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.

Namibia

Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Flexible Start
Grant Length
6-9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in Namibia aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Namibia. 

Applications in all fields will be considered. Those with projects focusing on green energy are particularly encouraged. 

Grant Length
6-9 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

Fulbrighters are encouraged to begin their grants in late January 2026. Most Namibian institutions close down during November and December for the Christmas break (and in preparation thereof), meaning that getting things done during those two months can be a challenge. Namibian institutions generally start in earnest in late January/early February, so beginning the grant then can prevent losing valuable research time.

Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Life as a Fulbrighter in Namibia is a unique and enriching experience that offers opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange. It allows Fulbrighters to deepen their understanding of global issues, forge lasting friendships, and make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.

Namibia enjoys good governance and strong democratic institutions.  However, as a relatively young country, education development and building professional capacity remain top priorities of the U.S. Embassy. The Fulbright program is one of the embassy's flagship programs and has contributed significantly to improving tertiary education and increasing mutual understanding between the people of Namibia and the United States. 

Eligibility
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Additional Information: English is sufficient, unless knowledge of an indigenous language is necessary for the successful completion of the project.

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

It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure affiliation. It is strongly recommended that applicants identify appropriate host institutions for their projects and that they include affiliation letters with their Fulbright applications.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits

A research fee may be required. Applicants are advised to consult with their host institutions in advance about whether one will be needed for their research. 

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.

3,500 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
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.

3,550 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • 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.

Namibia is an upper/middle income country. The cost of living in Namibia is, on average, 58% lower than in United States.

 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Housing Arrangements

Housing will not be provided by host institutions for Fulbright U.S. students. It is also important to note that furnished apartments are scarce. The Embassy will advise and assist where it can to find suitable accommodation. It is, however, encouraged that students do proper research online, as most agents use Facebook and other platforms to advertise vacant apartments.  

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.AF@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://na.usembassy.gov/
Visas and Research/Work Permits

Fulbrighters should request assistance from their host institutions in securing research permits and clearances from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government of the Republic of Namibia requires Fulbright researchers to procure a work/research permit 30 days prior to arrival - and Namibian law states that grantees should not arrive without work permits.   

Fulbrighters should also submit their visa applications (with all the relevant documents) to the Ministry of Home Affairs through their host institutions at least three months prior to their arrival in the country.

In cases where visas have not been issued in a timely fashion, grantees need to consult with the host institution to work out a contingency plan. Grantees should be in contact with host institutions early and often, since late issuances have been a problem in the past. 

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
George Beukes: BeukesGM@state.gov
John Hausiku: HausikuJ@state.gov