Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses and develop curricula; or teach and conduct research in area of specialization.
Award start date can be determined by the applicant in collaboration with the host institution.
All disciplines are encouraged to apply. In the past grantees have come from the following fields: STEM, American literature, economics, environmental studies, history, law, political science, public administration, international relations, sociology, religious studies, women's studies, business administration, electronics and telecommunication engineering, journalism, public health, and management information systems.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Scholars are responsible for arranging their own affiliations and letters of invitations should be included in the application. However, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Director for Public Engagement, Scott Hartmann, at hartmannse@fan.gov for assistance.
All teaching is in English. Basic conversational skills in Bangla, helpful in daily living activities, can be acquired through instruction available locally.
PhDs of any academic rank. Non‐academics with recent Ph.D.s and a minimum of three years teaching experience are also welcome. Consideration may be given to those with Master's level degrees and extensive teaching experience.
U.S. Embassy – Dhaka
U.S. Embassy's Official Facebook Page
EMK Center’s Official Facebook Page (American Space in Bangladesh managed by the U.S. Embassy Dhaka & JAAGO Foundation)
Bangladesh Blog by Fulbright Alumnus Geoffrey Hiller: Photographs and notes from Dhaka and beyond
$5,000.00
Book Allowance for Teaching Awards only: $750.00
Research Allowance for Research Awards only: $2,000.00
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependent. These amounts range from $100/month to $200/month.
In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents.
A dependent education reimbursement allowance is provided ranging from up to $6,000 to up to $24,000 depending on the number of dependents and length of the grant. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only, and is dependent on funding availability.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Regional Travel Grant
With additional funding provided by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, during their grant period, Fulbright Scholars in the South and Central Asia (SCA) region may apply for a regional travel grant to engage in a variety of activities at academic institutions or non-profit organizations in eligible SCA countries (Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Activities that U.S Scholars may engage in include: faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, conferences, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, or some combination thereof. Scholars in the arts may be invited to give master classes or recitals, participate in exhibitions or workshops, or consult with cultural institutions. Activities may not include research. This grant will cover travel to and from the destination and lodging may be offered by the hosting institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant, and as funds are limited, may only participate in one Regional Travel Grant during their Fulbright grant.
Before traveling to another country on a Regional Travel Grant, it is important to confirm trip details with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or Fulbright Commission in that country.
South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference
With funding provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (the Fulbright Commission in India) invites eligible Fulbright grantees in the South and Central Asia region to attend the annual South and Central Asia Fulbright Conference in India (usually held in February or March). The conference is an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Researchers who are on their Fulbright grants in the SCA region at the time of the conference to gather to discuss each other’s work, network, and share their experiences as international exchange participants.
Financial assistance to attend the conference is provided as an additional Fulbright grant benefit.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Discover Bangladesh: A Gateway to South and Southeast Asia
Bordered by India and Myanmar in South Asia, Bangladesh is uniquely situated as a natural link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, playing a vital role in furthering regional integration and collaboration. Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has been a beacon of cultural richness, founded on the principles of the identity of Bangla (Bengali) language and secularism. The country boasts a population of nearly 173 million, with 98% identifying as Bengali, encompassing at least 45 ethnic groups, each with unique languages, culinary traditions, dress, and music.
Bangladesh is predominantly a Muslim country, with 89% of the population adhering to Islam. The second largest religious group is Bangladeshi Hindus, making up 10% of the population. Buddhists and Christians constitute the remaining 1%. Bangladesh is known for its tradition of religious tolerance and coexistence.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Bangladeshis are renowned for their resilience, friendliness, and hospitality. The primary language is Bangla, but English is widely used, especially in academic and business circles. The country is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat, the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur), and the natural wonder of the Sundarbans. Additionally, five properties are on the UNESCO Tentative List, showcasing the nation's rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Bangladesh celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence in 2021 and is a development success story with improvements in social welfare metrics that stand out among South Asian countries. Millions of Bangladeshis have emerged from poverty as the nation has sustained an average annual economic growth rate of six percent for more than a decade, although the war in Ukraine and global inflation have slowed that pace and posed challenges to sustainable and inclusive growth. A moderate, pluralistic Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh is on a trajectory to make history by reducing its fertility rate to replacement level through voluntary family planning and has met all three eligibility criteria for graduation from LDC status, putting it on the path to qualify for middle-income country status by 2026.
A Safe and Inviting Environment
Following the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack, American exchange programs were temporarily paused but resumed in May 2022. Similarly, in response to the student-led protests in August 2024, programs were temporarily paused for three months, but resumed in December 2024. Overall, security conditions have significantly improved, and Bangladesh is entering a new era led by an interim government with an emphasis on democracy, empowerment, and openness to international engagement. Since resumption of American exchange programs, U.S. Embassy Dhaka has hosted 15 Fulbright Scholars and Specialists, 10 American English Language Fellows and Specialists and several U.S. Speakers, all of whom have received warm welcomes from their hosts and students.
A Thriving Educational Landscape
Bangladesh has vibrant intellectual traditions, and its higher education sector is undergoing rapid expansion. The Ministry of Education’s University Grants Commission (UGC), the government’s regulatory body of higher education, assesses needs and maintains standards and quality of public and private universities. The country boasts 50 public universities and over 108 private universities. While private universities follow the U.S. curricula and operate on a semester system starting in September, public universities typically follow the British colonial education system with an academic year from January to December.
Opportunities for Fulbright Scholars
The Fulbright Program plays a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's educational goals, helping to build a skilled and resilient workforce. Scholars will find a vibrant intellectual tradition and a rapidly expanding higher education sector. Despite challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation, the Government of Bangladesh is committed to fulfilling the educational needs of its citizens.
Why Choose Bangladesh?
Join the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program in Bangladesh and be part of a transformative journey in a country that is both historically rich and forward-looking. Your expertise and passion can make a lasting impact on this vibrant nation.
If you would like to hear more about the program from our alumni, please contact and we can put you in touch with a recent participant.southcentralasia@iie.org
Previous Fulbright Recipients (2022-23):
Dr. Sharon Hart, U.S. Fulbright Scholar at BRAC University, Dhaka, Higher Education Senior Consultant and Former President at RIT Kosovo.
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Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.