Call for Applications: Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2025 – 2026 (Montenegro)

In Montenegro, the Fulbright program is available for non-degree scholarships only. This program provides participants with grants (financial support) to conduct non-degree, full-time academic research at the graduate level at U.S. institutions of higher education in their field of study for a minimum of four months (generally, a U.S. academic semester) to a maximum of nine months (generally, a U.S. academic year). Applications are accepted for the Visiting Student Researcher category only. Participants advance their academic work, establish professional contacts in their academic fields, gain international experience, personal enrichment, and help promote mutual understanding between the United States and Montenegro. Funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Fields Of Study: Open to all fields, but preference will be given to political science; international relations; diplomacy; security studies; cyber security; technology and innovation; journalism and media; STEM; human and civil rights; DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility); and economics and entrepreneurship.

Benefits

• Award benefits generally include:
  • Round-trip air international travel to and from the United States for the program.
  • Financial support while in the United States through monthly maintenance stipends. Set by the U.S. Department of State, these stipends are established to cover estimated costs for the grantee’s cost of living in the location of the U.S. host institution, including housing, food, transportation, and incidental expenses. It is recommended that grantees bring supplementary personal funds to cover initial, additional, and miscellaneous expenses for the duration of the program.
  • Coverage of fees for full-time research only at the U.S. host institution.
  • Limited accident and sickness coverage that meets the requirements of J Exchange Visitor Program regulations. This coverage is not all-purpose health insurance, and it is subject to specific limitations including, but not limited to pre-existing conditions, dental, and vision care. It is not intended to replace the grantee’s regular medical insurance plan which should be maintained or secured during the grant period at the participant’s expense.
  • Pre-departure orientation
  • Settling-in allowance
  • Book allowance
  • Return baggage allowance
  • The program does not assist with housing arrangements, participants are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
  • The program does not cover passport related expensesfor grantees, and accompanying dependents, if applicable.
• As part of the affiliation as a visiting student researcher with a U.S. host institution, grantees generally receive the following privileges:
  • Consultation with assigned U.S. faculty research advisor/mentor
  • Work space
  • University ID cards
  • Borrowing privileges at university libraries
  • Access to appropriate laboratories
  • Account for computer facilities
  • On-campus or off-campus housing.

Duration Of Grants: Grants are awarded for a period of up to 2 semesters (9 months).

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must:
  • Have Montenegrin citizenship;
  • Have a university degree;
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency. Selected candidates will be required to take an English knowledge test. In order to facilitate placement, a minimum 80 on the internet based (IBT) TOEFL test is required;
  • Demonstrate leadership skills and potential for advancement in profession; and
  • Currently live and work/study in Montenegro. (Candidates who live outside Montenegro may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but will have a more difficult time proving to the committee that they will contribute to progress in Montenegro).
• Candidates should be self-directed, able to successfully undertake full-time academic research at the graduate level, highly motivated, and demonstrate excellence through their academic record, leadership potential, and qualifying educational and related professional experience. The review boards expect to see substantial academic accomplishment and potential for professional accomplishment, including for professionals in non-academic fields. Significant accomplishments may include teaching and research endeavors and awards, professional honors, memberships and activities in professional associations, exhibits, and publications. Moreover, candidates should demonstrate the cross-cultural sensitivity, responsibility, and flexibility needed to adjust successfully to life in United States. Grantees also serve as cultural ambassadors and should be prepared to speak about their country, culture, and program activities to academic, professional, or community groups.

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