2025 – 2026 Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Call for applications

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by former Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must:

• Have Montenegrin citizenship;
• Have a university degree;
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (In order to facilitate placement, a minimum 80 on the internet based (IBT) TOEFL test is required. Different universities accept different TOEFL scores.  Besides TOEFL you may be asked to submit competitive GRE or GMAT test scores as well.  Those who can submit proof of a high TOEFL and /or GRE score will be given preference);
• 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.

The Fulbright Program considers candidates without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, status as a parent, protected genetic information, or sexual orientation. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who intend to pursue a non-academic career. Candidates with little or no prior experience in the United States or overseas are also encouraged to apply. As a general matter, preference is given to candidates who have not had substantial recent experience in the United States and who have not previously received a Fulbright student grant.

NOT ELIGIBLE:

• Individuals with recent U.S. experience (more than 6 months within the last 5 years);
• Individuals who have attended school in the U.S. for one academic year or more during the past seven years;
• Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status;
• A candidate with recent third-country experience may have a less compelling need for the Fulbright Program than a candidate who has never had a significant professional stay abroad.

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 expenses for grantees, and accompanying dependents, if applicable.