Tunisia
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length6-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The aim of the Study/Research Awards to Tunisia is to strengthen educational and cultural relations between the United States and Tunisia. Applicants who have previous cross-cultural experience, especially in the MENA region, are preferred.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants begin in the fall based on the Tunisian academic year.
Orientation
Participants are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation during Summer 2026 prior to their grant and will have a security briefing as part of the in-country orientation upon arrival.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have an excellent academic record and strong reference letters. Since Fulbright participants are representing the United States in all aspects, applicants should have strong intercultural and leadership skills. Proposed projects should be innovative, feasible in Tunisia, fit into the candidate's previous academic training and future objectives, and be based on the candidate's overall academic background and profile.
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.
Tunisia is situated in central Mediterranean with a temperate climate including mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers. Tunisia is a fascinating, engaging, and beautiful country currently working through democratic growing pains at a time of economic difficulty. The country’s rich history (including magnificent Roman ruins), beautiful scenery, and dynamic civil society make it an attractive destination for students and researchers alike. French and Arabic are the official languages, but English is becoming much more widely spoken among young people.
Eligibility
4 Months
Dual citizens or applicants with heritage/Tunisian citizen spouse will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
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.
Candidates for research projects must have either an intermediate level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or the same in Tunisian Arabic – known as Tunsi (which differs considerably from MSA), or an intermediate level of French. In general, the most useful languages are Tunsi and French and the ability to understand written MSA.
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.
Candidates for research projects must have either an intermediate level of proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Tunsi or an intermediate level of French.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
To demonstrate the applicant's level of preparation and seriousness, U.S. Embassy Tunis requires applicants to present a letter of invitation, affiliation, or support from a Tunisian institution, university professor, or relevant individual to be included at the application deadline.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
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.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The allocated stipend will be adequate to cover day-to-day expenses including housing and transportation costs. Please note that larger metropolitan areas such as Tunis and Sousse will have higher costs of living than smaller metropolitan areas such as Gabes and Kairouan.
Dependents
While dependents are allowed, their living expenses will be the responsibility of the participant. Dependent financial support includes a very modest increase in the monthly stipend.
Housing Arrangements
The host institution will not provide housing, but the host institution and/or the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section will assist participants in locating nearby and appropriate housing. All housing must meet standard lifestyle and security requirements. Participants should be aware of these requirements before completing housing contracts.
Residency Information
Participants should also consult their host institution and/or the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section for guidance on how to apply for a residency permit (required for individuals staying in country for more than 90 days).
Security Information
For travel around Tunisia, please refer to the most recent State Department Travel Advisory for Tunisia.