Applicants must have the followings:

1. A Malaysian citizen.
2. A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in the field of the proposed program. For professionals and artists outside the academic, recognized professionals standing and substantial professional accomplishment are expected.
3. A detailed statement of a proposed activity for research or lecturing at a U.S. institution.
4. A minimum of five years of working experience in the related field. Hold a managerial position in a government organization/private sector and demonstrate a potential for higher responsibilities.
5. Sufficient proficiency in English to carry out projects in the United States.
6. Be willing to share knowledge of Malaysia with social, civic, and other groups while in the United States.
7. Letter of affiliation from a U.S. host institution. This letter should contain the institution’s letterhead and states the exact dates (or academic term), the objective of your research stay as well as any facilities you will have access to during your grant.
8. Sabbatical leave letter from home institution is required by the time of application and this letter must state the benefits the applicant is entitled to during the 3-6 months sabbatical or other leaves in the United States.
9. Sound physical and mental health.
10. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, age, and/ or physical impairment.
11. Preference is given to those without recent experience in the United States.
12. Applicants should be representative and responsible citizens who can contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture of Malaysia and thereby contribute to understanding between the people of the United States and Malaysia. You should also demonstrate the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust successfully to life in the United States.

Applicants are requested to note some of the most frequent application problems:

1. Applicants must have a well-thought-out plan for research that demonstrates knowledge of the field in general, as well as scientific methods for approaching the subject and knowledge of sources of data in the United States.
2. Lack of an adequate research proposal. This is the single most common weakness of application and the one that reflects most seriously on the applicant’s prospects for placement. 
3. Selection of a proposed host institution without providing rationale or copies of correspondence or not mentioning any preference for affiliation.
4. Lack of knowledge of English or of a plan to acquire a working level of English before beginning the grant.
5. Lack of a curriculum vitae and list of publications.
6. Proposing visits to numerous institutions.
7. Proposing a non-academic host institution without including a clear justification with sufficient details.

• Monthly stipend
• Additional limited financial support for dependents
• One time Settling-in allowance
• One time Professional Development Allowance
• Health Insurance (for the Fulbright scholarship recipient only)

A Fulbright scholarship recipient will be covered by Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) for the duration of the Fulbright program. 

• ASPE’s coverage is minimal and meets the minimum health insurance requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors. 
• Health & Accident Insurance (ASPE) – valued at up to USD$100,000 (for the scholar only)

Some U.S. universities may require a recipient to purchase additional health insurance if ASPE benefits do not meet university requirements for coverage.

Click here for the online application

Documents to be uploaded online:

1. Letter(s) of invitation from a U.S. institution.
2. Academic transcripts
3. Degree certificates
4. Sabbatical leave letter
5. Passport copy
6. Source of financial support for accompanying dependent(s).

Fulbright Plagiarism Procedure

This program seeks applicants whose writing achieves the highest academic standards of original research, writing, and citation. Application materials will be processed using software to help identify any instances of plagiarism. Plagiarism in any part of your application will result in your disqualification from participating in the program.

Plagiarism will be understood to include any of the following:
Presenting wording, statistics, or concepts as your own which should be attributed to someone else or publications (online or offline). This includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying the exact wording of a written source
• Presenting material with alterations in wording
• Paraphrasing the content of a source without citation

It is expected that your application will be your work and writing, with a clear citation of secondary sources if describing the academic work and writing of others (including one’s own previously published work). Any sources used in the construction of your responses must be cited.

Please submit your application by October 8, 2023

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and the final announcement of awards will be made in March/April 2024.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please email fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my  or contact us at 03-21668878