Fulbright Non-Degree Research Program for Doctoral Students 2023-2024

The Embassy of the United States of America in Serbia is pleased to announce the Fulbright Non-degree Visiting Researcher Program for Doctoral Students competition for the 2023-2024 academic year.  The Fulbright Non-degree Visiting Researcher Program for Doctoral Students enables young professionals from Serbia who are already enrolled in a PhD program at a Serbian university to conduct research at a U.S. university related to their PhD thesis.  Grants last 6 to 9 months, and the PhD students from the following fields can apply:

Agriculture, American History, American Literature, American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, Information Sciences, Journalism / Media Studies, Law, Library Science, Linguistics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, TEFL/Applied Linguistics

Participants are selected through an open, merit-based competition.  This prestigious award covers tuition and fees at a U.S. university, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, and international airfare.

Eligibility requirements

• Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of Serbia. Permanent U.S. residents and persons with dual (Serbian and U.S.) citizenship are ineligible.

• Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree and must be enrolled in a PhD program at a Serbian university.

• Applicants must be proficient in oral and written English (Selected candidates will take TOEFL test during the selection process).

• Applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa, which requires the grantee to return to the Republic of Serbia for a minimum of two years at the end of the grant period.

• Applicants already studying in the U.S. are ineligible for a Fulbright grant.

• Applicants must receive a satisfactory medical clearance.

• Persons desiring permanent residence in the United States are not eligible.

General Selection Criteria

• Academic credentials

• Significance and feasibility of the proposed research

• Necessity to undertake the project in the United States

• Plans for popularizing the research findings

• Adaptability and personal suitability

• Applicants should be representative and responsible citizens who contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of Serbia.

• Preference is given to applicants who have not had a prior opportunity for studying in the United States.

All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, and sex.

Selection Procedures

• Applications are subject to pre-screening.

• Applicants recommended by reviewers are invited for an interview conducted in person in English by a selection committee comprised of Embassy representatives, U.S. and Serbian scholars, and Fulbright alumni.

• Nominees are subject to final approval by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

 How to apply:

Completed applications must include:

• Online application at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2023 [ instructions for completing the application can be found here ];

• Three (3) Letters of Reference (can be submitted online by instructors, professors or work supervisors, or sent via e-mail to the U.S. Embassy);

• Academic transcripts/diplomas (certified translation into English or verified copies of original academic transcript and degree certificate – scanned and attached to the application);

• Official English translation of certificate for the current academic status (scanned and attached to the application);

• Valid results from the U.S. standardized test – TOEFL – if the applicant has taken this test in the past two years. Please note that we shall organize the taking of the required tests for the selected candidates; and

• Copy of passport.

Please scan all the above-mentioned documents and upload to your online application.  Please note that all items should be translated into English.

Nominated candidates will have to submit a copy of the original academic transcript bearing all official legalization stamps to the U.S. Embassy Belgrade.  The U.S. Embassy will advise the nominated candidates to submit a medical history and examination report if and when necessary.

Application Deadline: April 11, 2022

Any application submitted to the United States or elsewhere, separate from the official system noted above, will not be considered.

For additional information about the Fulbright Scholarship: BelgradeFulbright@state.gov