Call for Applications: The Fulbright Specialist Program (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides short-term (14–42 day) grants for U.S. academics and professionals to complete educational and capacity-building projects abroad. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the program supports institutional partnerships, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration, with projects required to conclude by September 30, 2027. Eligible host institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina must submit proposals through World Learning by July 31, 2026.

Program Overview

The Fulbright Specialist Program offers short-term Fulbright grants enabling qualified U.S. scholars and professionals to undertake projects abroad.

The program advances:

• Mutual understanding between nations

• Long-term institutional cooperation

• Knowledge exchange and capacity building

• Sustainable partnerships

Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State and administered by World Learning.

All projects must be completed by September 30, 2027.

Project Duration

• Minimum: 14 days

• Maximum: 42 days

• Duration includes travel and weekends

• Project begins upon departure from the United States

• Project ends upon departure from the host country

Program Objectives

The Fulbright Specialist Program aims to:

1. Advance mutual understanding

2. Establish long-term institutional cooperation

3. Create sustainable partnerships

4. Exchange expertise and build institutional capacity

5. Align with U.S. foreign policy priorities and host-country goals

6. Deliver measurable educational or training outcomes

Each project must include:

• A clear educational or training focus

• Concrete, achievable objectives

• Defined outputs and impact

America’s 250th Anniversary Requirement (2026)

In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, each project must include one public engagement activity that:

• Complements the specialist’s primary work

• Highlights a connection to the United States

Examples include themes related to:

• American history

• U.S. institutions

• Innovation and research

• Education systems

• Global engagement

Host institutions may consult the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina for guidance on planning.

Who Can Participate?

Eligible Specialists (U.S.-Based)

Participants must be:

• Highly qualified U.S. academics

• Professionals at faculty or full professional level

Common professional backgrounds include:

• Law

• Journalism

• Science

• Economics

• Public administration

• Public health

• Communications

• Business

• Education

• Governance

• Technology

Specialists are selected from an approved Fulbright Specialist roster.

Who Can Host? (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Eligible host institutions include:

• Accredited academic institutions

• Government ministries

• Cultural institutions

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Think tanks

• Public health organizations

• Teaching hospitals

Institutions must:

• Design the project

• Align it with eligible disciplines

• Demonstrate institutional benefit

Not Eligible to Host

• U.S.-based institutions

• For-profit companies

Eligible Activities

All activities must have an educational or training focus.

Typical activities include:

• Delivering seminars or workshops

• Faculty or workforce development consulting

• Curriculum development (non-English language focused)

• Training material development

• Undergraduate or graduate lecturing

• Institutional needs assessments

• Program development consultations

Ineligible Activities

The program does not support:

• English language instruction or curriculum development

• Personal research by the specialist

• Clinical medical research

• Projects involving direct patient contact

• Projects lacking educational or training components

Funding Structure

Covered by U.S. Department of State

• International airfare

• Health benefits

• Daily honorarium

Covered by Host Institution

• Lodging

• Meals

• In-country transportation

Host support may be provided:

• In-kind

• Through direct financial contribution

Clear cost-sharing arrangements must be detailed in the proposal.

How the Application Process Works (For Host Institutions)

Step 1: Design the Project

Host institutions must:

• Identify institutional needs

• Define objectives

• Develop a realistic 14–42 day plan

• Specify required expertise

Step 2: Register on World Learning Portal

• Create a new user account

• Access the online application system

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Applications must include:

• Clear project outcomes

• Defined timeline

• Required specialist qualifications

• Detailed cost-sharing commitments

• Description of public engagement activity

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

• Deadline for Bosnia and Herzegovina: July 31, 2026

Step 5: Specialist Matching

• Host institutions may request a specific specialist (optional)

• Approved projects are matched with qualified candidates from the roster by World Learning

What Makes a Competitive Proposal?

Strong proposals demonstrate:

• Clear institutional need

• Specific and measurable outcomes

• Feasible short-term activities

• Defined expertise requirements

• Sustainable long-term collaboration potential

• Strong cost-sharing commitment

• Clear U.S.-themed public engagement component

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Proposing research-focused projects instead of training-based activities

2. Including English language instruction as a core objective

3. Failing to detail measurable outcomes

4. Weak or unclear timeline for 14–42 days

5. Insufficient host cost-sharing description

6. Ignoring the public engagement requirement

Why This Program Matters

1. Builds Sustainable Institutional Partnerships

Projects are designed to establish long-term collaboration beyond the grant period.

2. Enhances Institutional Capacity

Strengthens faculty, staff, and organizational systems.

3. Promotes Mutual Understanding

Encourages cross-cultural exchange aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

4. Provides High-Quality U.S. Expertise

Host institutions gain access to experienced American academics and professionals.

5. Supports Strategic Development Goals

Aligns with both U.S. Department of State priorities and host-country development strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long can a Fulbright Specialist project last?

Between 14 and 42 days, including travel and weekends.

2. Who funds the program?

The U.S. Department of State funds airfare, health benefits, and honorarium.

3. What costs must host institutions cover?

Lodging, meals, and in-country transportation.

4. Can a host institution request a specific specialist?

Yes, but it is optional. Final matching is managed by World Learning.

5. Are research projects allowed?

No. Projects must focus on education or training, not personal research.

6. Is English language instruction eligible?

No. Projects centered on English language instruction or curriculum development are excluded.

7. When is the deadline for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

July 31, 2026.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Specialist Program offers a structured, short-term opportunity for institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen capacity, build international partnerships, and access U.S. academic and professional expertise.

With clearly defined timelines, cost-sharing arrangements, and educational objectives, the program supports sustainable institutional collaboration aligned with both U.S. and host-country priorities. Institutions seeking to enhance training, curriculum development, or organizational capacity should prepare competitive proposals before the July 31, 2026 deadline.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.