The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program offers non-degree research grants for senior researchers, university lecturers, or experts in different fields who have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional experience. The program accepts candidates from the arts and humanities, social sciences, STEM and applied sciences. Grants are awarded for a period from three to nine months. It is not required, but in many cases, applicants are in contact with colleagues at U.S. institutions and have made preliminary plans for their own placements by securing a letter of invitation from the prospective host institution.

Grants are awarded for a period from three to nine months. It is not required, but in many cases, applicants are in contact with colleagues at U.S. institutions and have made preliminary plans for their own placements by securing a letter of invitation from the prospective host institution.

To qualify for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, an applicant must:

• must have citizenship and live permanently in the Republic of Moldova (permanent residents of the Transnistrian region may be considered regardless of citizenship)
• be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa. Program participants must return to and reside in Moldova for two years after completion of their programs.
• hold a doctoral degree or equivalent experience at the time of application
• suggest a feasible research project
• demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language to carry out the research project
• receive a satisfactory medical clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plagiarism? 

• Cite – Citations should be included whenever referencing another individual’s work, whether paraphrasing or quoting.
• Citations usually include the author(s) and the date of the publication or similar information.
• Quote citations usually include the author(s) and the page number, or paragraph number in the case of web content.
• A reference page or page of works cited at the end of your essay should include the author(s), date of publication, title, and source.

• Paraphrase – Read the source text you would like to reference in your essay and put it into your own words, making sure not to copy the work verbatim. If you use text as written in the original, you must use quotation marks. Citations for paraphrased work must be included.
• Quoting – If quoting a source, use the quote exactly as it appears in the original work. It is important to note that most higher education institutions discourage “block quotes” or quotes of 40 words or more. Quoting should be done whenever using someone else’s text as written and must be cited to avoid plagiarism allegations.

Where can I access the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program application?

You can submit application only during the time period when the program is open for applications in Moldova. The direct link to the application will be available in the program announcement.

Is the Visiting Scholar Program a degree-granting program?

The Program is a research program, it is a non-degree program. Participants may complete academic coursework at their host university to update their academic and professional knowledge in their field, but they do not receive an academic degree as a result of their participation in the Program.

I work part-time teaching at a Moldovan University.  Does this qualify me for the Visiting Scholar Program?

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program offers non-degree research grants for senior researchers, university lecturers, or experts in different fields who have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional experience.  There is no specific requirement for candidates to teach at a university.

What does it mean to be eligible for J1 visa? 

To qualify for a J visa, an applicant must show that they meet the qualifications for the exchange program, have no visa ineligibilities, and overcome the presumption of being an intending immigrant by sufficiently demonstrating strong ties to their home country that will compel them to leave the United States at the end of their temporary stay.

I’m a Moldovan citizen and for the last year (or more) I’ve been living abroad.  But my permanent residence is in Moldova.  Am I eligible for the program?

One of the qualifications requirements is to have citizenship of the Republic of Moldova and permanent residence in the country.   Permanent residence in program terms means that candidate is living and working in Moldova, including at the moment of application and during the whole process of selection.

What additional documents I need to submit?

Please follow the instructions in the application that require you to submit a research proposal, three recommendation letters (submitted by recommenders), and an updated CV.  Also, we recommend that you upload an invitation letter from a potential host institution.

At the start of the application there is a question on contacting the U.S. Embassy.  Whom we should contact?  

The on-line application is part of a worldwide system. Unlike in other countries, in Moldova you can start completing the application without contacting the Embassy.

Could you please explain what words “equivalent experience” in the qualification requirement “Hold a doctoral degree or equivalent experience at the time of application” mean.

There are no specific requirements (years of experience, publications, books, etc.) for what an exact equivalent experience would be.  It’s decided on a case by case basis by the selection committee, that takes into consideration the qualifications experiences and achievements of the candidate that could be equal to a doctoral (PhD) degree.  We recommend listing in detail all of the experience you have that you believe amount to the equivalent to a doctoral degree.

How selection for the program is made?

The selection of semi-finalist is done in several steps by a selection committee created by the U.S. Embassy.  These steps include application review, evaluation of research proposal, candidates’ interview.  The final decision of selecting finalists is done by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Am I eligible if I’m an alumna/us of other exchange programs?

Participation in other exchange programs does not disqualify for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program, but preference is given to qualified candidates with little or no previous U.S. experience.

Does the program accept the candidates who plan to conduct research in the medical field?

The Fulbright Program cannot authorize proposals for medical research that involve clinical training, patient care or patient contact.  Proposals related to research in public health field are eligible.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline varies from year to year.  Usually the program is announced in early April and the deadline is in early June.  In some years the second cycle of the program might be announced in the fall. Please follow the announcements on the Embassy website and Facebook.

If I’m selected, what are the time demands of the Program?

The Visiting Scholar Program is rigorous and life as a Visiting Scholar does not resemble that of a graduate student with regular hours and a predictable schedule. There are many activities required of Visiting Scholars as part of the Program.  Depending on research project Visiting Scholars audit classes, attend regular meetings at host university, as well as other conferences and networking meetings, and may spend long hours each day in libraries or archives working on their research.  Also, they are involved in campus and community activities, in addition to spending time with other foreign scholars on campus. Fellows may also attend workshops and conferences in other parts of the country at various times throughout the year.

May I bring my family with me?

Scholars may choose to apply to have their family join them for the program in the U.S. Careful consideration should be given to bringing one’s family. Scholars should have sufficient financial support, adequate to support their dependents in the U.S. The Program provides a small allowance for dependents that helps to cover health insurance for them.

Do I need to take any test to demonstrate my English skills?

Your English skills are evaluated by the selection committee at the time of interview.

How is the university for my program chosen?

You have the option to conduct research at the university of your choice.  You are encouraged to get in contact with colleagues at U.S. institutions and make preliminary plans for your placement by securing a letter of invitation from the prospective host institution.

What does the Fulbright Visiting Program stipend cover?

The program covers:

• Payment of fees at the assigned host university
• A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance
• Accident and sickness coverage
• Air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the Program and domestic travel to required program events)
• A Professional Development allowance

What is the timeline of the Program?

Usually the program is announced in spring with the deadline in June. The Embassy conducts the selection and submits the nominations to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC. Fellowships are announced in March-April the following year and scholars start their program in the U.S. in September or later of the same year.

If I’m not selected this year, may I reapply?

Participants generally may reapply for the Program.  Please note that improving the application and/or English skills might be essential.