Deadline: 31-May-2026

The USKEB invites Kosovan host institutions to apply for the Fulbright Specialist Program, bringing U.S. scholars and professionals to Kosovo for short-term, outcome-driven projects. The program strengthens institutional capacity, promotes collaboration, and advances priority areas such as STEM, economic development, governance, and cultural heritage.

Overview

The Fulbright Specialist Program is a short-term academic exchange initiative enabling Kosovan host institutions to bring highly qualified U.S. scholars and professionals to Kosovo for two to six weeks. Specialists contribute expertise to defined projects, promote collaboration and innovation, and support long-term institutional capacity building.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects aligned with the following areas are prioritized:

• Advanced technologies

• Economic and business development

• Security and resilience

• STEM disciplines

• Free expression

• Energy and critical resources

• Cultural heritage protection

Freedom 250 themes include:

• American studies and history

• Democratic values, governance, and law

• Education and civic learning

• Cultural preservation

• Strategic and military studies

• Philosophy and religion

• Public policy and leadership

• U.S. business and economic thought

Project Requirements

Each project must:

• Be outcome-driven and deliver measurable results

• Strengthen security, stability, economic ties, and professional networks

• Have a duration of 14–42 days, including travel days and weekends

• Involve uninterrupted stays in Kosovo

Eligible Host Institutions

Eligible entities include:

• Institutions of higher education

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Government ministries

• Other qualified entities

Host institutions are responsible for:

• Covering in-country expenses (lodging, meals, transportation)

• Ensuring safe and comfortable accommodations

• Arranging airport transfers

• Completing required reporting after project completion

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted via the World Learning portal by May 31, 2026

• All approved projects must be fully implemented by September 30, 2027

• Approximately 12 Fulbright Specialist grants are offered per calendar year in Kosovo, subject to funding availability

Program Administration

• World Learning (USA): Manages overall program administration

• USKEB (Kosovo): Handles in-country coordination

• Funding: Jointly provided by the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Kosovo

Tips for Host Institutions

• Ensure projects have clear objectives and measurable outcomes

• Plan logistics for lodging, meals, and transportation in advance

• Prepare to report project outcomes after completion

• Align projects with priority focus areas or Freedom 250 themes for stronger consideration

FAQs

1. Who can host a Fulbright Specialist?
   Eligible hosts include universities, NGOs, government ministries, and other qualified institutions in Kosovo.

2. How long can a specialist stay in Kosovo?
   Projects must last 14–42 days, including travel days and weekends.

3. What costs must host institutions cover?
   Lodging, meals, transportation, safe accommodation, and airport transfers are the host’s responsibility.

4. When is the application deadline?
   Applications are due by May 31, 2026 through the World Learning portal.

5. When must projects be completed?
   All approved projects must be fully implemented by September 30, 2027.

6. How many Fulbright Specialist grants are offered per year in Kosovo?
   Approximately 12 grants are available per calendar year, subject to funding.

7. Who manages the program?
   World Learning administers the program from the U.S., and USKEB manages in-country coordination, with funding from the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Kosovo.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides Kosovan host institutions with a unique opportunity to access U.S. expertise for short-term, high-impact projects. By fostering collaboration, capacity building, and innovation in priority areas such as STEM, governance, and cultural preservation, the program strengthens Kosovo’s institutional networks and promotes long-term development. Host institutions should submit well-defined, outcome-driven project proposals by May 31, 2026 to participate.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Kosovo.