Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program

Research

Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program

Organizations receive US experts for short-term capacity building projects.

Who is this program for?

The program is aimed at higher education institutions (HEIs), HEI consortia, public entities, research centers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), cultural institutions, and other organizations committed to education, research, and development in Colombia.

Through this program, organizations can receive visits from U.S. specialists who contribute to institutional strengthening, training, knowledge transfer, and cultural exchange, thereby promoting academic and professional growth in various areas of knowledge through short-term projects.

Call for applications open from November 18, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

Description of the exchange

The program offers Colombian organizations the opportunity to receive specialized advice from a U.S. expert for a period of fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) days. This program promotes new forms of collaboration between Colombian and U.S. institutions.

En el marco del proyecto presentado por la institución, el/la especialista podrá realizar las siguientes actividades:

Curriculum development and/or evaluation
Development and/or evaluation of new programs and initiatives
Specialized consulting
Training programs for teachers, researchers, students, or institution officials
Specialized classes, seminars, workshops, and conferences at the postgraduate level.

Requirements

Institutions interested in participating must meet the following requirements:

Registration form: Complete the institutional registration on the Fulbright Colombia platform.
Online application: Complete the application form on the Fulbright Colombia platform.
Letter of commitment: Submit an official document wherein the institution commits to covering the costs of accommodation, food, and local transportation for the specialist, in accordance with the minimum amounts established in the call for applications.

Benefits

1. Provided by Fulbright Colombia

Specialist fees
International airfare between the United States and Colombia
Basic Accident and Illness Program with Minimum Coverage (ASPE).
Comprehensive monitoring and support during the stay in Colombia.

2. Counterpart contribution from the host institution in Colombia

Accommodation during the specialist’s stay.
Meals, in accordance with the minimum amounts established in the call for proposals.
Local transportation necessary for the development of project activities.

Application process

Each institution interested in participating must follow these steps:

1. Document review

Please read the Terms of Reference
and annexes.
Call for applications opens: November 18, 2025.

2. Registration on the application platform

Create an account on the Fulbright Colombia application platform
Verify and activate your account via the email you received.
If you already have an account, you can use it to apply for the call for proposals.

3. Completion of Registration Form for Institutions

Complete the Registration Form for Institutions available on the platform.
You will receive a confirmation email after submitting the form.

4. Submission of the application to the Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program

Complete the Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program application on the platform.
The application can be completed progressively before the closing date.
Call closing date: February 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

5. Schedule for the call for applications

Call for applications: November 18, 2025 – February 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m.).
Technical review: February 2026.
Academic Evaluation: March 2026.
Publication of list of selected candidates: April 30, 2026.

6. Preparing for your stay

The selected institutions will coordinate with Fulbright Colombia on the logistical details for receiving the specialist.
Minimum start date for the stay: September 1, 2026.

Update: Please refer to the new version of the Terms of Reference published on January 22, 2026, regarding the maximum number of days allowed for the specialist’s stay.

Research