The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program AY 2027–2028 is now open to qualified Filipino faculty members, government officials, journalists, and professionals whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues. The program provides up to four months of research in the United States, with projects addressing regional issues and their implications for ASEAN given greater emphasis. Interested RSUvians are encouraged to apply before the October 16, 2026.

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program for Academic Year 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from qualified Filipino academics and professionals interested in conducting scholarly and professional research at institutions in the United States.

Launched in 2012, the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative aims to deepen people-to-people engagement and strengthen educational ties between the United States and ASEAN by supporting research on important regional issues.

The program provides scholars with an opportunity to contribute to discussions and research concerning the U.S.-ASEAN relationship and the broader ASEAN region.

Selected scholars will undertake research in the United States for a maximum of four (4) months during the first half of 2028, with the program beginning between January and March 2028. Projects that have a regional scope or clear implications for the entire ASEAN region will be given greater emphasis than projects that are narrowly focused on a single country or locality.

The program is open to:
• University faculty;
• Foreign ministry and government officials;
• Journalists;
• Professionals from the private sector;
• Think tank professionals; and
• Professionals from other non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment and must be proficient in English. Eligible research subjects may include, but are not limited to:
• Education
• Financial market integration
• Food technology
• Information sciences
• Journalism
• Law
• Environmental science
• Public administration
• Public and global health
• Trade and investment

Applicants must be Philippine citizens residing in the Philippines throughout the application and selection process and must be committed to returning to the Philippines immediately after completing the research program.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
1. Be a Philippine citizen residing in the Philippines at the time of application and selection;
2. Be a university faculty member, government official, or professional in the private sector, think tanks, or NGOs whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues;
3. Have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment;
4. Demonstrate proficiency in English;
5. Be able to conduct scholarly research in the United States beginning no earlier than January 1, 2028, and no later than March 2028;
6. Be in good health to pursue research work in the United States; and
7. Be committed to returning to the Philippines immediately upon completion of the research program.

Individuals who hold dual citizenship, are permanent residents of the United States, or are currently living in the U.S. are not eligible. Those presently in the U.S. for study, teaching, research, or employment, as well as individuals who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years, are also ineligible. Individuals who have participated in the U.S. J-1 Exchange Visitor Program under the Professor or Research Scholar category within the past two years are likewise ineligible.

Preference will be given to qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States. The grant is not intended primarily for conference attendance or completion of doctoral dissertations.

FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS:
The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program provides selected scholars with financial support that includes:
• International round-trip airfare;
• Qualifying university laboratory and research fees;
• Monthly stipend;
• Professional allowance;
• Settling-in allowance; and
• Health and accident insurance.
No dependent support will be provided.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must submit the following through the online application portal:
1. Completed online application;
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae/Résumé of no more than six (6) pages;
3. Project Proposal detailing the proposed research or lecturing activity at a U.S. institution, 3–5 pages;
4. Writing samples of no more than 20 pages and bibliography, recommended;
5. Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution, strongly preferred but not required;
6. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation;
7. NBI Clearance secured not earlier than six (6) months before the application;
8. Official or certified true copy of Transcript of Records; and
9. Official or certified true copy of Diploma/s.

All documents must be uploaded to the application portal. Although a Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and communicate with prospective U.S. hosts early in the application process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The deadline for the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program AY 2027–2028 is October 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Manila Standard Time.

Interested RSU faculty members, researchers, and qualified professionals whose academic or professional work relates to U.S.-ASEAN issues are strongly encouraged to explore this opportunity. The program offers an avenue to pursue meaningful international research, expand professional networks, contribute to regional discussions, and bring valuable knowledge and perspectives back to the Philippine academic and professional community.

APPLICATION PORTAL: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027

For inquiries, applicants may contact the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) at fulbright@fulbright.org.ph, using the subject line: “ATTN: Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative Program 2027 - 2028.”