Botswana
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Botswana aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Botswana. Projects addressing climate change; civic engagement; human-animal conflict; women and youth in politics; cyber-security, cyber bullying, and forensics; renewable energy; public health; aerospace; education management and policy; and law enforcement are especially welcome.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Fulbright grants will begin between the summer of 2025 and March 2026, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone. (Note: this is good timing for research students to be able to meet local professors and engage undergraduate students as assistants if needed. Most universities start vacations in May, November and March.)
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.
Candidate Profile
Candidates must present serious projects in line with U.S. Embassy strategic priorities as follows: public health (cervical cancer, TB, diabetes, obesity, drug abuse, mental health, HIV/AIDS, teaching hospital staffing and operations); security and stability (regional security capacity, anti-poaching, human/wildlife conflict, sustainable and economically-beneficial management of natural resources); heritage preservation; civil society strengthening, particularly with respect to a free and vibrant media or the human rights of key populations; technical and vocational education; regional economic communities (SADC); economic diversification; regional economic integration; and foreign direct investment.
All candidates must be mature and able to carry out independent research projects. Collaboration with local institutions and individuals is encouraged. Grantees are required to report their project progress to the U.S. Embassy on a quarterly basis and to consider themselves part of the ongoing U.S. Mission program.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Botswana has consistently maintained a democratic government, responsibly managed its natural resources, and invested in its people and infrastructure. The bilateral relationship is strong and grounded in a shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Although English is the official language, Setswana or other local languages may be needed for research conducted in rural areas.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure affiliation with an appropriate institution in Botswana. Candidates must affiliate with local colleges and universities, research institutions, and NGOs, and include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications. The U.S. Embassy may be able to advise candidates about organizations that match their research interests.
Prospective host institutions include:
- Ba Isago University
- Boitekanelo College
- Botho University
- Botswana Accountancy College
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
- Botswana International University of Science & Technology
- Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation
- Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership
- University of Botswana
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Some academic institutions may charge professional fees for a local professor/advisor working with the grantee.
Grantees planning to audit courses should inquire about fees and similar requirements directly with the institutions before they make financial commitments. They should also verify with their home institutions whether there are any existing collaborations with the prospective hosts before they pay affiliation fees.
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.
One-Time Allowances
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.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Research Clearance
Candidates must obtain research approval from the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs or the other relevant Ministry prior to conducting their research. Applications for research clearance normally take several months to process. Since the research clearance process is easier with the support of an affiliate institution, regular communication with the prospective affiliation is strongly recommended four months prior to arrival in Botswana.
For additional information on the research clearance process, contact the Educational Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, or visit the website linked here for more information and application forms. You may also contact the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs (Research Permits), Private Bag 002, Gaborone, Botswana.