Deadline: 31-May-2026
The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb is inviting applications for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028, a non-degree research opportunity in the United States for current doctoral students from Croatia. The program allows eligible Croatian PhD candidates to conduct research in the U.S. as part of their doctoral studies, using a merit-based selection process managed by the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb.
About the Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious international academic exchange initiative that supports Croatian doctoral students in carrying out research in the United States as part of their PhD work.
This is a non-degree research program, which means selected participants do not enroll in a separate U.S. degree programme. Instead, they undertake research linked to their existing doctoral studies in Croatia.
The programme is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, which handles:
- Recruitment
- Application review
- Nomination
- Merit-based selection
Key Highlights
- Program Name: Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028
- Host: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb
- Type: Non-degree doctoral research programme
- Eligible Applicants: Current PhD students from Croatia
- Study/Research Location: United States
- Academic Year: 2027–2028
- Target Group: Croatian doctoral candidates conducting research as part of their PhD
What is the Purpose of the Program?
The program supports research that contributes to broader goals such as:
- Enhancing national security
- Promoting economic prosperity
- Fostering international cooperation
- Strengthening global partnerships
- Encouraging shared progress between countries
Applicants are expected to propose research that is academically strong and relevant to these broader priorities.
Who is Eligible?
To apply, candidates must meet all of the following requirements.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the Republic of Croatia
- Be currently enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) programme in Croatia
- Be applying for research in the United States as part of their doctoral work
- Demonstrate strong academic potential
- Show English language proficiency
- Be eligible for a J-1 visa
- Be willing to comply with the two-year home residency requirement after the grant
J-1 Visa Requirement
A key condition of this programme is the J-1 visa rule, which requires grantees to:
- Return to Croatia
- Remain there for at least two years after the grant period
This is an important eligibility and post-programme condition.
Who is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible if you are:
- Already studying in the United States
- A permanent resident of the United States
- A dual citizen of the United States and Croatia
Applicants should also:
- Be able to obtain medical clearance
- Not intend to seek permanent residence in the United States
Research Priorities and Selection Focus
The programme uses a merit-based selection system.
Strong applications should include:
- A clear and well-structured research proposal
- Strong academic background and doctoral progress
- Research relevance to U.S. priorities
- Potential for international collaboration
- Evidence that the U.S. research stay will strengthen the applicant’s PhD work
What Kind of Research is Competitive?
More competitive proposals usually:
- Have a clearly defined research question
- Show why the United States is the right place for the research
- Connect to broader themes like:
- Security
- Innovation
- Economic development
- International cooperation
- Demonstrate potential impact in Croatia and beyond
Important Program Conditions
Applicants should be aware that participation may be affected by external factors.
Possible Factors Affecting the Program
The final implementation of the grant may depend on:
- Funding availability
- Public health conditions
- Visa processing timelines
- Policies of U.S. host institutions
This means selection does not automatically guarantee identical implementation conditions every year.
Can Previous U.S. Government Program Participants Apply?
Yes, in some cases.
Applicants who previously received U.S. government-funded scholarships or exchange opportunities may still apply, but they should clearly explain:
- What they gained from the earlier experience
- Why this new opportunity is different
- How the previous program strengthens their current candidacy
How to Apply
A strong application should clearly show academic merit, research relevance, and a convincing reason for conducting the work in the United States.
What to Prepare
Before applying, prepare:
- Proof of Croatian citizenship
- Confirmation of current PhD enrollment in Croatia
- Academic transcripts and doctoral records
- A detailed research proposal
- English language proficiency evidence
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Academic references or recommendation letters
- Any required institutional support documents
Best Application Structure
Use this simple structure:
- What is your doctoral research topic?
Clearly define your PhD focus. - What specific research will you conduct in the U.S.?
Be precise about the project scope. - Why must this research be done in the United States?
Explain access to experts, labs, archives, or institutions. - How does your project align with Fulbright priorities?
Connect it to cooperation, prosperity, innovation, or security. - What impact will the research have?
Show value for Croatia, your field, and international collaboration. - Why are you a strong candidate?
Highlight academic record, doctoral progress, and research readiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Submitting a vague or overly broad research proposal
- Failing to explain why the U.S. is essential for the research
- Ignoring the J-1 two-year home residency rule
- Applying while already studying in the U.S.
- Not clearly showing current PhD enrollment in Croatia
- Weakly connecting the project to program priorities
Quick Tips
- Make your research proposal specific and feasible
- Show strong academic progress in your PhD
- Clearly explain the U.S. institutional fit
- Use direct, formal, and evidence-based language
- Demonstrate both academic value and international relevance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028 in Croatia?
Current doctoral students from Croatia who are enrolled in a PhD programme in Croatia and want to conduct research in the United States as part of their doctoral work can apply.
2. Is this a degree program in the United States?
No. It is a non-degree research programme. Selected candidates carry out research in the U.S. as part of their existing PhD, rather than pursuing a separate U.S. degree.
3. Do I need to be a Croatian citizen?
Yes. Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of Croatia.
4. Can I apply if I am already studying in the United States?
No. Applicants who are already studying in the United States are not eligible.
5. What visa condition applies to selected candidates?
Selected participants must qualify for a J-1 visa, which includes a two-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to Croatia for at least two years after the grant.
6. Are dual U.S.-Croatian citizens eligible?
No. Individuals with dual U.S. and Croatian citizenship are not eligible.
7. Can previous U.S. government-funded program participants apply?
Yes, they may apply, but they should clearly explain how their earlier U.S. government-funded experience strengthens their candidacy for this programme.
Final Takeaway
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028 is a strong opportunity for Croatian PhD candidates seeking to conduct non-degree doctoral research in the United States. Managed by the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, the programme supports academically strong researchers whose work can contribute to international cooperation, shared progress, and stronger U.S.-Croatia connections.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Zagreb.