Fulbright Scholar Award 2027–28 for Sri Lankans

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Application Deadline: 1 October 2026 — including all supporting documents. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered under any circumstances.

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (FVSP) is one of the most prestigious international academic exchange programs in the world, funded by the United States Government. Sri Lankan academics, artists, and professionals are invited to apply for the 2027–28 award cycle. Selected scholars will travel to the United States to conduct research, lecture, consult, or collaborate — with full financial support — and return to contribute their knowledge to Sri Lanka.

At a Glance

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Destination

United States

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Duration

3 – 6 Months

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For

Academics, Artists & Professionals

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Deadline

1 Oct 2026

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Min. Experience

5 Years

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Cost

Fully Funded

What the Award Covers

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Round-Trip Economy Airfare

From Sri Lanka to the host organisation in the U.S. and back.

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Monthly Living Stipend

Paid while residing in the USA during the grant period.

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Health Insurance

Full health insurance coverage for the duration of the award.

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Pre-Departure Orientation

Orientation programme held in Colombo before departure.

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Fulbright Enrichment Activities

Access to Fulbright network events, seminars, and activities in the U.S.

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Immigration Support

Immigration advising and visa sponsorship support provided.

⚠️ Note: The Fulbright program does not provide any financial support for accompanying dependents (family members).

Who Can Apply?

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Scholars

For postdoctoral research and/or lecturing at a U.S. university or research institution.

• PhD degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience.
• Any academic field.

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Professionals & Artists

To undertake a collaborative project in the U.S. that builds capacity in Sri Lanka.

• All fields welcome.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated significant accomplishments.

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Full Eligibility Requirements

1. 1
   Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
2. 2
   Continuously resided in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years immediately prior to the application deadline.
3. 3
   Demonstrated aptitude and accomplishment in your academic, artistic, or professional field through awards, achievements, and output.
4. 4
   Minimum of 5 years of experience in your field.
5. 5
   Demonstrated commitment to sharing knowledge with counterparts and the public in Sri Lanka.
6. 6
   Must possess a letter of invitation from a host institution in the U.S.
7. 7
   Must provide a letter of approval of leave from your employer for the full grant period.
8. 8
   Must reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant.
9. 9
   Proficiency in English and superior communication skills required.
10. 10
    Must not be applying for or holding a U.S. Permanent Resident visa (Green Card), or be a dual U.S.–Sri Lanka citizen, or hold a work/resident visa in another country.
11. 11
    Commitment to fostering understanding and peace between the people of the U.S. and Sri Lanka.

✗ Staff or family members of staff at a U.S. Embassy or US-SLFC are not eligible to apply.

Selection Preferences

While not mandatory, priority will be given to candidates who:

• Have very few or no previous opportunities to travel to the U.S.
• Demonstrate a commitment to return to Sri Lanka to live and work for at least 5 years after the programme.
• Demonstrate strong academic, artistic, or professional leadership potential.
• Demonstrate the ability to function well in the U.S. and are comfortable with international travel.
• Can serve as a good representative for Sri Lanka.

Important Notes

• Awards from Sri Lanka must be a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 6 months in duration. This differs from award timelines of other countries.
• Each applicant may apply to only one award category per competition cycle.
• Due to high application volume, US-SLFC is unable to acknowledge receipt of applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a mandatory interview at the US-SLFC office in late 2026 or early 2027.
• Misrepresentation, false information, or plagiarism at any stage will result in immediate disqualification or grant termination.

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How to Apply — Step by Step

1

Register & Apply on the IIE Portal

Visit apply.iie.org/fvsp2027 to register with your email address and access the full application form.

2

Obtain a Letter of Invitation from a U.S. Institution

A letter of invitation and affiliation from a U.S. host institution is mandatory. Read the IIE guidelines on how to obtain this. Upload within the "Project Proposal" section.

3

Upload Letter of Support from Home Institution

Print, sign, scan, and upload the completed form as a PDF under "Additional Information – Country-Specific Materials."

4

Complete & Submit All Documents by 1 October 2026

The entire application including all supporting documents must be submitted online before the deadline. No late submissions will be accepted.

📧 Questions? Contact US-SLFC Program Officer: Shanaka Premarathna
shanaka@fulbrightsrilanka.org

Why the Fulbright Award is Life-Changing

The Fulbright Program is widely regarded as the most prestigious international educational exchange programme sponsored by the U.S. Government. For Sri Lankan academics and professionals, it offers a rare opportunity to conduct high-level research or collaboration at leading American universities and institutions, build lasting international networks, and return home with world-class expertise to strengthen Sri Lanka's academic, artistic, and professional landscape.

Start Your Preparation Early

One of the most time-consuming parts of the Fulbright application is securing a letter of invitation from a U.S. institution. This can take several weeks or months of communication. With the deadline on 1 October 2026, candidates are strongly advised to begin identifying potential host institutions and reaching out as early as possible — ideally by May or June 2026.

Apply for the Fulbright Award — Deadline 1 October 2026

Register on the IIE portal to access the full application form and detailed instructions.

Apply at apply.iie.org/fvsp2027 →