Moldova
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Proposals are welcomed from well-qualified candidates at all degree levels with established relations at the host institution. We accept proposals in all disciplines: fields of science and technology, as well as arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Grantees will conduct independent research projects at Moldovan universities and/or research institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin in early September and end in early June, coinciding with the academic year in Moldova (September 1-May 31).
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The virtual event is organized by IIE.
An in-country orientation will be held on the first week of September in Chisinau.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates will be considered at all degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral), but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates who plan to carry out individual research projects. Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently without supervision; preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a track record of successful independent study.
Proposals are welcome from candidates in all disciplines. Proposed projects should be innovative yet feasible and should build off the candidate's overall academic education and prior work.
For all awards, we seeks applicants who:
- Indicate how they will benefit U.S. and the Fulbright Program in Moldova;
- Demonstrate professional and academic excellence;
- Outline a strong rationale and methodology for pursuing their project in Moldova;
- Possess qualities of a cultural ambassador and show genuine interest in promoting mutual understanding as a Fulbright grantee.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Life in Moldova for someone on a Fulbright grant is very comfortable. Most students tend to be in Chisinau, the capital, which has an incredibly walkable city center, and attractive, quieter, more spacious suburban sectors which are all connected easily by a network of reliable, comfortable trollyebuses. Chisinau is a European capital city with all of the niceties: restaurants, cafes, monuments, and most importantly, ample and spacious public parks. In the fall, there are festivals almost every weekend–starting with Independence Day on August 27 and Language Day August 31–culminating in Wine Days the first weekend of October and City Day on October 14.
The country currently balances the past (thousands of years of agricultural tradition–especially winemaking) with the future (the IT sector). The terrain starting immediately on the edge of the city is beautiful and when seen from above might remind you of Napa Valley. Chisinau maintains its historic authenticity and is a wonderful place to enjoy the European lifestyle while at the same time reflecting the unique legacy of Moldova being part of the U.S.S.R. for 50 years.
Rebecca Stuch, Fulbright U.S. Student 2024-2025:
Life in Moldova as a Fulbrighter can be a unique and transformative experience. The country offers a rich cultural scene with contemporary and traditional musical events, vibrant wine festivals, monasteries, and historical sites. During the warmer months, there are events almost every evening, which are very inexpensive or even free. There are so many great musicians that are coming out of Moldova. You will find some music, contemporary music or traditional music, that you love. Moldovans are warm and hospitable and are always willing to help you out, whether it is for finding something at a piața or providing directions to a restaurant for that evening. Don’t be surprised if you are invited for tea and a table full of delicious food and wine appears before you. And even some singing and dancing, which is common at community gatherings. The country’s bountiful agriculture provides fresh produce year-round, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers. You can learn to make borș roșu or plăcinta if you are up for a new cooking experience. The grocery markets and restaurants have expanded their products to include more diverse options. If you have a craving to eat Thai or Indian food, you can find restaurants serving those foods here, or you'll find ingredients in the grocery stores to make your favorite dish. I also enjoy strolling through the city and checking out the historical European and Soviet-era architecture. Public transportation is widely available and easy to navigate. Moldova is one of those places that the more you are curious, the more wonderful things that you will find.
Gabriel Kelly, Fulbright U.S. Student 2024-2025:
Life in Moldova as a Fulbrighter is a wonderful opportunity. My experience in Moldova helps me to enhance my research skills, as well as my professional skills in Russian, intercultural communication, presentation, & teaching that I will take with me into my future academic career. I spend each day interacting with people and navigating a different culture in a foreign language, which exercises my Russian and intercultural communication skills. In addition, I conduct 40 minute to 1.5 hour interviews in Russian and English, depending on the respondent’s preference, as well as a survey in Russian & English for my research. These experiences, in addition to my work hosting an American Culture Club at a local university, which communicates key aspects of US culture to a local audience through presentations & activities, as well as my experience giving remarks at university events, and presentations at American cultural centers in Moldova, allow me to enhance my communication, presentation, & teaching skills that will be helpful in my future university teaching career. Indeed, these activities, as well as my experience participating in English language trivia nights with locals and a regular Russian language gym class, allow me to build connections that will be essential in my chosen career path conducting political science research on the region.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Some knowledge of Russian or Romanian is recommended. Upon selection, some study of the local language prior to arrival is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliation. While proof is not required at the time of application, preliminary contact with the host institution(s) is and preference will be given to candidates who include affiliation letters in their application. Preliminary contact with, and letters of support from host institutions, will be accepted at the time of application.
The majority of Moldovan universities are in the capital, Chisinau, including Moldova State University, Technical University, Pedagogical University, Medical University, University of Arts and Academy of Economic Studies. There is also one state university in the northern city of Balti; one in Comrat, the capital of the Gagauz region; and another in Cahul, in the south of Moldova. The largest and oldest private university is Free Independent University of Moldova (ULIM) in Chisinau. The list of universities can be found on this link: https://mecc.gov.md/ro/content/institutiile-de-invatamant-superior
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
There are no affiliation fees for research. For STEM fields, affiliation fees should be coordinated with the host institution.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
U.S. Students are authorized to make a one-time shipment of educational materials to the U.S. embassy in the country of assignment. These materials cannot be sent back to the United States by pouch. Details on box size will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Housing - around 500-600 USD for one bedroom in city center/per month (does not include utilities)
Utilities - around 200 USD/per month
Meals and transport - 500 USD/per month
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their housing. We advise to rent something temporary near the university for the first weeks and decide on a permanent housing upon arrival. Alumni can be an excellent resource when it comes to finding housing, as they may have useful connections, knowledge of available properties, or firsthand experience with different neighborhoods that can help guide your search.
Country Overview
Moldova, a small landlocked country bordering Ukraine and Romania, became an independent republic in 1991 after the Soviet Union's collapse. With a population of about 2.5 million, Moldova faces a declining population due to low birth rates and high external migration. The capital, Chisinau, has around 719,700 residents. The majority of the population speaks Romanian, with Russian and other languages also spoken. Moldova shares cultural and linguistic ties with Romania.
Since 1992, Moldova has had an autonomous region called Transnistria, a breakaway state under Russian control, primarily inhabited by Russian and Ukrainian speakers. The U.S. Embassy advises against travel to Transnistria without coordination for official purposes.
Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries but is known for its hospitable people, rich culture, and wine industry. The economy relies heavily on agriculture and remittances from citizens working abroad. The education system includes preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. The majority of Moldovan universities are in the capital, Chisinau, including Moldova State University, Technical University, Pedagogical University, Medical University, University of Arts and Academy of Economic Studies. There is also one state university in the northern city of Balti; one in Comrat, the capital of the Gagauz region; and another in Cahul, in the south of Moldova. The largest and oldest private university is Free Independent University of Moldova (ULIM) in Chisinau. The list of universities can be found on this link: https://mecc.gov.md/ro/content/institutiile-de-invatamant-superior
English proficiency among urban youth is improving. While homosexuality is not illegal, the LGBT community faces opposition and discrimination. Safety concerns include street conditions, reckless drivers, petty crimes, and stray dogs. Limited English-speaking doctors are available, so grantees should bring necessary medications and consider private medical services.
A Fulbright placement in Moldova offers a unique opportunity to engage with a multi-ethnic republic with Romanian and Soviet heritage.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
BBC on Republic of Moldova: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17601580