Tanzania
Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length6-9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Proposals to conduct research and/or study in Tanzania, as part of the candidate's current graduate program, will be considered. Affiliation with a higher education institution is central to this type of project, as is the presentation of a well-thought-out research plan. All applicants are required to demonstrate the relevance of their projects to the Tanzania Fulbright Program's mandate, which is to enhance mutual understanding between the United States and Tanzania.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Fulbright grants will begin between September 2025 and March 2026, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
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
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is seeking applicants who demonstrate:
- Rigor in scholarly enquiry and academic excellence
- Strong reasons for wishing to pursue the proposed project in Tanzania
- A desire to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures of their host country
- Commitment to the community through volunteer and extra-curricular activities
- Flexibility and dynamism necessary for active involvement in the host country
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Tanzania is a large country made up of Tanzania mainland and the semi autonomous islands of Zanzibar. It has a population of over 60 million and more than 120 tribes. Zanzibar island is well known for it's beautiful blue-water beaches and historic towns. Also, Tanzania has vast world renowned national parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater which fulbrighters can visit any time of the year.
Transport from one Tanzanian city to another is mainly through a Bus/Coach service or through a number of local airlines which travel across major cities. Transport within Tanzanian cities is usually by mini-bus known locally as 'daladala', Motorcycles known as 'bodaboda' and tricycles known as 'Bajaj'. Local Food is vendored in small restaurants known as 'mama ntilie' and all Universities have cafeterias where students can buy food at affordable prices.
Tanzania offers a rich and diverse culture, friendly locals, and affordable living costs. However Fulbrighters may also face certain challenges, such as language barriers, and unfamiliar cultural norms. With careful planning and preparations, Fulbrighters can navigate the challenges and make most of their time in this beautiful and culturally rich country. Here are specific aspects of life for Fulbrighters in Tanzania:
1. Education: Tanzania has relatively well developed education system, with several universities and colleges offering a range of programs. The University of Dar es Salaam, the oldest and most prestigious university in the country, attracts many foreign students. There are several public and private higher learning institutions.
2. Language: Kiswahili and English are the official languages and most Tanzanians speak at least one of these languages. However, some local communities may have their own languages or dialects.
3. Culture: Tanzania has a rich and diverse culture influenced by various ethnic groups, religious, and traditions. Fulbrighters can immerse themselves in this culture by attending local events, festivals, and ceremonies, and by interacting with local people. However, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions to avoid any behavior that may be considered offensive.
4. Food: Tanzania cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a mix of African, Indian, and Arab influences. Fulbrighters can find a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including traditional Tanzanian dishes such as pilau, ugali and nyama choma, as well as international cuisine. Local markets are a great place to find fresh fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for cooking.
5. Safety: Tanzania is generally safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas. Fulbrighters should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their belongings. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
6. Social Life: Fulbrighters can find various opportunities to socialize and meet people. There are many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and cultural and historical sites in major cities where Fulbrighters can relax and enjoy themselves.
Eligibility
Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at the time their grant period begins.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Swahili language proficiency is not a requirement in the selection process. However, applicants should include plans for studying the language if selected, since Swahili language abilities will greatly enhance the Fulbright experience and will promote deeper engagement with the host community. Other indigenous languages may be useful or necessary for certain projects, especially outside of urban areas.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
The role of the affiliation in the U.S. Student Program is to provide ongoing and substantive oversight and support for the grantee's project. Grantees will be required to have affiliations with accredited academic or research institutions in Tanzania. Therefore, applicants must initiate contact with the host institution of preference and obtain a formal letter of invitation or affiliation. In addition to indicating the nature of the affiliation between the applicant and the host institution (e.g., auditing classes, access to facilities or resources, collaboration with an ongoing project, etc.), the letter should state that a host contact will be available during the grant year to mentor the applicant and/or supervise the applicant's work on the proposed project. It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure affiliation with a higher education institution. It is not possible for a grantee to obtain research clearance from the Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) if the grantee does not have affiliation with a local higher education institution. Affiliation is also needed for obtaining the long-term visa and residency permit required of foreign researchers in Tanzania.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
It is the Fulbright grantee's responsibility to inquire and confirm about affiliation fees with their selected host institution.
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.
The cost of living in Tanzania is on average 64.4% lower than in the United States. Rent in Tanzania is on average 82% lower than in the United States.
The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $1,554.20 (rent exlcuded). A single person's estimated monthly costs are estimated to be $446.10 (rent excluded).
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The host institution will not provide housing but may assist grantees in locating nearby and appropriate housing. Grantees are also welcome to arrange their own private housing.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Research Clearance for Mainland Tanzania
Information on visas and residency permits is available on the Tanzania immigration website. The Tanzania Commision for Science and Technology (COSTECH) issues research permits. It is important to note that a long-term stay visa and residency permits will not be approved for students who do not have a research permit. Detailed information on the research permit application is available here.
After arrival in Tanzania, field researchers should allow for a flexible schedule for a month to process COSTECH and immigration documents in case additional documents are needed, or other clearances are required, depending on the research topic. Again, students must work closely with their host institutions to assist them in processing these documents. For example, researchers in forestry, wildlife, medicine, or those with projects involving minors, patients, or animals, may need additional clearances from other agencies. Researchers are advised to apply for clearance early and ask COSTECH whether there is a possibility they will require other clearances.
Research Clearance and Residence Permit for Zanzibar
Research in Zanzibar requires clearance from the Office of the Chief Minister in Zanzibar, P. O. Box 239 Zanzibar, Tanzania. The application letter should describe the proposed research and formally request permission to carry out the project. It is also wise to send a courtesy copy of the application letter to the Assistant Minister, Ministry of State Planning, P.O. Box 874, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Recently, some Fulbrighters have alternatively received clearance through the Zanzibar Division of Archives, Museums and Antiquities when they had relevant research interests with that institution. It can be reached at +255 (0)24 2230342 or via email. Obtaining clearance can be a lengthy process, so candidates should begin the application for research clearance simultaneously with the application for a grant—but should not pay any fees (except application fees) until if/when they are formally offered Fulbright grants.
In addition, a mainland residence permit is not valid in Zanzibar. Researchers on this island must therefore get a residence permit in Zanzibar (which is, however, also valid on the mainland).
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
General Inquiries : drs_exchanges@state.gov
Rehema Kalinga: kalingarj@state.gov