The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy Singapore, has announced two Fulbright opportunities for researchers, academics, government officials, and experienced professionals: the Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Award 2027–2028 and the Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028.
Both programs provide opportunities to conduct research in the United States, build professional networks, collaborate with American institutions and experts, and contribute to stronger academic and professional ties between the United States, Singapore, and the wider ASEAN region. The application deadline for both opportunities is November 30, 2026.
1. Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Award 2027–2028
Overview
The Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Award 2027–2028 is a non-degree, post-doctoral research opportunity for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. The program is designed for university faculty, think tank researchers, professionals, postdoctoral researchers, and research fellows who want to conduct research in the United States in collaboration with American academics or field experts.
Selected scholars will conduct research in the United States for 3–4 months between September 1, 2027, and May 31, 2028.
The program supports research that promotes mutual understanding and strengthens academic and professional relations between the United States and Singapore.
Preferred Research Fields
Priority will be given to research related to:
- National and International Security: Critical infrastructure, maritime security, cybersecurity, space security, organized crime, trafficking, and emerging-technology risks.
- Energy Security and Civil Nuclear Energy: Advanced nuclear technology, nuclear safety, resilient energy infrastructure, energy supply diversification, and LNG supply chains.
- Critical and Emerging Technologies: Artificial intelligence governance, quantum technology, biotechnology, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and trusted technology ecosystems.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Critical minerals, export controls, supply-chain diversification, intellectual property protection, and food and agricultural technology.
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: Joint investigations, information sharing, financial crime, counternarcotics, and illegal migration.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicants may include full-time lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, or full professors at Singaporean universities and other higher-learning institutions.
- Experienced professionals working in government, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or international organizations may also apply.
- Postdoctoral researchers and research fellows with significant research or professional experience are eligible.
- Applicants with more than six months of continuous experience in the United States during the previous five years may be considered, although preference is given to applicants without substantial recent U.S. experience.
- Selected applicants must complete a required medical examination and submit the Fulbright Medical History & Examination Report.
Benefits
The Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Award provides financial support that includes:
- Round-trip international airfare on an American carrier.
- Settling-in expenses.
- Living expenses.
- A resource allowance to support research-related needs.
- Opportunity to conduct research with American academics and field experts.
- Professional and academic networking opportunities in the United States.
How to Apply
Applicants should identify and explore potential affiliations with U.S. universities, think tanks, research institutions, or other relevant organizations before submitting their application. A letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly preferred, although it is not required at the time of application.
The online application opens on October 1, 2026.
Applicants should select “Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program (Core)” under the Country Information section of the application.
Required application materials include:
- Completed online application
- Project statement of up to 3–5 pages
- Bibliography
- Curriculum vitae of up to 6 pages
- Letter of invitation, if available
- Two letters of recommendation
- Passport scan
Application Link: Click HERE to Apply
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Shortlisted candidates are expected to be interviewed during the week of December 14, 2026. Final selections are expected to be completed during April–May 2027.
2. Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028
Overview
The Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028 is designed to strengthen research and professional engagement between the United States and ASEAN member states.
The program is open to university faculty, government officials, and experienced professionals working in the private sector, think tanks, NGOs, and other organizations. Selected scholars will conduct research in the United States for 3–4 months on priority issues affecting the U.S.–ASEAN relationship, ASEAN priorities, or issues with clear regional implications.
In addition to research, scholars are encouraged to develop professional networks and share an ASEAN perspective through guest lectures, seminars, conferences, and other academic or professional activities.
Applicants must establish an affiliation with a U.S. institution, such as a university, think tank, or research institute, before submitting their formal application.
Qualifying Research Fields
Research proposals should address issues relevant to shared U.S.–ASEAN priorities, particularly:
- National and International Security: Critical infrastructure, maritime security, cybersecurity, space security, trafficking, organized crime, and emerging technologies.
- Energy Security and Civil Nuclear Energy: Advanced nuclear technology, nuclear safety, resilient energy infrastructure, energy diversification, and LNG supply chains.
- Critical and Emerging Technologies: AI governance, quantum technologies, biotechnology, digital infrastructure, and trusted technology ecosystems.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Critical minerals, export controls, supply-chain diversification, intellectual property protection, and food and agricultural technology.
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: Joint investigations, information sharing, financial crime, counternarcotics, and illegal migration.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident.
- Permanent residents must hold citizenship in one of the 10 ASEAN member states and/or Timor-Leste.
- Applicants must reside in an ASEAN member state throughout the nomination and selection process.
- Applicants must return to an ASEAN member state after completing their U.S. stay.
- Eligible applicants include university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, and professionals from the private sector, think tanks, NGOs, and related organizations.
- Applicants should have a significant record of scholarly or professional achievement.
- Preference is given to applicants without recent or substantial U.S. experience.
- Applicants selected for the program must complete the required Fulbright Medical History & Examination Report.
- Applicants currently teaching, studying, or conducting research in the United States are not eligible.
- Applicants who received a Fulbright grant within the past five years are not eligible.
- Applicants who received a J-1 visa in the Professor/Research Scholar category within the past two years are not eligible.
Benefits
The Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program provides:
- Direct-flight, round-trip economy-class airfare on an American carrier.
- Transit and baggage allowance.
- Monthly living stipend.
- One-time settling-in and professional allowance.
- Possible consideration of qualifying university laboratory or research fees on a case-by-case basis.
- Opportunities to build professional and academic networks in the United States.
- Opportunities to participate in lectures, seminars, conferences, and other professional activities.
- A research stay of at least three and no more than four months.
Note: The program does not provide financial support for dependents.
How to Apply
Applicants should contact potential U.S. universities, think tanks, or research institutes and establish an affiliation before submitting their application. A letter of invitation is strongly preferred because it helps demonstrate the suitability of the proposed research and host institution.
The online application opens on October 1, 2026.
Applicants should select “Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholars Program” under the Country Information section of the application.
Required application materials include:
- Completed online application
- Project statement of up to 3–5 pages
- Bibliography
- Curriculum vitae of up to 6 pages
- Letter of invitation, if available
- At least two letters of recommendation
- Passport scan
Application Link: Click HERE to Apply
Deadline
November 30, 2026
Shortlisted candidates are expected to be interviewed during the week of December 14, 2026. Final selections are expected during April–May 2027.
Conclusion
The Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Award 2027–2028 and Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program 2027–2028 offer valuable opportunities for qualified Singaporean academics, researchers, government officials, and professionals to conduct research in the United States while developing international academic and professional networks.
Both programs emphasize research areas connected to security, energy, emerging technologies, supply chains, and law enforcement cooperation. Applicants should begin identifying suitable U.S. host institutions and preparing their research proposals well before the deadline.
Interested and eligible applicants should prepare their documents carefully and submit their online applications by November 30, 2026.
Application Portal: Click HERE to Apply
Important: Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and select the correct Fulbright program in the Country Information section of the application.
Explore more fellowships at Opportunities for Youth (OFY).
