Fulbright Commission Sweden - Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program

Fulbright Swedish Scholar Program

You receive a grant of SEK 50,000 (about 4,400 EUR) plus a one-time travel allowance of SEK 15,000 (about 1,300 EUR). Use it to do advanced research or teach at a US university or research center. The programme also pays all SEVIS and J-1 visa fees (the US fees you need to study or work there), gives you accident and sickness insurance, and opens access to Fulbright seminars and events in the US. Your stay lasts at least 3 months, and the visa covers up to 12 months. The award comes from the Fulbright Commission Sweden, which has run the Swedish-American exchange since 1952.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a doctorate or the highest degree in your field, or you will finish it before you leave for the US. Recent PhDs through to full professors can apply.
• Nationality: You are a Swedish citizen. If you hold both US and Swedish citizenship, you cannot apply.
• US ties: You do not live in the US, you do not hold a green card, and you are not already doing research with a US institution.
• Host contact: You have already arranged a link to a US university or research center for your stay.
• Language: You speak fluent English.
• Field of study: All fields can apply. Projects involving human or animal testing may not fit, so check the special rules if that applies to you.

How to apply

You apply through the online portal. It opens on 15 August 2026 for the 2027-28 academic year, and the deadline is 11 January 2027. You need three letters of recommendation. Selection and notification follow in March 2027. Candidates are chosen on academic merit, leadership potential, and a clear plan for Swedish-American collaboration.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly. You must be a Swedish citizen with a doctorate and an already-arranged link to a US host, which shrinks the field a lot. If you meet those conditions and can show a concrete research or teaching plan, your prospects are solid. Keep in mind that Fulbright is well known and weighs leadership and cross-border vision, not just your track record. A firm host contact and a strong collaboration plan are what set applicants apart.