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.
Scholars must be based full-time at a New Zealand institution to teach, conduct research or undertake a project combining both activities. Teaching activities can include teaching original material, teaching an existing course, presenting workshops and seminars, and supervising graduate-level students.
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, applicants should demonstrate how they will interact with and contribute professionally and personally to their host institution as well as their wider New Zealand community to maximize their Fulbright experience.
Scholars are expected to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host country community, in addition to their primary research or teaching activities. In line with this, scholars are expected to deliver one or more lectures/seminars at New Zealand higher education or research institutions and to participate fully in any activities arranged by Fulbright New Zealand.
Eligible institutions include universities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, cultural and medical institutions, as well as research organizations and think tanks.
Three to five months
Grants must begin in February 2027.
Applications in all disciplines will be considered. It is expected that projects will be of bilateral value, and that benefits and relevance to the United States will be articulated within an application. However, particular preference will be given to projects of significant value or benefit to New Zealand, projects of significant interest and value to scholars in New Zealand, and projects which require access to specific individuals, materials, or institutions unique to New Zealand.
Please note, comparative projects will be assessed carefully for their merit and rigor and must be of the highest caliber. This is particularly important with regards to the value of the proposed project to New Zealand, and for any research-related or relevant to Māori and other minority populations.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
A letter of invitation from the proposed host institution is required.
All teaching and/or research will be in English; additional language proficiency is not required.
While a Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) is required for academic applicants, applicants with equivalent professional/artistic training or experience (recognized professional standing and substantial professional accomplishment) may apply. For those applicants with Ph.D.-equivalent professional or artistic training and/or experience, but without a terminal degree, please email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with your resume to confirm eligibility. Preference will be given to mid-late career applicants, with a Ph.D. or equivalent professional/artistic experience as described above.
Information about New Zealand higher education institutions can be found at New Zealand Education and Tertiary Education Commission.
Information about research institutions can be found at the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
Scholars are responsible for arranging their own housing and may contact their host institution's accommodation or international office for assistance.
Note: USD equivalent rates will fluctuate depending on current exchange rates and are indicative only. Conversions listed here are based on exchange rate 1 USD = 1.73 NZD.
Travel allowance: NZ$4,000 (US$2,315) for travel between the United States and New Zealand
Travel allowance for one dependent: NZ$3,000 (US$1,736)
Note: USD equivalent rates will fluctuate depending on current exchange rates and are indicative only. Conversions listed here are based on exchange rate 1 USD = 1.73 NZD.
A family allowance of NZ$500 (US$289) per month total for one or more dependents.
International travel of NZ$3,000 (US$1,736) for one dependent.
Dependents who will be enrolled in the New Zealand public school system in grades K-12 will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students.
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.
As with most countries, the cost of living in New Zealand varies depending on location and expectations around levels of comfort. Grantees can expect higher costs of living in larger urban areas such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, however, those residing in these larger metropolitan areas can allay some costs by house or flat sharing. Fulbright alumni have reported that the cost of food is often higher in New Zealand when compared to the United States.
For more detailed information about the cost of living in New Zealand, applicants are encouraged to review information online for the particular center where they intend to be based. For example, information about the cost of living in Christchurch can be found here.
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.
Located in the South West Pacific Ocean, Aotearoa/New Zealand (Aotearoa – meaning 'land of the long white cloud') is known to be one of the most picturesque and welcoming places on earth. An English-speaking small island nation of just over 5 million people, New Zealand is home to vibrant modern cities and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes - from vast mountain ranges to steaming volcanoes, ancient forests, and breathtaking coastlines.
New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting a unique mix of Māori, European, Pacific and Asian cultures. New Zealand's Māori culture is an integral part of ‘Kiwi’ life. Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of New Zealand and their history, language, and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity.
New Zealand is recognized internationally for its world-class education system, thriving industries, thought leadership, arts and culture, and unique natural environment, making it the ideal destination for scholars across a wide range of disciplines. New Zealand is an innovation hub, powered by a diverse and dynamic population, known for their resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
Fulbright Scholars in all disciplines are welcomed to undertake unique projects that are of benefit and interest to both New Zealand and the United States.
Information about previous Fulbright U.S. Scholar alumni can be found on the award listing on the Fulbright New Zealand website, under 'previous grantees'.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
If you intend to reside in New Zealand longer than the grant period (excluding holiday or travel time), you must include details about this in your application.
A mandatory Fulbright orientation will be held in New Zealand at the beginning of February.
Research Involving Māori
Māori are the tangata whenua of New Zealand. As a Treaty partner and a priority population, it is critical that candidates proposing research involving or relevant to Māori demonstrate cultural sensitivity in their application, propose a project that is respectful of Tikanga Māori, and preference amongst proposals on this subject may be given to candidates with experience developing projects in similar contexts.
Such candidates must be familiar with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Candidates proposing a project related to Māori must discuss with their proposed host institution the relevant policies and procedures in place related to consultations with Māori. Both items should be addressed within the Fulbright application.
Fulbright New Zealand specifically requests that under no circumstances applicants reach out to Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga about project ideas, without first having spoken to Fulbright New Zealand about the appropriateness of the project.