sickness program provided by the Fulbright grant, as a reimbursement.
You may wish to visit this website to help estimate the cost of living, meals, and incidentals in different cities in Ecuador.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees find their housing through Airbnb and social media groups.
The Commission can recommend safe neighborhoods and provide information about previous places where grantees have stayed in Quito. If your project will take place in another province, we encourage you to request help from your affiliate institution.
Security Concerns
U.S. Fulbright Students must heed the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Ecuador. Projects or affiliations located in specific provinces or areas of Ecuador in which U.S. citizens are advised to not travel will not be approved. These locations may include the provinces in the northern border and the coast. For the most up-to-date information, please review the Travel Advisory for Ecuador.
Fulbright Ecuador Commission Office Hours
The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is offering special office hours throughout the application season to address questions and updates related to the state of affairs and safety in Ecuador. All general application questions should continue to be directed to IIE at FBStudent@iie.org.
These office hours will be available via Zoom, and applicants must register at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89961664470?pwd=XJBFmx4RU1bWklWAcFkok8i0icqfEh.1
Office Hours dates and times:
April 28, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time (4 pm - 5 pm EST time)
May 26, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time (4 pm - 5 pm EST time)
June 30, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time (4 pm - 5 pm EST time)
July 28, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time ((4 pm - 5 pm EST time)
August 25, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time (4 pm - 5 pm EST time)
September 29, 2025 – 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Quito, Ecuador time (4 pm - 5 pm EST time)