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U.S. - ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program

Application Portal Link:

https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026

*Before sending an application, read all the eligibility requirements and required documents before proceeding.

Description:

The Fullbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative was launched in 2012 to deepen people-to-people engagement and strengthen educational ties between the United States and ASEAN around important regional issues. At the May 2022 U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit, the United States announced it would double the number of annual scholarships to 20 and in 2024, it added an additional two - for ASEAN observer Timor-Leste. Participating scholars conduct research that is regional in scope and/or has clear implications for the entire ASEAN region. To date, more than 150 scholars have completed the three-to-four-month research program at U.S. institutions focused on topics such as public health, ASEAN economic integration, engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, jurisdictional issues in South China Sea, human trafficking, and food safety.

The Program is open to university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, journalists, and professional staff of tink tanks and other NGOs in ASEAN member states whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues. Eligible subjects include (but are not limited to) education, financial market integration, food technology, information sciences, journalism, law, environmental science, public administration, public/global health, and trade and investment. Applicants are expected to have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment; they must be citizens of one of the 10 ASEAN member states or Timor-Leste; and they must be proficient in English. Preference is given to qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States. Applicants must be residing in an ASEAN member state throughout the nomination and selection process and must return to an ASEAN member state upon completion of their studies in the United States. Selected Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars will travel to the United States for a maximum of four (4) months during the first half of 2027 (starting January to March), where they will carry out scholarly and professional research on priority issues to the U.S.-ASEAN relationship and ASEAN. Projects that are regional in scope and/or have clear implications for the entire ASEAN region will be given more emphasis than projects that are more narrowly focused.

This grant award will provide an international roundtrip airfare, qualifying university lab and research fees up to $ 3000, as necessary, a monthly stipend between $ 2710 and $ 3145, depending on the U.S. city, a one-time $ 1250 professional and settling-in allowance, and health and accident insurance. No dependent support will be provided.

Eligibility:

  1. Philippine Citizenship and is residing in the Philippines at the time of application and selection process
  2. Applicants should be university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, or professionals in the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues 
  3. Must have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment 
  4. Proficiency in English 
  5. Must be able to conduct scholarly research in the United States that begins no earlier than January 2027 and starts no later than March 2027
  6. Must be in good health to pursue research work in the United States 
  7. Applicants must be committed to returning to the Philippines immediately upon completion of the research program

Notes: 

  • Individuals holding dual citizenships, are permanent residents, or currently living in the United States are not eligible to apply 
  • Individuals who are presently in the U.S. for the purpose of studying, teaching, conducting research, and working and or who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five (5) years are ineligible 
  • Those who have been to the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of Professor or Research Scholar within the past two (2) years are also ineligible 

Preferences will be given to the qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States. Grants are not for the principal purpose of attending conferences or completing doctoral dissertations. 

Requirements:

  1. Completed online application at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026 
    • Select/Change award to Fulbright U.S. - ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program on the Award Information section found on the Country Information tab 
  1. Updated Curriculum Vitae/Résumé (maximum of 6 pages) 
  2. Project Proposal - a detailed statement of the proposed activity for research or lecturing at a U.S. institution (3 to 5 pages) 
  3. Writing Samples of no more than 20 pages and a Bibliography (recommended) 
  4. Letter of Invitation from the U.S. Host Institution (strongly preferred but not required) 
  5. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (Forms are found on the online application portal) 
  6. NBI Clearance secured not earlier than six (6) months before the application 
  7. Scanned copy of official or certified true copy of Transcript of Records 
  8. Scanned copy of official or certified true copy of Diploma/s 

All documents must be uploaded to the application portal. While a Letter of Invitation from the U.S. Host Institution is not required, all applicants are encouraged to initiate and contact their prospective host in the U.S. 


For questions, please contact the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the email subject: ATTN: Fulbright U.S. - ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program 2026 - 2027.

  • Application period for the 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program is NOW OPEN. The Deadline for Application for the Fulbright U.S. - ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program AY 2026 -2027 is October 17, 2025, 11:59 PM Manila Standard Time