Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Fulbright programs in Indonesia for US citizens. Please review the FAQs below before contacting us. If your question is not addressed here, please contact AMINEF at infofulbright_usa@aminef.or.id

What Fulbright programs in Indonesia are available to US citizens to apply to?

There are two primary categories of Fulbright grants for Americans administered in Indonesia, in addition to several special award categories.

For recent bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients, the Fulbright US Student Program offers grants to conduct independent research or to serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in an Indonesian secondary school.

For more senior applicants holding a doctorate or equivalent professional degree, the Fulbright US Scholar Program offers awards to conduct research (typically ten months) or to teach (typically one semester) at an Indonesian university.

The Fulbright Specialist Program supports short-term (two to six weeks) collaborative projects. Specialists are selected from the Fulbright Specialist Roster. Indonesian host institutions submit project proposals through World Learning, which administers the Specialist Program on behalf of the US Department of State.

The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Award is administered by the US Department of Education through US universities. Applicants must have achieved doctoral candidacy and apply through their home institution. Although AMINEF does not administer the DDRA program, we advise on placement and assist grantees with research permits and visas.

There are also special programs such as:

Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship

Fulbright ASEAN Research Award

Critical Language Enhancement Award (CLEA)

How do I determine which program is suitable for my background?

Faculty members and professionals holding doctoral or advanced degrees may apply to the Fulbright US Scholar Programor register for the . Fulbright Specialist Roster

Recent graduates, graduate students, and doctoral candidates with limited professional experience may apply to the Fulbright US Student Research Program. ETA applicants are typically recent bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients.

What is the role of Institute of International Education (IIE) in the Fulbright Program?

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The Institute of International Education (IIE) administers both the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

American applicants apply directly through IIE’s online systems. Shortlisted applications are later forwarded to AMINEF for review and recommendation, with final approval granted by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB).

What is the Fulbright Specialist Program and how does it work?

The Fulbright Specialist Program supports short-term (typically two to six weeks), project-based collaborations between US specialists and host institutions in Indonesia. Activities may include lecturing, conducting workshops, curriculum development, and institutional planning.

The program is administered by World Learningon behalf of the US Department of State.

Projects are initiated by host institutions in Indonesia and submitted through AMINEF. Approved projects are then coordinated with World Learning, which identifies suitable candidates from the Fulbright Specialist Roster.

Final approval is granted by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB).

What role does AMINEF play?

As a binational Fulbright Commission, AMINEF administers Fulbright programs in Indonesia and serves as the primary point of contact for US Fulbright grantees during their time in Indonesia.

AMINEF’s Board appoints a binational Educational Exchange Committee (EEC), which reviews nominations for both Indonesian and American applicants who have passed the initial US-based screening. Final approval is granted by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB)

How do I apply?

Fulbright US Student Program (Research & ETA): apply online at:
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
(Select Indonesia under East Asia and Pacific.)

Fulbright US Scholar Program: apply online at:

https://fulbrightscholars.org/
(Select Indonesia under available awards.)

Fulbright Specialist Roster: register at:
https://fulbrightspecialist.worldlearning.org/

Fulbright-Hays DDRA: apply through your university

Can I apply directly to AMINEF?

No. Applications sent directly to AMINEF will not be considered. Applicants must apply through the official IIE or World Learning online systems.

What are the application deadlines?

Fulbright US Scholar Program: typically around September.

Fulbright US Student Program: typically around October.

Please consult the official program websites for current deadlines.

Who should I contact regarding application procedures?

US Student applicants: FBStudent.EAP@iie.org

US Scholar applicants: scholars@iie.org

Fulbright Specialist inquiries: via World Learning at the Specialist portal above.

Finding a host institution.

The Indonesian accreditation agency BAN-PT maintains a list of accredited higher education institutions. You may consult their website for institutional information.

AMINEF may provide general guidance at infofulbright_usa@aminef.or.id but cannot contact institutions on behalf of applicants.

Can AMINEF review my proposal?

No. AMINEF staff and EEC members are not permitted to review proposals or provide feedback on selection decisions before and during the selection process, in accordance with the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) policy. Once the application is selected, AMINEF will be able to provide some feedback related to the feasibility of the teaching plan or research plan in Indonesia.

Can I ask AMINEF to review my application before I submit it?

AMINEF staff or EEC members are not able to provide feedback, either on proposals before they are submitted or on the reasons for selection or non-selection (see question below). This is in accordance with the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) policy which aims to ensure equal opportunity to all applicants.

Why was I not selected?

Fulbright applications are evaluated competitively through a merit-based review process involving independent panels, ECA, and final approval by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB).

FFSB policy states: “It is the policy of the Board not to give to individual applicants, to others inquiring on their behalf, or to the public generally, the specific reasons for selection or non-selection of applicants.”

Medical requirements.

Grantees must complete a medical examination and may be required to provide health history documentation and vaccinations.

When can grants begin?

Most projects begin in September.
Teaching awards under the US Scholar Program typically begin mid-January. Projects must begin no later than May 1 of the following year.

ETA grants begin mid-to-late August.

Can I defer my Fulbright grant to Indonesia?

No. Grants must be taken within the designated award period.

Are unsuccessful applicants precluded from making Fulbright applications in the future?

No. Previously unsuccessful applicants are strongly encouraged to re-submit.

Can I work in Indonesia during my grant?

No. Due to visa restrictions, grantees may not engage in paid employment in Indonesia.

Research and teaching permits.

Grantees should contact AMINEF immediately upon receiving their award notification to begin the permit and visa process.

Research permits typically require two to three months after submission of complete documentation.

Teaching permits may require five to six months due to multiple government approvals.

Is it possible a permit or visa could be denied?

Yes. Research or teaching permission and visas are issued at the discretion of the Indonesian government. While denial is uncommon, AMINEF cannot guarantee approval.

Travel during the grant.

Grantees may travel within or outside Indonesia, subject to program-specific travel policies.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory provides updated safety information at: https://travel.state.gov/

Health coverage.

During the grant period, the US Department of State provides Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) coverage at no cost.

ASPE is not traditional insurance and does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Specialists are not eligible for ASPE and are advised to purchase private travel insurance.

AMINEF encourages all grantees to maintain supplemental health insurance.

Please review the ASPE’s Guidebook for full details.