2025-2026 Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Embassy of the United States in Tirana is now accepting applications for the 2025 – 2026 Fulbright Foreign Student Program. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a one to two-year degree program for young professionals and university graduates interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the United States. Fulbright scholarships are awarded competitively in a merit-based process.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be citizens of the Republic of Albania.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study (or three + one, three + two in the Bologna system);
• Applicants must have a minimum of two years of professional experience in the field of study and demonstrate leadership ability
• Applicants must be proficient in oral and written English (equivalent to B2 level; TOEFL test scores are not required at the time of application.)
• Applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa.
• Applicants must receive a satisfactory medical clearance.

Note:  Individuals who fall under one of the following categories: U.S. citizens; legal permanent residents; immediate family members of U.S. Embassy employees or Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth staff (for the special funds); recipients of Fulbright grants within the last five years; students already registered at or attending study programs in the United States or with more than one year of previous study in the United States; individuals employed in the United States; those married to American citizens; those who have applied to immigrate; or those have sought asylum in another country are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright Program.

Duration of Grant

The Fellowship is generally awarded for one or two academic years at a university in the United States to pursue a masters’ degree. Fellows are required to return to Albania for at least two (2) years at the conclusion of their fellowship. Family members may be eligible to accompany fellows on a case-by-case basis. They are also subject to the 2-year home residency rule.

Financial Provisions

The Fulbright Fellowship provides tuition and university fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, a book and supplies allowance, a computer subsidy, round-trip international travel to the host institution (and to the Fellow’s English-language training program when applicable) and domestic travel to Washington, D.C. for a special seminar.  Supplementary funds are available for professional activities such as field trips or attendance at conferences. The Fulbright Fellowships are not renewable.