The Public Affairs Section of U.S. Mission Nigeria has announced the annual Fulbright Foreign Student Program applications for the 2024/2025 academic year. This prestigious Fulbright Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian doctoral students to undertake graduate research in the United States, enhancing their educational and professional development.

Most Fulbright grants include a monthly stipend ranging from $1,600 to $2,500.

Please note that Monday, June 1, is the deadline for submitting online applications and all supplementary documents for this highly competitive scholarship.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a research scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York. The program aims to strengthen the capabilities of African universities by providing advanced degree training and fostering the potential of their academic staff. It is intended for young faculty members pursuing doctoral research in the USA.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program Grant Benefits include round-trip airfare to the U.S., a settling-in allowance, a monthly stipend, a housing allowance, a books-and-supplies allowance, and a computer allowance. It also covers basic university health insurance as primary coverage and the Fulbright ASPE health benefit as secondary coverage. Most Fulbright grants include a monthly stipend ranging from $1,600 to $2,500.

The program is open to various fields of study, including science, engineering, technology, arts, journalism/public relations/media studies, agriculture/food science, economics, environmental science, international relations, political science, public administration/policy, public health, and tourism.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens or nationals or permanent residents holding a valid passport issued by the government of Nigeria, and they must be doctoral students who have completed a significant amount of their doctoral program in Nigerian universities. Additionally, they must have an outstanding academic record and a high level of English proficiency, demonstrated through a minimum TOEFL score of 90.

For more information and to apply, visit the official application portal at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2024. This scholarship opportunity is a stepping stone for many aspiring scholars aiming to study abroad and gain valuable international experience.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a grant:

1. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, nationals, or permanent residents holding a valid passport issued by the government of Nigeria.
2. Applicants must be DOCTORAL OR PhD students who have completed a significant amount of their doctoral program in Nigerian universities and have the endorsement of their home institution.
   Note: MASTERS and First-Degree applicants are NOT qualified to apply for this program.
3. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and a high level of English proficiency.
4. Applicants must take their first TOEFL exam by May 2023.
5. Applicants must meet the minimum score on required standardized tests (TOEFL: a score of 90)
6. Applicants must be highly motivated and committed to completing the program as scheduled and returning home.
7. Only applicants with solid proposals outlining their research objectives, methodology, time frame, and justification for conducting the research in the U.S. will be shortlisted for interviews.
8. Preference will be given to applicants who have not studied in the U.S.
9. Those in business, law, and accounting should understand that most U.S. institutions rarely accept research students in these fields due to the high demand for full-time programs and tuition concerns. Therefore, we face significant challenges finding placements for such grantees unless their proposals are tilted toward economics, development-related areas, democracy, human rights, and conflict resolution.

For Candidates in the South/South-East/ South West of Nigeria, please address the envelope to the Fulbright Program Officer, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.

For Candidates in the North-Central, Northeast, or Northwest of Nigeria, please address the envelope to the Cultural Affairs Assistant, U.S. Embassy, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Area, Abuja.

Applicants with specific questions not addressed by the online application instructions may e-mail them to [email protected].