Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program (Mali)

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program provides grants to conduct post-doctoral research at U.S. institutions for time periods ranging from an academic semester to a full academic year. They accept candidates in all fields of study and all disciplines. However, proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Program.

Categories

• Two categories of grants are offered—research grants and program and curriculum development grants:
  • Research Grants: Awards of three to nine months are offered for Malian university faculty or research institute professionals to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2026. Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent degree in their fields. Preference will be given to individuals who have at least three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
  • Program and Curriculum Development Grants: Awards of three to five months are offered for Malian university faculty or administrators to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution beginning no earlier than August 2026 and no later than March 2026. Proposals should be linked to professional duties and demonstrate how the scholar will use the knowledge gained to develop new courses, curricula, or other academic programs at the home institution. These grants are designed for university faculty or administrators with less experience and who may not have had recent access to research or instructional developments in their disciplines. A doctorate degree is not required, but applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s or equivalent graduate degree.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens of or nationals of Mali, or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by Mali.
• Applicants for research grants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent degree in their fields.  Preference is given to individuals who have at least three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
• Applicants without doctorate degrees but who hold a master’s or equivalent graduate degree are eligible in the program and curriculum development category.
• Applications for doctoral dissertation research, postdoctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have had no experience or limited experience in the U.S.
• Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to carry out their research projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues. ELAT exams are required.
• Applicants who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should revise their proposals, update curriculum vitae, and obtain current letters of reference.
• Applicant must indicate the grant category for which she/he wishes to apply (research or program and curriculum development) and must include three letters of reference. Letters of invitation from U.S. academic or research institutions are strongly encouraged but not required.
• Nominees should be motivated and committed to completing the program as scheduled and then returning to Mali.

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