Request for Applications: Fulbright Specialist Program 2026 (Croatia)

The Fulbright Specialist Program 2026 is open for Croatian host institutions to propose short-term, in-person projects that invite U.S. academics and professionals for engagements lasting two to six weeks. The program supports education- and training-focused collaborations in priority fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business, STEM, energy security, cultural heritage, and Freedom 250–themed initiatives, with funding jointly provided by the U.S. Government and the Government of Croatia.

Programme Overview

The Fulbright Specialist Program 2026 enables Croatian host institutions to invite highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals for short-term, in-person project engagements lasting between two and six weeks.

The program is designed to strengthen institutional capacity, advance knowledge exchange, and foster long-term collaboration between Croatian institutions and U.S. experts. Projects are fully conceptualized by the host institutions and must focus on education, training, or institutional development.

In Croatia, the programme is co-funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Croatia and administered by the U.S. Embassy in cooperation with the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth and the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The Fulbright Specialist Program supports targeted, high-impact engagements that align with both U.S. foreign policy priorities and Croatian institutional needs.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen education, research, and professional training in Croatia

• Facilitate knowledge transfer from U.S. experts to Croatian institutions

• Build sustainable, long-term institutional partnerships

• Support innovation, democratic values, and economic resilience

• Advance mutual understanding between the United States and Croatia

Priority Fields and Thematic Areas

Project proposals should align with one or more of the programme’s priority areas.

Key focus areas include:

• Artificial intelligence and advanced technologies

• Business, entrepreneurship, management, and supply chains

• Cybersecurity and information technology

• Disaster response and risk management

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

• Free speech and open debate

• Energy security and critical minerals

• Cultural heritage preservation, including anti-trafficking and enforcement

• Freedom 250–themed initiatives marking the 250th anniversary of American independence

Freedom 250 projects may include topics such as:

• American Studies and American history

• Constitutional law and political science

• Philosophy and religious freedom

• Civic and history education

• Public policy and leadership studies

• Military and strategic studies

• American business and economics

Who Can Host a Fulbright Specialist?

Eligible Host Institutions in Croatia

The programme is open to a wide range of Croatian public and non-profit institutions.

Eligible hosts include:

• Universities and colleges

• Research and vocational education institutions

• Government ministries and public agencies

• Cultural institutions such as museums and libraries

• Non-governmental organizations and think tanks

• Public health–related institutions

U.S.-based institutions and for-profit organizations are not eligible to serve as host institutions.

Who Are the Fulbright Specialists?

Fulbright Specialists are highly qualified U.S. experts drawn from academia and professional fields.

They may come from areas such as:

• Higher education and research

• Law, journalism, and public policy

• Science, technology, and engineering

• Economics, business, and management

• Security, governance, and related disciplines

Specialists are selected from an approved U.S. roster and matched to host institution projects.

Eligible and Ineligible Project Activities

Typical Eligible Activities

Projects must focus on education or training and have objectives that can be achieved within the short-term stay.

Common activities include:

• Delivering seminars, workshops, or short courses

• Consulting on faculty or workforce development

• Developing curricula or educational materials

• Lecturing at undergraduate or graduate levels

• Conducting institutional needs assessments or evaluations

Ineligible Activities

The following activities are not supported under the programme:

• English language teaching or English curriculum design

• Personal or independent research by the Specialist

• Clinical medical research or patient contact

• Projects hosted by U.S.-based or for-profit institutions

All projects must be proposed by the Croatian host institution, not by the Specialist.

Project Duration and Format

All Fulbright Specialist projects in Croatia must be carried out entirely in person.

Key requirements include:

• Minimum duration: 14 days

• Maximum duration: 42 days

• Duration includes travel days and weekends

Projects must have clearly defined timelines and realistic objectives suitable for the short-term engagement format.

Funding and Cost Coverage

The Fulbright Specialist Program uses a shared funding model between the U.S. Government and Croatian partners.

Covered by the U.S. Government

• International travel for the U.S. Specialist

• Daily honorarium during the project period

Covered by the Host Institution

• In-country accommodation

• Meals

• Local transportation

These costs may be provided through direct financial support or in-kind contributions.

Reimbursement Support in Croatia

Croatian host institutions may apply for reimbursement through the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes for eligible lodging and meal expenses.

Reimbursement conditions include:

• Compliance with established daily financial limits

• Submission of proper documentation

• Advance reporting of costs and in-kind contributions in the programme management system

All costs must be quantified and approved prior to project confirmation.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify an institutional need that can be addressed through short-term education or training support.

Step 2: Design a project aligned with Fulbright priority areas and achievable within 2–6 weeks.

Step 3: Ensure the project is fully in person and excludes ineligible activities.

Step 4: Prepare a detailed proposal with clear objectives, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes.

Step 5: Submit the project proposal as a Croatian host institution through the designated Fulbright application process.

Step 6: Quantify and report all anticipated costs and in-kind contributions before project approval.

Why This Programme Matters

The Fulbright Specialist Program plays a strategic role in strengthening Croatia’s education and innovation ecosystem.

It matters because it:

• Provides access to high-level U.S. expertise

• Supports institutional capacity-building rather than individual research

• Encourages international collaboration and knowledge exchange

• Aligns national priorities with global best practices

• Builds lasting partnerships beyond the short project duration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Host institutions should avoid the following issues when preparing proposals:

• Proposing projects focused on personal research rather than institutional benefit

• Including English language teaching or clinical activities

• Designing objectives that cannot be achieved within six weeks

• Failing to quantify in-kind contributions and local costs

• Submitting proposals initiated by Specialists rather than host institutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply to the Fulbright Specialist Program in Croatia?

Eligible Croatian host institutions such as universities, research institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and cultural institutions may apply.

How long can a Fulbright Specialist stay in Croatia?

Projects must last a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 42 days, including travel days and weekends.

Are projects required to be in person?

Yes. All Fulbright Specialist projects must be conducted entirely in person.

What costs are covered by the U.S. Government?

The U.S. Government covers international travel and a daily honorarium for the Specialist.

What costs must the host institution cover?

Host institutions cover accommodation, meals, and local transportation, either financially or through in-kind support.

Can host institutions receive reimbursement for local costs?

Yes. Croatian hosts may apply for reimbursement through the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes, subject to daily limits and documentation.

Can Specialists propose their own projects?

No. All projects must be conceptualized and submitted by the Croatian host institution.

Conclusion

The Fulbright Specialist Program 2026 offers Croatian institutions a valuable opportunity to collaborate with leading U.S. experts through short-term, high-impact educational and training projects.

By supporting priority areas such as advanced technologies, democratic values, energy security, and cultural heritage, the programme strengthens institutional capacity while fostering long-term international partnerships. Croatian host institutions with clearly defined, in-person project ideas are encouraged to apply and leverage this globally respected exchange programme.