Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Competition for Academic Year 2027-2028 (Serbia)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028 offers Serbian researchers, university lecturers, and academic experts the opportunity to undertake advanced research and/or university-level teaching in the United States. The non-degree postdoctoral program provides grants for 3 to 9 months and is open to scholars affiliated with higher education institutions in Serbia across a wide range of academic disciplines.

About the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is a prestigious international academic exchange initiative sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America in Serbia. The program supports non-degree postdoctoral research and teaching opportunities at accredited universities and research institutions in the United States.

The initiative enables Serbian scholars to collaborate with U.S. academics, expand their research networks, exchange knowledge, and strengthen long-term academic partnerships between Serbia and the United States.

Upon returning home, participants are expected to share their expertise with students, colleagues, and academic institutions in Serbia while contributing to the development of higher education and research.

Fields of Specialization

Applications are accepted from scholars working in a broad range of academic disciplines, including:

• Agriculture and Agro-Business
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Architecture
• Art
• Art History
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Economics
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Film Studies
• Geography
• Geology
• Global Health
• Government
• History
• Information Science
• International Affairs
• Journalism
• Literature
• Law
• Library Science
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Medical Sciences
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Regional and Area Studies
• Religious Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
• Theater
• Urban Planning

Programme Objectives

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program aims to:

• Promote academic collaboration between Serbia and the United States.
• Support advanced research and university-level teaching.
• Strengthen international academic partnerships.
• Encourage knowledge exchange across disciplines.
• Develop global research networks.
• Enhance higher education and research capacity.
• Foster cultural understanding through academic exchange.

Grant Duration

The fellowship may be awarded for:

• Minimum duration: 3 months
• Maximum duration: 9 months

What Scholars Will Do

Selected scholars may:

• Conduct advanced academic research.
• Teach at a U.S. university.
• Collaborate with U.S. researchers and faculty.
• Participate in seminars and academic events.
• Build international research partnerships.
• Exchange knowledge and best practices.
• Represent Serbia as cultural and academic ambassadors.

Scholar Responsibilities

Fulbright scholars are expected to:

• Make full use of the research or teaching opportunity.
• Engage actively with their U.S. host institution.
• Share Serbian culture, education, and research with U.S. academic and community audiences.
• Return to Serbia after completing the grant.
• Apply their new knowledge within their home institutions.
• Contribute to academic development through teaching, research, and collaboration.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Researchers
• University lecturers
• Academic experts
• Postdoctoral scholars

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
• Hold a Ph.D. in their field.
• Be employed by a higher education institution in Serbia.
• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Be eligible for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
• Be medically fit to participate in the programme.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Individuals intending to immigrate permanently to the United States.
• Applicants seeking permanent U.S. residency.
• Researchers proposing projects involving direct clinical contact with patients.
• Candidates pursuing medical residencies or internships in the United States through Fulbright.
• Medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, or related professionals whose projects involve clinical practice.

J-1 Visa Requirement

Successful applicants must qualify for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

Under Fulbright regulations, scholars must return to the Republic of Serbia for a minimum of two years after completing the fellowship before becoming eligible for certain U.S. immigration benefits.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is one of the world’s leading academic exchange programmes. It enables Serbian scholars to gain international research experience, establish long-term collaborations with U.S. universities, strengthen teaching and research excellence, and contribute to innovation within Serbia’s higher education system.

The programme also promotes mutual understanding, academic diplomacy, and international cooperation through educational exchange.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements.
2. Identify a research or teaching project aligned with your academic expertise.
3. Select a suitable U.S. host institution.
4. Prepare the required application materials.
5. Demonstrate your academic achievements and research experience.
6. Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
7. Participate in interviews or additional selection procedures if required.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Present a clear and well-structured research or teaching proposal.
• Explain why the U.S. host institution is appropriate.
• Demonstrate the academic significance of your project.
• Highlight previous research achievements and publications.
• Show how the fellowship will benefit both Serbia and the United States.
• Explain how you will apply your experience after returning to Serbia.
• Carefully review all eligibility and visa requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete application documents.
• Proposing projects involving prohibited clinical activities.
• Providing unclear research objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Ignoring the J-1 visa return requirement.
• Choosing a host institution without explaining its relevance.
• Missing application deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program?

Researchers, university lecturers, and academic experts employed at Serbian higher education institutions who hold a Ph.D. and meet all programme requirements may apply.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship may last between 3 and 9 months.

What activities are supported?

The programme supports advanced academic research, university-level teaching, and collaborative scholarly activities at U.S. institutions.

Is the programme open to all academic disciplines?

Yes. Applications are accepted from a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, agriculture, social sciences, humanities, education, business, law, medicine (non-clinical), and many others.

Can medical researchers apply?

Yes, provided their proposed work does not involve direct clinical contact with patients. Clinical research, medical residencies, and internships are not supported.

Is returning to Serbia mandatory after the fellowship?

Yes. Fulbright scholars receiving a J-1 visa must return to Serbia for at least two years after completing the grant in accordance with U.S. exchange visitor regulations.

Why is the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program important?

The programme strengthens international academic collaboration, advances research excellence, promotes cultural exchange, and helps scholars bring new knowledge, teaching methods, and research partnerships back to Serbia.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028 offers an outstanding opportunity for Serbian researchers and university faculty to conduct advanced research and teaching in the United States. By supporting international collaboration, academic excellence, and cultural exchange, the programme enables scholars to expand their expertise, strengthen institutional partnerships, and contribute to the continued development of higher education and research in Serbia.

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