Teaching or research in Colombia for up to 6 months for U.S. academics with a doctorate.
Call now open for stays between September 2027 – June 2028
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant offers U.S. citizens the opportunity to teach, conduct research, participate in conferences and seminars, and perform other academic activities at higher education institutions, research centers, NGOs, or public institutions in Colombia for a period of 3 to 6 months.
The Fulbright Commission is particularly interested in receiving applications related to the following major areas, which have been defined as strategic by the Colombian Government within the framework of the National Development Plan for the 2022-2026 period and U.S. and Colombian academic interests:
During their stay in Colombia, the grantee must deliver at least one public lecture or presentation on their research topic. Applicants must include a letter of invitation from the host institution in Colombia as part of their application. During their stay, Fulbright scholars can conduct research, develop fieldwork, advise professors and students, participate in teaching activities, and contribute to workshops and seminars, among other activities.
Grant dates must be clearly indicated in the application and in the letter of invitation. The grant period must be a whole number of months. Selected candidates are encouraged to begin their stay between late September and early October to facilitate travel to Colombia. The end date will be at the discretion of each U.S. grantee. Changes or postponements to the grant period are not permitted.
U.S. citizen* interested in conducting academic activities in Colombia, including teaching, research, participation in conferences and seminars, as well as collaborating with higher education institutions, research centers, NGOs, or public institutions to share knowledge, develop innovative projects, and strengthen academic and professional cooperation between both countries.
*Residents or dual nationals may also participate
Note: No additional allowance is provided for grantees traveling with dependents.
To be eligible for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant, the applicant must:
For more information on eligibility requirements, visit: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards.
Although there is no established format, it is recommended that the letter of invitation meet the following parameters:
If you need assistance in identifying host institutions in Colombia, in the link below, you will find a list of recommended Higher Education Institutions and Research Centers in Colombia with relevant academic and contact information click here.
To apply for this call, please consult the program details and application process on the website of the Institute of International Education (IIE) in the United States: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards.
ASSISTANCE DURING MIGRATION PROCEDURES
The team at the Fulbright Colombia Commission provides ongoing support during immigration procedures, including liaising with relevant institutions to follow up on specific cases, solving questions that may arise during the Visa or Foreigner ID Card application process, and monitoring.
FULBRIGHT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
This program aims to support our new grantees in the process of adapting to life in Colombia, to mitigate cultural shock upon arrival in a new country. Through this initiative, the Commission assigns Colombian Fulbright alumni to voluntarily support and guide the inbound Cohort of U.S. grantees.
FULBRIGHTER NETWORK
More than 3,200 Colombian citizens have been awarded Fulbright grants to pursue graduate studies or conduct research or teaching activities in the U.S. Belonging to the Fulbright alumni network is one of the main benefits of the Fulbright award. Upon request, the Fulbright Commission team can facilitate connections, interactions, and collaborations among U.S. grantees and former Colombian grantees located in their city or placement region, or working in specific fields of interest.
FULBRIGHT ALUMNI EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENT
We promote a dynamic Fulbright community through various activities, including casual Happy Hours for alumni in various cities, academic lectures, sports events, and Fulbrighter Week. Our approach combines social, academic, and networking elements to provide grantees with a well-rounded and enriching experience, fostering both professional skills and lasting connections.
ORIENTATION & ENRICHMENT SEMINAR
Before arrival, the Fulbright Commission offers a series of informative webinars in which relevant information is shared regarding the grantees’ preparation, the visa application process, and grant document processing, among other key aspects for a successful grant start. The grant period begins with an Orientation Seminar organized by the Fulbright Colombia Commission in late July, developed under the hybrid modality. Attendance to the Orientation Seminar is mandatory for all ETA grantees.
Grantees will also participate in the Mid-Year Enrichment Seminar. This space is designed to enhance the pedagogical skills of Fulbright ETA grantees by providing them with advanced methodological strategies and access to innovative teaching approaches to enrich their ability to teach English effectively.
U.S. EMBASSY SPEAKERS PROGRAM
The program features lectures on topics relevant to U.S. grantees and their projects in Colombia, led by speakers from the team at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. These sessions enhance their knowledge and provide insightful experiences for a greater impact and fruitful collaborations. Some examples of topics having been covered as part of the U.S. Embassy Speakers Program are:
U.S. EMBASSY SECURITY BRIEFING FOR U.S. GRANTEES
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia offers a one-hour Security Briefing, led by a representative from the Regional Security Office (RSO), which provides general recommendations and security guidelines for Colombia.
MONITORING AND FOLLOW-UP PLATFORM
Since 2023, the Fulbright Commission in Colombia implemented a digital platform designed to facilitate the tracking of U.S. and Colombian Fulbright grantees, reception of reports, documents, and updates, as well as to maintain up-to-date contact information.
ASPE
The ASPE (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges) Health Benefits Plan is a self-funded, limited, health care benefit plan designed to pay emergent covered medical expenses for eligible Exchange Participants. Click here to learn more about this benefit for Fulbright grantees.
Colombia offers U.S. scholars a unique convergence of cutting-edge innovation, extraordinary biodiversity, and transformative research opportunities that few countries can match. As the second most biodiverse nation in the world and Latin America’s fourth-largest economy, Colombia is strategically positioned at the forefront of critical global challenges—from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to sustainable development and climate adaptation.
With a growing network of approximately 300 higher education institutions offering over 16,870 academic programs, 417 doctoral programs, and strong international collaboration frameworks like Colombia Científica, the country has demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and knowledge exchange. As Latin America’s oldest and most stable democracy with deep ties to the United States through free trade agreements and collaborative initiatives, Colombia provides scholars with the perfect combination of intellectual challenge, cultural richness, safety, and professional growth—all within a framework that values international partnership and meaningful social impact.
Colombia: A country of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
The Fulbright Scholar Award is a great honor for me and an amazing opportunity to live and work in one of the most biologically and ethnically diverse countries in the world. My family lived in Colombia for two years when I was young, and I have always wanted to return in a professional capacity. I feel so fortunate to have access to this beautiful and diverse country, and I hope that I can give as much to the research community as I know that I will take away from this amazing experience”
“All interactions with UTB have been excellent. The English Language Faculty has been very supportive of my participation in their classes and faculty meetings […] I have adapted easily to Cartagena. I feel very safe and have make local friends. I can get around easily -to and from- the Historic Center, as wel as the university. All is well!”
“I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to have had this opportunity–to learn about Colombia and Bogotá, experience the vibrant and inspiring culture (in terms of literature and filmmaking) that the country and city offer to its residents and visitors, improve my conversational proficiency in Spanish, experience the beauty of the landscapes, architecture, and music, and to have been able to focus as much as I have on my filmmaking and research”
Carrera 7 #114-33, office 401
Scotiabank Building, Usaquén. Bogotá, D.C.
Tel: +57 (601) 805 6007
contacto@fulbright.edu.co
notificacionesjudiciales@fulbright.edu.co