Peru
3 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright Commission encourages applications from early career professionals, recent graduates, and graduate students wishing to conduct research for nine months at a higher education institution, non-profit organization or research center in Peru. Applicants must affiliate with one of these institutions and present a well-developed research plan.
Preference will be given to research conducted outside Lima and/or hosted at public institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant Length: 9 months.
Candidates should plan to begin their grants in mid-August 2025, or mid-March 2026. Alternate start dates will not be considered, except in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Orientation
Mandatory. All grantees must attend a mandatory two-day orientation at the Fulbright Commission in Lima prior to the beginning of grant activities, either in mid-August 2025 or mid-March 2026.
Candidate Profile
Applications from recent graduates, master's degree students, and doctoral candidates are welcome. Applications from all fields of study are accepted. Candidates should present a strong, well-defined project proposal; demonstrating a solid working relationship with a proposed affiliate in the application (preferably outside Lima or at a public university); clearly outlining plans for engagement with the host community; and expressing the relevance of the proposed grant activities to the applicants’ plans.
Proficiency in Spanish is considered somewhat important in the selection of finalists; strong Spanish skills enhance the strength of an applicant.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Peru's territory consists of 59% jungle, 30% mountains and 11% coast and is home to 11 ecoregions, making it one of the most eco-diverse countries in the world. Of the 115 life zones that exist on earth, Peru has 84. Depending on where you live you, can have humid and tropical weather with severe rain (jungle), dry weather with significant fluctuations in temperature throughout the day (mountains), a sunny climate all year round (northern coast) or moderate temperature, high humidity, and little rain (central and southern coast).
With a rich history that goes back five thousand years, Peru is home to the oldest civilization in the Americas (Caral), to one of the Modern World Wonders (Machu Picchu), and to several World Heritage sites. Spanish colonial architecture coincides with pre-Inca ruins and vibrant contemporary buildings in the major cities of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa.
El pais de todas las sangres is a Peruvian saying that recognizes the different migrations that made Peru the melting pot that it is today. Every migration has enriched Peru's culture as well as its cuisine; hence, Peruvians are very proud of their cuisine and of their diverse ethnic origins.
Even as Peruvians recognize the diversity within their society, racism persists as a significant topic for communities and individuals dealing with and contributing to discrimination. Societal and government efforts have raised awareness about intolerance with the aim of tackling this problem and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion. As a Fulbrighter, your experiences with diverse perspectives and viewpoints on this issue may vary depending on your location and role. It is important to note that there are various resources available for further information on this subject.
Eligibility
6 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Higher level proficiency may be necessary depending on the requirements of the proposed project. Applicants should include in the Language Self-Evaluation plans for language study between time of application and the commencement of the grant. A Foreign Language Evaluation by a college-level Spanish language instructor is required.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
All grantees must be affiliated with a Peruvian organization. Possible affiliations include Peruvian universities, government agencies or private organizations with public interest focus, including NGOs. Applicants must initiate affiliation arrangements and obtain a letter of affiliation prior to submitting their applications.
Affiliation details must be finalized before travel to Peru in order to obtain the appropriate visas, but this can be done between the issuance of a grant and travel to the country.
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.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Both a $500 one time settling in allowance, and a $500 academic allowance will be provided upon arrival to Peru.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Approximately $1,062 USD in Lima/month.
This website may help you estimate the cost of living, meals, and incidentals in different capital cities. Significant differences can exist in smaller towns where costs tend to be lower.
Dependents
$100/month per dependent for up to 3 dependents. Spouses and/or children are considered dependents.
Housing Arrangements
The Fulbright Commission does not assist in locating or helping secure housing for U.S. Fulbright grantees, but is happy to answer any specific questions about potential housing. Your host insitution should be your primary source of assistance in your housing search.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Grant Purpose Considerations
Grantees may carry out research, take university courses, or carry out practical training through internships.
The Commission welcomes applications from all disciplines.
Border disputes and crime (including narcotics production and trafficking, illegal logging, and illegal mining) are considered sensitive issues. Applicants proposing projects on these topics must demonstrate a clear understanding of and experience with research in these areas.
The Fulbright Commission in Peru does not approve grants to work in zones declared “emergency zones” by the Peruvian government or those declared as high risk by the State Deparment such as the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Peru.html
Emergency Zones in Peru: https://www.indeci.gob.pe/respuesta/consolidado-de-declaratorias-de-estado-de-emergencia/