The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

US Fulbright Logo

Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Laos

2 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Flexible Start
Grant Length
10 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

There are up to two awards for U.S. recent graduates, graduate or PhD students to conduct a 10 month period of research in Laos.

Grant Length
10 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

Grantees have flexibility on their grant start dates depending on host affiliation agreement.

Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

Grantees are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation organized by ECA and IIE in the summer.

Candidate Profile

Master’s and Ph.D. students are preferred, but graduating seniors and recent graduates will be considered. Applications are welcome in all fields of study. Candidate must be willing and able to work with a high degree of independence.

 

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
6 Months
Dual citizens of this country are NOT eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Recommended - Novice

Additional Information: Knowledge of Lao is encouraged, but not required. Applicants without Lao language skills should include plans for language study in their Statements of Grant Purpose. Grantees without Lao language skills must study Lao concurrent with their research after arriving in Laos.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter recommended but not required at deadline

It is strongly recommended that applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications. The U.S. Embassy will assist in facilitating the affiliations for candidates who have been officially awarded grants.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EAP@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://la.usembassy.gov/
Special Consideration

Candidates are reminded to observe all security, safety, and health practices appropriate for Southeast Asia, including malaria prevention. As in all developing countries, grantees should not expect sophisticated equipment or apartments with American standards of comfort. Living conditions outside of urban areas tend to be harsh and without modern plumbing and electricity. Housing availability can be limited. Use of libraries can be hampered by short hours, closed stacks, and limited circulation.