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 courses at the associate degree and undergraduate level on a full-time basis under the teaching option, or teach and conduct collaborative or independent research as desired under the teaching/research option. For teaching/research projects, scholars should plan a 50/50 ratio of teaching to research.
University of Belize (UB): UB's main campus is located in the capital city, Belmopan. UB also has campus sites as follows: Belize City at West Landivar and Freetown Road; Central Farm in the Cayo District; Punta Gorda in the Toledo District; and two marine sites at Huntington Caye and Calabash Caye. The University of Belize was established in 2000 as an amalgamation of five previously existing tertiary-level institutions.
Galen University: Galen University is an independent university in the Cayo District, approximately 30 minutes from the capital city, Belmopan. The university is chartered and recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Belize to offer undergraduate and graduate level degrees in programs such as business, arts, sciences, and education. The institution was established in 2003 and has placed a strong focus on sustainable development in its programing since its founding.
Grants may begin in August 2026 or later.
All Scholars to Belize are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, which typically takes place in early or mid-July, prior to beginning their Fulbright grant.
Marine science, biology and environmental science scholars will have access to UB's two marine sites at Huntington Caye and Calabash Caye for research.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants with a Ph.D. are strongly preferred, but applicants with a master's degree and substantial professional experience may be considered. At least three years of teaching experience is required for projects with a teaching component.
University of Belize website
University of Belize POC: email Arnulfo Kantun or call (+501) 822-100 X189
Galen University website
Galen University POC: email Dr. Cynthia Eve Aird or call (+501) 824-3226
$2,550
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance; these materials should be donated to the host institution or other entity upon the scholar's departure.
$300 research allowance for professional project grants only.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $500/month to $1000/month.
In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amount range from $1,200 to $2,400.
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.
You may choose to use a cost-of-living calculator to do further research on anticipated costs for common goods and services in Belize.
During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Western Hemisphere (WHA) region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant for activities such as workshops, seminars, presentations, lectures, performances, exhibits, curricular advising and similar projects at institutions in eligible WHA countries. (Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay).
The Regional Travel Program covers travel to and from the destination; lodging may be offered by the host institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program. Additional information can be found on the Regional Travel Program website.
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 and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Applicants to Belize will find themselves in high demand for their expertise and welcomed by Belize's legendary hospitality.
Belize is a country that abounds with natural wonders and features the world's smallest capital city, Belmopan, which has less than 20,000 residents but offers most of the amenities to which Westerners are accustomed. Belize's abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Belize is also renowned for its abundant Mayan archaeological sites, including the remains of several large communities dating from the Mayan Classical Era.
Belize has a highly diverse society, with many distinct cultures and languages found within a country roughly the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. The official language is English and is almost universally understood, although English-based Kriol is widely spoken by most citizens regardless of ethnicity. Roughly half the population speaks Spanish, although the vast majority of Spanish speakers also speak English. Chinese, Mayan, Garifuna (an Arawak language originating in the Caribbean island of St. Vincent), and Mennonite Low German are among the other languages spoken by substantial communities across the country.
As you prepare your Fulbright application, we encourage you to read the information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the University of Belize or Galen University for further information or to request an invitation letter from either university. Applicants can also contact the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs at BelmopanPA@state.gov for additional questions or for further assistance.
The Calabash Caye Field Station is a basic and applied marine research station that provides sound scientific basis for the management of the Turneffe Atoll. Research is focused on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, invasive species, ocean research, and endangered marine species. In addition to research, there are various long-term monitoring programs that Fulbright scholars can contribute to during their stay. These include coral reef, mangrove and sea grass ecosystem monitoring, coral bleaching monitoring, coral spawning and monitoring of herbivores. For more information on Calabash Cay Field Station please email Leandra Rickets. Phone: +501-223-1000 ext. 438.