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

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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.

Tunisia

2 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
6-10 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

The aim of the Study/Research Awards to Tunisia is to strengthen educational and cultural relations between the United States and Tunisia.  Applicants who have previous cross-cultural experience, especially in the MENA region, are preferred. 

Grant Length
6-10 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start

Grants begin in the fall based on the Tunisian academic year. 

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

Grantees are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation during Summer 2025 prior to their grant and will have a security briefing as part of the in-country orientation upon arrival.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have an excellent academic record and strong reference letters. Since Fulbright grantees are representing the United States in all aspects, applicants should have strong intercultural and leadership skills.  Proposed projects should be innovative, feasible in Tunisia, fit into the candidate's previous academic training and future objectives, and be based on the candidate's overall academic background and profile.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Tunisia is situated in central Mediterranean with a temperate climate including mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers.  Tunisia is a fascinating, engaging, and beautiful country currently working through democratic growing pains at a time of economic difficulty. The country’s rich history (including magnificent Roman ruins), beautiful scenery, and dynamic civil society make it an attractive destination for students and researchers alike. French and Arabic are the official languages, but English is becoming much more widely spoken among young people. 

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
4 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible

Dual citizens or applicants with heritage/Tunisian citizen spouse will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Required - Intermediate

Candidates for research projects must have either an intermediate level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or the same in Tunisian Arabic – known as Tunsi (which differs considerably from MSA), or an intermediate level of French. In general, the most useful languages are Tunsi and French and the ability to understand written MSA.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline

To demonstrate the applicant's level of preparation and seriousness, U.S. Embassy Tunis requires applicants to present a letter of invitation, affiliation, or support from a Tunisian institution, university professor, or relevant individual to be included at the application deadline. 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition covered in grant benefits
Award Benefits
  • A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
  • International travel benefits
  • Accident & sickness health benefits
  • 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
  • 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

$2,550 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

The allocated stipend will be adequate to cover day-to-day expenses including housing and transportation costs.  Please note that larger metropolitan areas such as Tunis and Sousse will have higher costs of living than smaller metropolitan areas such as Gabes and Kairouan.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available

While dependents are allowed, their living expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant.  Dependent financial support includes a very modest increase in the monthly stipend. 

Housing Arrangements

The host institution will not provide housing, but the host institution and/or the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section will assist grantees in locating nearby and appropriate housing.

Grantees should also consult their host institution and/or the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section for guidance on how to apply for a residency permit (required for individuals staying in country for more than 90 days).

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.MENA@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://tn.usembassy.gov/
Security Information

For travel around Tunisia, please refer to the most recent State Department Travel Advisory for Tunisia.

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Refka Nsiri: NsiriR@state.gov