Applicants must have the following qualifications:

1. A Malaysian citizen.
2. Doctoral degree or equivalent professional training or experience at the time of application.
3. Minimum five years of working experience in the related field.
4. Faculty member in a university / higher learning institution in Malaysia and eligible for sabbatical or other leaves.
5. An excellent record of achievement as indicated by quality publications and professional activities.
6. Sufficient proficiency in English appropriate to propose lecturing or research project to be carried out in the United States;
7. Letter of Affiliation from a U.S. Host Institution: A letter on the U.S. host institution’s official letterhead stating the exact dates (or academic term) of your research stay, the objectives of your research, and any facilities or resources you will have access to during your grant period. This letter is not mandatory at the time of application, however, having one is encouraged and would strengthen your application.
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. A detailed statement of a proposed activity for research or lecturing at a U.S. institution. The proposed project should contribute to the development of knowledge in your field and must be effectively investigated within the period of the grant
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 applications 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
• Financial support for dependents (limited)
• ASPE health coverage (for the Fulbright scholarship recipient only)

One-time payments issued prior to the commencement of the grant

• Settling-In Allowance
• Professional Development Allowance
• Baggage Allowance
• Transit Allowance

The Fulbright Malaysian Scholar grant augments the privileges normally accorded by the home institution to its staff members on sabbatical or other leave. The program also solicits the cooperation of the U.S. host institutions which may invite grantees to conduct research/lecturing using their facilities. It will enhance the application and assist the selection process if candidates have already examined appropriate affiliation at a U.S. institution. Cost-sharing from the candidate or the home institution is encouraged as this enables MACEE to offer Fulbright grants to more candidates.

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

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

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

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

Required documents for online submission:

1. Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates for all completed qualifications are required.
2. Sabbatical leave letter
3. Passport copy
4. Source of financial support for accompanying dependent(s).
5. Three (3) letters of reference in English are required, including one from your current employer.
6. Including a letter of invitation with your application is strongly encouraged. However, if you are unable to provide one at the time of submission, you may submit it after the application deadline.

 Tentative interview date: December 2026 and the grant duration must fall within the period of September 2027 to May 2028.

Final Reminder

Your application is a reflection of your qualifications, values, and potential. It is expected to demonstrate originality, integrity, and academic honesty. Violations of these expectations—whether through plagiarism or misuse of GenAI may result in disqualification at any stage of the selection process.

Please submit your application by October 12, 2026. 

Only shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview and the final announcement of awards will be made in March/April 2027.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please email fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my  or contact us at 03-80845521

Plagiarism and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

The Fulbright Program upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical conduct. All application materials must reflect the applicant’s own authentic work, voice, and intellectual contributions.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification from the Fulbright Program. This includes both intentional and unintentional misuse of source material. All applications will undergo a comprehensive plagiarism review, including screening through plagiarism detection software.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying the exact wording of a source without quotation marks and proper citation
• Paraphrasing or altering text from a source without appropriate citation
• Presenting ideas, concepts, or data from any source (online or offline) as your own
• Reusing your own previously published work without acknowledgement

It is essential that all sources used in any part of the application including personal statements, essays, and research proposals are properly cited. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their work meets academic standards of originality and attribution. Each year, applicants are disqualified due to copied or improperly cited content.

During recruitment and outreach, applicants will be made aware that any plagiarism, whether minor or extensive, will lead to disqualification. PDS and Fulbright Commission staff must report all cases of plagiarism and are not permitted to assist applicants in revising or resubmitting plagiarized applications.

 Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to write their applications using their own voice. While some U.S. universities and institutions are still developing policies related to GenAI-generated content, many are actively screening for such usage.

The direct use of GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) to generate content that is copied into application materials is strongly discouraged and may negatively affect selection or placement decisions.

However, using GenAI tools in a limited and transparent way such as for grammar checks, shortening text, or improving clarity is acceptable only if the original content was independently drafted by the applicant. If GenAI tools are used, applicants should clearly acknowledge how and where they were used within the application.

Click here to explore the program FAQ