The University of Lagos encourages qualified members of academic staff to apply for the 2027/2028 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP). Eligible faculty are invited to take advantage of this prestigious opportunity to undertake advanced research and curriculum development in the United States.
The Public Diplomacy Sections of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria invite applications for the 2027/2028 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP), also known as the Fulbright African Research Scholar Program (ARSP).
The program offers senior faculty from select Nigerian universities the opportunity to conduct research or undertake curriculum development at accredited academic or research institutions in the United States.
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The selection process is highly competitive.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
All applications, including required supplemental documents, must be submitted online on or before the deadline.
To begin an application, applicants should visit: 👉 https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027
and click “Create an Application.”
Grant Categories
Applicants must indicate the category for which they are applying.
1. Research Grant
The Research Grant supports senior faculty from select Nigerian universities or research institutes to conduct research in any academic discipline at a U.S. academic or research institution.
- Duration: Minimum of three (3) months and maximum of nine (9) months
- Grant period: Between August 2027 and March 2028
- November/December start dates are discouraged due to logistical challenges
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a doctorate degree or equivalent terminal degree at the time of application.
- Postdoctoral research immediately following completion of a doctorate will not be supported.
- Preference will be given to candidates with at least three years of university teaching experience and a strong scholarly record.
2. Programme and Curriculum Development Grant
This category supports senior faculty or administrators seeking to develop new academic courses, curricula, or programs at their home institutions.
- Duration: Minimum of three (3) months and maximum of five (5) months
- Grant period: Between August 2027 and March 2028
Proposals must demonstrate clear relevance to the applicant’s professional responsibilities and explain how knowledge gained will strengthen academic offerings at the home institution.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A doctorate degree is not required.
- Applicants must hold at least a master’s or equivalent graduate degree at the time of application.
- Designed for faculty or administrators with limited access to recent research or instructional developments.
Project Statement Requirement
Applicants must submit a detailed project statement. Statements of less than one page will not be considered.
Project proposals are encouraged to align with sponsor priority areas, including:
- Security and governance.
- Economic growth and trade.
- Energy, science, technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
- U.S.–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) priorities.
- Agriculture and food security.
- Digital economy.
- Modern infrastructure and advanced technology.
Grant Benefits
The grant provides:
- J-1 visa sponsorship.
- Round-trip airfare to the United States.
- Monthly stipend and travel allowance.
- Fulbright ASPE health benefits.
- Dependent allowance and travel support for one eligible dependent (if accompanying the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period).
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens or permanent residents holding a valid Nigerian passport
- Be in good health (successful candidates will submit a Medical History and Examination Report)
- Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to conduct research and collaborate effectively
- Submit three letters of reference
Additional Information:
- The programme is open to scholars in all disciplines; however, clinical medical research involving patient contact is not eligible.
- Applications for doctoral dissertation research, general professional travel, or postdoctoral research immediately after earning a doctorate are not eligible.
- Preference is given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar grant and who have limited experience in the United States.
- Letters of invitation from U.S. institutions are encouraged but not required.
- TOEFL examinations are not required.
- Previous unsuccessful applicants may reapply with revised proposals and updated documentation.
Plagiarism Policy
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme upholds the highest standards of academic integrity. Application materials will be screened using plagiarism detection software. Any instance of plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Applicants must read and accept the plagiarism policy as part of the application process.
Enquiries
Applicants with specific questions should email: NigeriaFulbright@state.gov
Subject Line: “Fulbright VSP”
Due to the competitive nature of the program, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
