Uruguay
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodMarch StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Preference is given to advanced graduate students working on doctoral dissertations. However, strong consideration will also be given to master’s students, graduating seniors, and recent graduates who propose significant study or research projects and secure academic affiliation with an institution for coursework or research support.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Uruguay’s academic calendar differs from that of the United States, and the seasons are reversed. Grants run from March to December 2028. Candidates are strongly encouraged to plan their projects according to the Uruguayan academic year, as universities close for summer break in December, January, and February, making academic work difficult during this period.
The grant period begins with a mandatory orientation organized by the Fulbright Commission in mid-March. Attendance at this orientation is required.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission will arrange two or more mandatory virtual pre-departure meetings with grantees, as well as a mandatory in-country orientation.
Candidate Profile
Preference is given to advanced graduate students working on doctoral dissertations. However, strong consideration will also be given to master’s students, graduating seniors, and recent graduates who propose significant study or research projects and secure academic affiliation with an institution for coursework or research support.
Applications from all fields of study are accepted.
The selection of Finalists for this award is based on several key attributes: a strong and well-defined project proposal; a demonstrated working relationship with the proposed affiliate; clear plans for engaging with the host community; and a compelling explanation of how the proposed grant activities relate to the applicant’s future goals.
Applicants should be open-minded and willing to build significant community relationships as a cultural ambassador for the United States.
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.
Uruguay is often called the hidden gem of South America. The country consistently ranks first in Latin America on international indexes measuring democracy, low corruption, respect for the rule of law, transparency, civil liberties, and social mobility. With a literacy rate of 97.9 percent, Uruguay was also the first country in the world to provide free laptops to every child and teacher in its public schools.
Uruguay is known for its open-minded society, where cultural activities, culinary experiences, and an intercultural atmosphere are part of everyday life. Residents are friendly and welcoming, always eager to share a barbecue or mate, the country’s traditional infusion.
As one grantee shared:
“In Uruguay, I found it was much more productive to let things happen, to open myself up to new experiences and see where they led me. You never know what sort of new ideas and connections can come up—all while simply enjoying a mate and watching the sunset with a new friend.”
Eligibility
3 Months
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.
A Foreign Language Evaluation by a college level Spanish language instructor is required.
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: The recommended Spanish language level for this award is Intermediate. Novice speakers will be considered provided they meet other qualifications. Higher level proficiency may be necessary depending on the requirements of the proposed project. Applicants should discuss plans for language study between the time of application and the commencement of the grant on with the Language Self-Evaluation.
Spanish language proficiency is necessary not only for the development of the proposed project but also in order to communicate in a daily basis and get immersed in the culture.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Uruguay has two public universities: the Universidad de la República (State University), which is free and offers courses in any field of study; and UTEC (Technologic University of Uruguay). There are also four private universities, as well as private research institutes such as: CLAEH (Centro Latinoamericano de Economía Humana), INIA (Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agropecuaria), and, LATU (Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay). Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact with the host institution of their preference and to include their letter of affiliation with the application. The role of the affiliation is to provide oversight and support to the applicant's work on the proposed project.
The Fulbright Commission in Uruguay will assist grantees in confirming a host institution affiliation or by recommending alternate affiliations. Candidates who seek to earn a degree from a Uruguayan university will not be considered.
All applicants should determine whether Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required for their proposed research. IRB approval is mandatory for projects involving interviews, surveys, or any interaction with human subjects. If required, approval must be secured prior to the start of the grant and remain valid for the entire grant period. The Fulbright Commission in Uruguay does not provide additional funding for IRB-related costs. Applicants should consult their host institution in advance to confirm procedures and institutional support.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
The University of the Republic is free. Candidates may audit classes for free.
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
- Local transportation allowance
- Research/Materials allowance: $150
- Settling in allowance: $500
- Local transportation allowance: $100
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 below can help estimate the cost of living, meals, and incidentals in different capital cities. Significant differences can exist in regional cities where costs tend to be lower.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The Commission does not arrange housing for grantees. However, upon request, the Commission can review housing options found online and provide feedback as needed. If a grantee rents an apartment through a real estate agent, the Commission will review the lease agreement to help ensure the grantee’s rights as a tenant are protected.
During orientation, the Commission will book hotel accommodations for grantees, and these costs will be covered by the Commission.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Instagram - Fulbright Commission Uruguay: https://www.instagram.com/comision_fulbright_uruguay/
Uruguay Natural: https://uruguaynatural.com/en/
State Department Travel Country Information - Uruguay: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uruguay.html