Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program

Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program

Award Duration: 6 -10 months
Announcement of Application: Close: October 7, 2025
The Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Program offers a 6–10 month transformative research experience in Malaysia. This prestigious opportunity allows American graduate students to conduct original research at leading Malaysian institutions while fully immersing themselves in the country’s rich cultural and academic landscape.
APPLY HERE
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/countries/east-asia-pacific/malaysia/1588.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application.
• Permanent residents and non-citizens are not eligible.
• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the grant start date.
• Master’s and doctoral candidates, as well as early-career professionals, are encouraged to apply.
• Enrollment in a graduate program is not required, but doctoral students should confirm dissertation feasibility.
• Invitation letter from host university.

Award Benefit

• Round trip economy airfare for grantee
• Housing allowance
• Relocation allowance
• Bench fee
• Professional allowance
• Baggage allowance
• Book allowance
• Language allowance
• Health Insurance – ASPE

Duration of Program

• October 2026 to September 2027

Application Information

• Include a detailed timeline of your proposed research project in your Statement of Grant Purpose, specifying the start and end months in Malaysia.
• Applicants are responsible for securing an affiliation with a Malaysian university or research organization.
• Semi-finalists may be invited to participate in online interviews conducted by the Fulbright Commission in Malaysia (MACEE).

FAQ

1. Eligibility & Citizenship:
1. Is there an age limit for people applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Research Program?
   No. Fulbright does not limit eligibility based on age.
2. I have already started my research in Malaysia. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship?
   No. Applicants who have already commenced research in Malaysia are ineligible.
3. Must I have an undergraduate degree to be eligible for the Fulbright U.S. Student Research Program?
   Yes
4. Is preference given to applicants from specific academic fields?
   No. The Fulbright U.S. Student Research Program is open to applicants from any academic field.
5. Are medical graduates eligible for the Fulbright U.S. Student Research Program?
   Medical graduates are eligible for the Fulbright U.S. Student Research Program; however, there will be no clinical contact or undertaking of clinical practice, or invasive procedures with patients.
6. I have never lived or studied abroad. Will that disadvantage me?
   No. Preference may be given to those who have not had experience abroad.
2. Guidelines for Applying:
1. How do I apply for a Fulbright Scholarship?
   Please click the “APPLY HERE” button at the top of the page. This will take you to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program page, which includes financial details of the scholarship and access to the application.
2. Can I apply again, if I’ve already had a Fulbright?
   Preference will be given to candidates who have not had previous Fulbright scholarships.
3. When can I commence my Fulbright Student Research program in Malaysia?
   Researchers must take up their scholarship starting October of the year of announcement of their selection, i.e. researchers generally find out they have been selected in March/April of a given year, however commence their program in October of the same year
4. Do I have to attend an interview?
   Yes. All candidates who are applying for the Fulbright Student Researcher Program must complete a one-way virtual interview. Applicants will be contacted directly if short-listed for an interview.
5. I have extensive experience in Malaysia already – will that make a difference in the selection of applicants?
   If two candidates are of equal standing then preference may be given to applicants who have not had recent extensive Malaysian experience.
6. Does affiliation with a Malaysian institution have to be confirmed at the time of application?
   Yes. Affiliation with a Malaysian institution must be confirmed at the time of application. A host letter of invitation should be attached to your application along with the Host Institution Form.

Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 800 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields can join over 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding.