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.

Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean


2 Open Study/Research Award

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

For Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines all applicants will be considered, but master's and Ph.D. applicants may be given preference.  

 

 

Grant Length
10 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

Most grantees choose to begin in the fall, but the start date is flexible between August 2025 and March 2026. The academic year begins in September.

 

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

As a condition of the grant, all grantees to the Barbados & the Eastern Caribbean islands are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation in the United States.

The U.S. Embassy requires that grantees contact the Fulbright staff contact at the Embassy once their grant has been confirmed in order to discuss their travel and receive country specific updates.

Candidate Profile

Required:

  • Applicants must be proficient and experienced in the field proposed for award consideration.
  • Applicants must demonstrate willingness to learn about new cultures and to serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States to the host country.
  • Grant activities should allow for engagement with the wider community outside of the host institution.
  • Applicants must have a well-defined research project.
  • Applicants must demonstrate high levels of adaptability and maturity.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Life in the Eastern Caribbean varies from country to country. One thing they all have in common is a rich cultural heritage showcased through their music, food and social interactions. Based on the island that your project will be conducted in, you may be asked to apply for a work permit in support of your intended duration of stay.  Please ensure that you communicate with the Embassy prior to and during your project so that you have the most up to date guidance on actions that you need to take or observe.  The islands offer a slower pace than what most grantees are used to in the United States. Grantees should practice patience and take the time to understand the processes and comply with requirements and all laws. The islands experience either summer or rainy conditions at various points during the year. They experience severe weather conditions annually during the Atlantic Hurricane Season.  Every day offers a new experience and opportunities to learn, and grantees are encouraged to fully and safely immerse themselves in the social and cultural activities that the islands have to offer.

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

English is the official language of all islands in the Eastern Caribbean.

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

Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation(s) with academic institutions, research facilities, or other appropriate organizations, and for submitting supporting documentation at the time of application. If there is any doubt about the suitability of an organization, please contact the Fulbright staff contact at the U.S. Embassy.

 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not 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.

2,850 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.

3,200 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • Settling in allowance
  • $2,700  base allowance to cover round-trip international travel, transit, excess baggage, settling-in expenses
  • $500 Research 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.

Consider using this website to get a sense for the cost of living in Barbados and other Eastern Caribbean nations. 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available

Dependents include spouse and children of the applicant. Applicants are required to advise the host affiliate and the Embassy if they will be accompanied by dependents in order for any necessary considerations to be put in place. Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period to be eligible for financial support. 

Housing Arrangements

Grantees are responsible for identifying and arranging their housing. Affiliate organizations and Fulbright alumni are excellent sources of guidance on housing options.  

Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not require entry visas when traveling to any of the islands except in the case of Barbados, where U.S. grantees in the Fulbright Program must obtain a short-term work permit prior to their arrival on island. This work permit is for the duration of their grant program in Barbados. The grantee is responsible for obtaining the required work permit, but the U.S. Embassy will assist by providing the application form and confirmation of the items required as supporting documentation. The grant does not provide for expenses related to visa fees; any visa expenses will be born by the grantee. 

For travel to all islands, grantees must have a valid passport and a round-trip ticket in order to be granted admittance by the immigration officer. 

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Lisa Howell: HowellL@state.gov