Apply for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for the 2026-27 Academic Year

The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb has officially opened the call for applications for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for the academic year 2026–2027. This highly regarded exchange program offers Croatian post-doctoral researchers, academic professionals, and experts an opportunity to pursue advanced research or university lecturing in the United States.

This is a non-degree program designed to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between Croatia and the U.S., welcoming applicants from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

Program Overview and Grant Details

• Duration: One or two semesters (minimum 4 – maximum 9 months)

• Target Group: Post-doctoral researchers, lecturers, and academic professionals

• Host Location: U.S. universities and research institutions

• Start of Program: Academic year 2026–2027

• Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Grants will include:

• Round-trip airfare

• Monthly maintenance allowance

• Limited health insurance

• Small dependent allowance (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of the Republic of Croatia (not U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

• Hold a Ph.D. degree in their academic field

• Be currently employed at a Croatian academic or research institution

• Be fluent in spoken and written English

• Be eligible for a J-1 visa, requiring a two-year return to Croatia after program completion

• Provide a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution

• Pass a medical clearance

Selection Process

The selection process includes:

• Initial application screening by the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb

• In-person interview (conducted in English) in November or December 2025

• Final approval by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB)

Preference is given to:

• Candidates without recent academic experience in the United States

• Scholars who can demonstrate the broader impact of their project on Croatia and the U.S.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online in English via the official Fulbright application portal before the September 1, 2025 deadline.

Your application must include:

• Project Statement (3-5 single-spaced pages, max 3,500 words)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Three (3) confidential letters of reference

• Letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution

• Proof of Ph.D. (copy and notarized English translation)

• Academic transcript and English translation

• Letter from current employer confirming Croatian employment

• Bibliography or course syllabi

• Passport scan

What to Include in the Project Statement

• Clear objectives and research methodology

• Relevance and significance to your academic field

• Justification for conducting research in the U.S.

• Collaboration arrangements with the U.S. host institution

• Timeline and feasibility of completing the project

• Dissemination plan for your findings in both countries

Tips for Host Institution Selection

• Do not limit yourself to only well-known U.S. universities

• Smaller institutions may offer more individualized support

• Strong letters of invitation improve application competitiveness

FAQs

Who can apply for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program in Croatia?

Eligible applicants include Croatian citizens with a Ph.D. who are currently employed in academic or research positions and meet all program requirements.

Can previous Fulbright or U.S. government scholarship recipients apply?

Yes, but applicants must provide a strong justification for how their previous U.S. experience supports their new application.

Are clinical fields like medicine or dentistry eligible?

Yes, but no clinical work is allowed. Both the scholar and their U.S. host must sign an agreement confirming this.

Is knowledge of English required?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English for research, teaching, and interviews.

What kind of visa will be issued to selected scholars?

Grantees will receive a J-1 exchange visitor visa, requiring a minimum two-year return to Croatia after the grant ends.

What is the deadline for the application?

The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Where can I find the application form and more information?

All application materials and instructions are available through the official Fulbright portal.

Click here to know more.