Ghana
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Ghana aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Ghana. In Ghana, this is a non-degree research program.
Applications with broad multiplier effects are particularly welcome as are projects that are conducive to candidates sharing their experiences and knowledge with colleagues, students and (ideally) the general public in Ghana and (upon return) in the United States.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Fulbright grantees are strongly encouraged to arrive in early August 2026. An in-country orientation is required and is typically held the third week of August.
There will likely be limited support from host institutions and the U.S. Embassy during the last two weeks of December 2026 and the first two weeks of January 2027.
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2026.
An in-country orientation is required and is typically held the third week of August.
Candidate Profile
Candidates at the bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. levels will be considered.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
The people of Ghana are warm and welcoming and the country is peaceful. Most Fulbrighters enjoy the beautiful vibrant cultural setting, learning about Ghanaian cultural practices, eating delicious foods, shopping in local markets, and learning local dialects. In general, daily life for Fulbrighters is filled with opportunities to engage students eager to learn English and learn more about American culture. During the weekends and holidays, there are ample opportunities for travel within Ghana to numerous tourist sites, including hiking, visiting game parks and waterfalls, and exploring the many historic ties between the United States and Ghana.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Additional Information:
English is the official language in Ghana. Study of local languages (e.g., Twi, Fanti, Ga, Dagbani, etc.) prior to arrival and while in-country is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the community. Field researchers may need to coordinate with Ghanaian partner institutions for assistance in specific communities.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
It is the applicant's responsibility to secure affiliation with a credible and suitable institution in Ghana. Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify a host institution for their project and to include an affiliation letter with their Fulbright application. Affiliation letters are carefully considered during the review process.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
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
- Registration/Permitting 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
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for their own housing arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to explore housing options with their host institution.
Research Clearance
Grantees may need to go through an Institutional Review Board (IRB) process at their home institution and/or Ghanaian host institution if their research includes animal or human research subjects. Fees may be required.
In some cases, the affiliation letter with the host institution will serve as the required research clearance.
Special Considerations
Applicants are encouraged to check the U.S. Department of State's Travel.State.Gov site for the latest travel advisory information during and after the application process.
Visas
Information on visas is available on the Embassy of Ghana website.