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 and graduate students interested in conducting research for nine months at a higher education institution, non-profit organization, or research center in Peru. Applicants are required to affiliate with one of these institutions and submit a well-crafted research plan.
Preference will be given to research projects conducted outside of Lima and/or hosted by public institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant Duration: 9 months
Candidates are expected to begin their grants either in mid-August 2027 or mid-March 2028. Alternate start dates will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.
Orientation
Mandatory:
All grantees are required to participate in a four-day virtual Pre-Departure orientation in mid-June 2027.
Additionally, all grantees must attend a two-day in-person orientation at the Fulbright Commission in Lima before beginning their grant activities, either in mid-August 2027 or mid-March 2028.
Candidate Profile
Applicants must have completed at least one full academic year of graduate study in a master's or doctoral program by the time the grant begins. Completion of one full academic year is not required by the application deadline. Individuals who have already completed a master's or doctoral degree before the start of the program are also eligible to apply, including those without prior professional experience. All applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree at the time of application. Applicants whose PhD has been conferred before the application deadline are not eligible.
Applicants should submit a well-defined project proposal that includes a clear plan for engagement with the host community, demonstrates a strong working relationship with a proposed affiliate (preferably outside Lima or at a public university), and articulates how the proposed grant activities align with the applicant’s long-term goals.
Proficiency in Spanish is an important consideration in the selection process; strong Spanish skills will enhance the applicant's candidacy.
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.
Peru is a land of remarkable contrasts, where one of the world's oldest civilizations coexists with a rapidly modernizing economy and growing research ecosystem. Internationally recognized for its world-class cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and strategic role in global trade and critical minerals, Peru has become an increasingly attractive destination for scientific and technological collaboration.
U.S. researchers will find expanding opportunities in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, aerospace applications, and data-driven solutions to complex societal challenges. Through institutions such as the National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) and leading research universities, scholars can engage in cutting-edge work in remote sensing, AI applications for sustainable development, public health technologies, and emerging digital industries.
Peru is also home to one of the world's most celebrated culinary traditions, with Lima widely regarded as a leading gastronomic capital. The country possesses an extraordinary archaeological legacy, including globally renowned sites such as Machu Picchu, creating unique opportunities for interdisciplinary research that bridges technology, history, culture, and society. In addition, Peru ranks among the world's leading producers of critical minerals and agricultural exports, providing valuable contexts for research in innovation, supply chains, economic development, and resource management.
Life in the Host Country: Fulbrighters in Peru experience a vibrant, community-oriented lifestyle. Whether based in the dynamic capital of Lima or in regional centers such as Arequipa and Cusco, grantees will find colleagues who are collaborative, intellectually curious, and deeply engaged with their communities. Daily life combines a rich cultural and historical landscape with modern urban amenities, a thriving arts scene, and internationally acclaimed cuisine.
Engagement is central to the Fulbright experience in Peru. Grantees routinely connect with local communities through guest lectures, collaborative research projects, innovation initiatives, and outreach activities that extend beyond the university setting. These experiences foster meaningful professional relationships and provide a deeper understanding of contemporary Peruvian society.
Known as "El país de todas las sangres" ("The country of all bloods"), Peru is a cultural mosaic shaped by Indigenous traditions and centuries of global migration. Peruvians take immense pride in this heritage, creating an environment that is both welcoming and intellectually enriching for international scholars.
Eligibility
9 Months
- Candidates currently residing in Peru, or those who will be living there during the 2026-2027 academic year, are not eligible for consideration.
- A candidate who has lived outside the United States for five or more consecutive years within the six-year period preceding the application deadline will be ineligible.
- Individuals with dual U.S.- Peru citizenship or permanent residency are eligible.
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: Applicants should include a plan for language study in their Language Self-Evaluation, outlining any steps they intend to take between the time of application and the start of the grant. Additionally, a Foreign Language Evaluation from a college-level Spanish language instructor is recommended.
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.
Additional Information: A higher level of Spanish proficiency may be required depending on the specific needs of the proposed project.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
All grantees must be affiliated with a Peruvian organization. Potential affiliations include Peruvian universities, government agencies, or private organizations with a public interest focus, such as NGOs. Applicants are responsible for initiating affiliation arrangements and securing a letter of affiliation prior to submitting their applications.
Affiliation details must be finalized before traveling to Peru in order to obtain the appropriate visa. However, this can be completed between the grant award and the actual 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
USD $500 one time settling in allowance, and USD $500 one time 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 USD $1,062 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
USD$100/month per dependent for up to 3 dependents. Spouses and/or children are considered dependents.
Housing Arrangements
The Fulbright Commission does not assist with locating or securing housing for U.S. Fulbright grantees but is available to answer any specific questions regarding potential housing options. Your host institution should be your primary resource for assistance in finding accommodation.
Grant Purpose Considerations
Grantees may engage in research, take university courses, or pursue practical training through internships.
The Fulbright Commission encourages applications from all academic disciplines.
Topics such as border disputes and crime (including narcotics production and trafficking, illegal logging, and illegal mining) are considered sensitive. Applicants proposing projects on these issues must demonstrate a strong understanding of, and experience with, research in these areas.
The Fulbright Commission in Peru does not approve grants for work in regions designated as "emergency zones" by the Peruvian government or areas deemed high-risk by the U.S. State Department, such as the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
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.gob.pe/institucion/indeci/colecciones/1225-consolidado-de-declaratorias-de-estado-de-emergencia