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NAVIGATION

Fulbright Specialist Programme

The Fulbright Specialist Programme invites UK universities to host a leading US academic or professional to work on diverse, short-term collaborative projects.

The application cycle for 2026/27 is open.

The Fulbright Specialist Programme (FSP), part of the larger Fulbright Programme, was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program consists of field-driven initiatives in which foreign host institutions conceptualise and design projects of interest within an eligible discipline that represent a priority for their respective organizations. These projects are then paired with highly qualified U.S. academics or professionals who share their expertise and assist with strengthening linkages between U.S. and foreign host institutions.

Freedom 250 Project Requirements for Academic Year 2026–27

As part of the Fulbright Program’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, All FY 2026 Fulbright Specialist projects must include a “Freedom 250” component  

Every proposed project must meet one of the following two criteria: 

This may include, but is not limited to, the following:  

·     American Studies, including American society and values and American cultural traditions  

·     American History, including the Declaration of Independence, Constitutional studies, federalism, military history, local/regional history, etc. 

·     American values, including freedom of speech and open debate  

·     Cultural heritage preservation and archival research on topics of American interest  

·     Political Science, such as an introduction to U.S. government and American political thought  

·     Military and strategic studies  

·     Law, including constitutional law  

·     Philosophy, including founding-era political thought, and civic virtue 

·     Religious Studies, including religious freedom, and religious liberty 

·     Education, specifically teaching of American history, civics, etc.  

·     Public Policy/Leadership Studies, including U.S. foreign policy and American global leadership  

·     American business and economics  

·     Other (please contact the US-UK Fulbright Commission if you wish to propose a project submission with a focus that is in support of Freedom 250, but is not listed here)  

These activities can be approved by the US-UK Fulbright Commission and coordinated the U.S. embassy.  

Benefits to host institutions

Participating foreign host institutions benefit by:

  • Gaining global perspectives from experienced U.S. academics and professionals;
  • Executing projects that require a rapid response or flexible timeline through short-term exchanges, and
  • Building sustained relationships with individuals and institutions in the U.S.
  • Increasing the profile of the Fulbright programme more generally within their institution and opening up opportunities for their students and staff.

In demonstration of institutional interest and investment, UK host institutions must contribute to the programme through cost-share.

What does the Fulbright Specialist Programme involve?

The Fulbright Specialist Programme allows universities, cultural centres, non-governmental organisations, and other institutions abroad to host a leading U.S. academic or professional to work on diverse, short-term collaborative projects where the Specialist conducts activities which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Delivering a seminar or workshop
  • Consulting on faculty or workforce development
  • Developing academic or training curricula and materials
  • Lecturing at graduate or undergraduate level
  • Conducting needs assessments or evaluations for a program or institution

The Fulbright Specialist roster comprises over 3,000 American academics and professionals who have significant and substantial experience and accomplishments. Fulbright Specialist applications are peer-reviewed before being accepted to the roster.

Host institutions develop and submit project proposals to the programme. Successful project proposals will be matched with suitable Fulbright Specialists. The list of eligible Specialist disciplines is available online.

Cost sharing

Costs for the Fulbright Specialist Programme are shared between the US Department of State and the host institution.

The State Department funds the Specialist's international economy fare travel and approved related expenses, plus a pre-established honorarium.

Host institutions normally cover in-country per diem costs for lodging, meals and transportation.

Fulbright Outreach Event

As part of the Specialist’s visit to the UK we require host institutions to organise a Fulbright Outreach Event for staff at the host institution.

Outreach events allow the host institution to showcase their involvement with the Fulbright Specialist Programme to their staff, expand the reach of the Specialist’s activities and build the profile of the Fulbright Programme more generally within their institution.

Staff from the US-UK Fulbright Commission will be able to help publicise the event and where possible attend to highlight the many opportunities available for staff and students through the Fulbright programme in the UK.

How to apply

The application cycle for Fulbright Specialist projects is open. The deadline for 2026-27 applications is 15 May, 2026.

The length of a Fulbright Specialist project must be a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 42 days, including travel days, weekdays, and holidays. This competition is for Specialist projects starting in Autumn 2025 at the earliest.

It can take several months for project proposals to be reviewed and matched with a Fulbright Specialist, depending on roster availability and visa processing times.

The Fulbright Specialist application is an online application process.

Please read the application instructions carefully before submitting an application.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is committed to academic freedom and a rigorous, merit-based selection process. Candidates should, however, note, that final approval for Fulbright grants is made by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), which is appointed by the President of the United States and ensures that selected projects are aligned with Administration priorities, including executive orders issued by the US President. A situation may arise in which, despite a positive nomination by the Fulbright Commission in the UK, a project may not be approved by the FFSB.

More information is also available on the Fulbright Specialist Programme website. If you have any queries about the programme or the application process, please email David Harper, Programme Manager, at david.h@fulbright.org.uk.