Apply Now: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award Competition (Romania)

The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award 2027–2028 supports Romanian professors, researchers, and professionals with doctoral qualifications to conduct research and/or teach at U.S. universities. The programme provides travel support, monthly living allowances, health benefits, visa sponsorship, and funding for exchange periods of 3 to 6 months.

Overview of the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award

The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission has announced the annual Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award competition for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The programme enables eligible Romanian academics, researchers, and professionals to undertake academic activities at universities and research institutions in the United States.

The award supports:

• Research projects
• University teaching activities
• Academic collaboration
• Knowledge exchange
• International research partnerships

The programme is designed to strengthen educational and professional connections between Romania and the United States.

Purpose of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award aims to promote international academic cooperation by providing Romanian scholars with opportunities to:

• Conduct advanced research in U.S. institutions
• Deliver lectures and academic courses
• Build professional networks
• Exchange knowledge with American scholars
• Develop long-term institutional collaborations

The programme supports scholars who can contribute to academic innovation and global knowledge exchange.

Award Duration

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award provides support for:

• Minimum duration: 3 months
• Maximum duration: 6 months

Scholars must complete their exchange activities at an eligible U.S. host institution during the approved period.

Funding and Benefits

Selected scholars receive financial and administrative support, including:

Travel Support

• International travel allowance: $1,800

Monthly Living Allowance

Scholars receive:

• Monthly stipend between $3,164 and $4,805

The exact amount depends on the cost of living in the host location in the United States.

Additional Allowances

Recipients may receive:

• Settling-in allowance: $1,393
• Professional activity allowance:
  • $840 for grants of four months or less
  • $1,285 for grants longer than four months

Health Insurance and Visa Support

The award includes:

• ASPE (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges) health benefits coverage
• J-1 visa sponsorship and administration support

Dependent Support

Additional financial assistance may be available for scholars travelling with dependents who remain with them for at least 80% of the exchange period.

Support may include:

• Dependent travel allowance: $1,800
• Monthly dependent insurance allowance:
  • $240 for one dependent
  • $419 for two or more dependents

These benefits help cover required J-visa compliant accident and sickness insurance costs for dependents.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to Romanian academics, researchers, and professionals who meet specific academic and citizenship requirements.

Applicants must:

• Hold Romanian citizenship
• Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification
• Be professors, researchers, or professionals in a relevant field
• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Be able to conduct research and/or teaching activities in the United States

Applicants must hold or expect to receive their doctoral qualification before travelling to the United States.

Academic Requirements

Eligible candidates must demonstrate:

• Advanced expertise in their field
• Research or teaching experience
• A clear academic project proposal
• Ability to contribute to U.S.-Romanian academic exchange

The programme welcomes applicants from various academic disciplines.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English ability for their proposed project.

Important points:

• TOEFL scores are not required
• Other English language test results are not required
• Interviews will be conducted in English

Applicants should demonstrate that they can effectively participate in research, teaching, and academic discussions.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants cannot apply if they:

• Hold a U.S. green card
• Hold dual Romanian-U.S. citizenship
• Are currently residing in the United States at the time of application
• Have lived in the United States for five or more years during the six years before applying

Applicants with extensive recent U.S. academic experience may receive lower priority.

Preference is given to candidates who have not spent more than one academic year (9 months) in U.S. research or teaching activities during the previous five years.

How to Apply for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award

Step 1: Prepare the Research or Teaching Proposal

Applicants should develop a detailed proposal explaining:

• Research objectives
• Teaching plans
• Academic relevance
• Expected outcomes
• Proposed U.S. host institution activities

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Applications must be submitted through:

• Fulbright Slate online application system

Applicants must provide accurate academic and professional information.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Required materials include:

• Online application form
• Detailed statement of proposed research and/or lecturing activities
• Three recommendation letters

Step 4: Obtain Reference Letters

Three recommendation letters must be submitted by referees through:

• The online application system
• Postal mail
• Email as signed scanned documents

All recommendation materials must be received by:

November 5, 2026

Selection Priorities

Applications are evaluated based on factors such as:

• Academic qualifications
• Quality of proposed research or teaching project
• Potential contribution to academic exchange
• Professional experience
• Suitability of the U.S. host institution

Preference may be given to applicants who have had limited recent experience in U.S. academic institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete applications
• Preparing unclear research proposals
• Choosing unsuitable host institutions
• Missing recommendation letter deadlines
• Underestimating English communication requirements
• Failing to explain the impact of their exchange project

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Developing a focused and realistic research plan
• Clearly explaining academic goals
• Highlighting previous research achievements
• Selecting appropriate U.S. academic partners
• Demonstrating how the exchange benefits both countries
• Submitting strong recommendation letters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award?

It is an exchange programme that allows Romanian professors, researchers, and professionals to conduct research and/or teach at U.S. universities.

How long can scholars stay in the United States?

The award supports exchange periods ranging from three months to six months.

How much funding do selected scholars receive?

Recipients receive travel support, monthly stipends, settling-in support, professional activity funding, health benefits, and visa assistance.

Do applicants need TOEFL scores?

No. TOEFL or other English language test results are not required, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency during the selection process.

Can Romanian citizens living in the United States apply?

No. Applicants who are already in the United States at the time of application are not eligible.

Are PhD students eligible to apply?

Applicants must hold or expect to receive a PhD degree or equivalent certification before departure to the United States.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants must submit an online application, project statement, and three recommendation letters.

Conclusion

The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award 2027–2028 provides Romanian researchers, professors, and professionals with a valuable opportunity to expand academic collaboration with U.S. institutions. Through research support, teaching opportunities, financial assistance, and international networking, the programme strengthens knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships between Romania and the United States.