Fulbright US–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program

The Fulbright US–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program is open to university faculty, foreign ministry or other government officials, and professional staff of the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs in the ASEAN member states.  Selected Fulbright US –ASEAN Visiting Scholars will travel to the United States for three to four months during the first half of 2026, where they will carry out scholarly and professional research on priority issues to the US–ASEAN relationship and ASEAN.  Projects should be recommended that are regional in scope and/or have clear implications for the entire ASEAN region.  Note the criteria for US–ASEAN awards – research on priority issues for the US–ASEAN relationship and ASEAN, with clear regional implications – differ substantially from those for bilateral awards. Recommendations will be accepted from all ASEAN member states. The US –ASEAN selection committee anticipates the selection of 20 qualified applicants, including roughly two participants from each of the 10 ASEAN member states.

The United States is committed to sustained engagement across Asia as a strategic priority, including working closely with multilateral institutions such as ASEAN. The objective of the Fulbright US–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative, which was started in 2012, is to deepen people-to-people engagement and strengthen our ties with the 10 member nations of ASEAN, while specifically emphasizing the importance of ASEAN. This program is complemented by two additional initiatives; the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and, in the last few years, the Billion Futures Initiative. Since the program began in 2012, more than 150 scholars from all 10 ASEAN member states have been awarded scholarships to pursue studies focused on a wide range of subjects including public health / pandemic response, jurisdictional issues in South China Sea, engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN economic integration, human trafficking, and food safety. In addition, during the past several years, the program includes the US Fulbright scholars who are selected for Fulbright awards to travel to two, three or four ASEAN countries for research projects relevant to US-ASEAN priorities.

General Requirements

Applicants from Indonesia should be:

• Indonesian citizen and resident in Indonesia throughout the nomination and selection process
• Willing to return to Indonesia upon completion of their program in the United States
• University faculty, foreign ministry, and government officials or professionals in the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs whose work focuses on the US–ASEAN. Applicants will be expected to have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment
• Be proficient in English
• In good health, to be certified by submission of medical history and pre-departure medical examination

Preference will be given to qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States.

Applicants are ineligible who:

• Are employees, close family members of an employee, or dependents of an employee of AMINEF, the US Embassy, or the US Department of State
• Are currently teaching, studying, or conducting research in the United States
• Have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years or
• Have been to the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of professor or research scholar within the past two years

Research Fields

Applicants may apply to conduct research that supports broad ASEAN initiatives, such as regional economic integration, AI safety and policy, carbon markets, expansion of maritime cooperation, promotion of opportunities for women, and addressing transnational challenges. Fields of study could include, but are not limited to: Education, Financial Market Integration, Food Technology, Information Sciences, Journalism, Law, Public Administration, Public/Global Health, and Trade and Investment. These programs and topics should reflect priority areas of the ASEAN Secretariat and the US Mission to ASEAN, and may also reflect priorities and relevance to the nominating country. Projects that are regional in scope and/or have clear implications for the entire ASEAN region are to be prioritized.

Application

Proposals should be carefully developed projects developed projects that will deepen the applicant’s understanding of one or more aspects of the US–ASEAN relationship.  While a scholar should expect that the program is primarily focused on research, grantees are also encouraged to expand and develop their network of professional contacts so that professional relationships established during the grantee’s time in the United States can be sustained after the formal grant period has ended.  In addition, grantees will be expected to seek opportunities to provide an ASEAN perspective during their time in the United States through guest lectures, seminars, or participation in academic or professional conferences.

Selection Process

Application for this program will be evaluated by a binational peer review panel in accordance with normal Fulbright standards that are competitive, merit-based, open, and transparent. The US Mission to ASEAN staff in Jakarta and Indonesian scholars and experts will be involved in interviews of shortlisted candidates. The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington will make the final selections.

Affiliation

All applicants are urged to establish a likely affiliation with a US institution, including universities, think tanks, and research institutes, before submitting their formal applications.  Letters of invitation will enable program organizers to finalize suitable affiliations.   

Note: all of the selected Fulbright US–ASEAN Visiting Scholars are to come to the United States during the first half of 2026, starting their grant between January and March 2026 and completing the program by May 31, 2026 at the latest. Program timing may be subject to change due to travel restrictions or other considerations.

Grant Period

The minimum period for an award is three months, and the maximum is four months.

Grant Benefits

The grant will provide:

• A monthly stipend for grantees, between US $2,710 and $3,145 per month, depending on the US city
• A direct-flight, round-trip economy-class air ticket
• A $1,250 Professional and Settling-in allowance
• Qualifying university lab and research fees up to $3,000, as necessary
• No dependent support will be available

Note:  Fulbright US–ASEAN Visiting Scholars typically convene in Washington, DC, near the end of their program.

How to Apply

Applicants need to submit the application form through online application. Here are the details for applying online:

• Register online and create an account by visiting the link at the AMINEF website: https://stu.aminef.or.id/grantee/
• Save progress and update the application form and supporting documentation until the deadline.
• Once submitted, online applications cannot be changed. Submitting well before the deadline is recommended to avoid potential delays due to peak usage.

Submission Requirements (to be supplied in English)

• Application form
• A project statement (three to five pages)
• Bibliography (up to three pages)
• Curriculum vitae (up to six pages)
• Letter of invitation from host institution in the US (strongly preferred, but not required). Please note that all participants will be required to have a confirmed letter of invitation prior to final selection and/or departure
• Three letters of recommendation
• Copy of academic transcript and diploma (in original language and English translation)
• Copy of valid identity document (KTP or passport)

Deadline

The deadline for submitting application materials for the program is December 1.

*The exact deadlines every year may be subject to change. If the application deadline falls on a weekend or a public holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified and interviewed.

Contact Information

For questions specifically related to the fellowship program, please direct inquiries via email to: infofulbright_ind@aminef.or.id