Fulbright Scholar Award

All Disciplines

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Award Code
271220-BA
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project Award Activity is an opportunity for applicants to pursue projects that would enhance their professional development and the field at large.Professional Projects may include, but are not limited to: Professional consultations or exchange of expertise with other professionals, Artist residencies, Visits to organizations in the applicant's field, Practical experience in day-to-day operations, Public lectures, Mentoring, Arranging and planning exhibitions, Performances or musical compilations, Participation in public events, Preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews).If your project involves classroom teaching, as opposed to public or guest lectures, then please apply for the Teaching Award Activity.If your proposed project answers a research question or will have research outcomes, then please apply for the Research Award Activity.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Required
Career Profile
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Up To
2
Award Start Period
September 2027 - October 2027 or February 2028
Award Length
4 months - 10 months
Flex Option
Yes
This award allows Flex. This option enables applicants to propose multiple short-term stays in the host country over two years if required by their proposed project. Refer to Flex Description below for specific parameters. Plans, goals, and rationale for Flex must be described in Project Statement.
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

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.

Award Activity

Teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the area of specialization. Depending on the award activities, scholars are expected to either deliver occasional guest lectures and public presentations and/or organize workshops at other universities, as requested, by interested universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH); consult on either curriculum and/or program development; assist with either thesis advising and/or faculty training; conduct research in area of specialization; and/or participate in ongoing research projects. Teaching/research candidates should allocate their grant time with approximately 40% teaching and 60% research.

Scholars selected for this grant will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation in Summer 2027 and in country arrival orientation in September 2027.

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Applicants may identify an appropriate host institution from the public universities listed below:

Univerzitet u Sarajevu /University of Sarajevo 
Web: www.unsa.ba/en
 
Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci/University of Banja Luka 
Web: www.unibl.org/en 
 
Univerzitet u Tuzli/University of Tuzla 
Web: https://untz.ba/en/welcome-to-the-university-of-tuzla/

Univerzitet u Bihaću/University of Bihac 
Web: www.unbi.ba
 
Univerzitet «Džemal Bijedić» u Mostaru/University «Dzemal Bijedic» in Mostar 
Web: https://iro.unmo.ba/en/
 
Sveučilište Mostar u Mostaru-SUM/ Sveučilište Mostar in Mostar: 
Web: https://www.sum.ba/en
 
Univerzitet u Zenici/University of Zenica 
Web: www.unze.ba 
 
Univerzitet u Istočnom Sarajevu/University of East Sarajevo 
Web: www.ues.rs.ba

Award Length and Period

One semester grants must begin in either first week of October 2027 or last week of February 2028; two semester grants must begin last week of September 2027. (The in-country orientation is scheduled during the last week of September, and the academic year opens October 1.) 

For Flex grants, see Flex Option section.

Flex

The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.

The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.

Flex allowed for all activity type(s) listed in award
Segments may be proposed for up to a 2 year period
2 Segments may be proposed
Grant segments are allowed to be conducted in summer months (June, July, and August)
No
Minimum segment length is 4 month(s)
Maximum segment length is 6 month(s)
Minimum total award length is 4 month(s)
Maximum total award length is 10 month(s)
*Total award length is the total length (duration) of all segments and does not include time between segments.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter is preferred.
Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Additional Language Requirement

Post will seek placements where teaching in English is possible. However, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) teaching ability will broaden the range of possible classes. Basic/intermediate BCS ability is also helpful while living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For research, BCS language proficiency sufficient to complete the proposed project is required. For applicants without local language proficiency, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement.

Additional Qualification Information

Professionals with university teaching experience are encouraged to apply.

Additional Comments

Preference will be given to proposals that will contribute to stronger ties between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) especially in shared economic prosperity and regional safety and stability, and include the educational, economic, social, civil or legal advancement of BiH. 

Award Allowances

Grant benefits include a monthly maintenance allowance, comprised of a base stipend and living and housing allowances. The base stipend varies based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent). Living and housing allowances vary based on the city of placement, and the number of accompanying dependents. Dependent housing and living allowances will not be provided to Flex grantees.

Researcher and Professional Project Monthly Allowances
$3720
$4120
Teaching or Teaching/Research Award Monthly Allowances
$4490
$5110
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

$3,550

For Flex grants: round trip travel will be included for each segment of the grant for the grantee only.

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

$500 books and educational materials allowance for teaching and teaching/research grants; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.

$500 - $1,000 (depending on grant length); research allowance for research-only grants.

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $150/month to $250/month. In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amounts range from $2,000 to $4,000.

A dependent education allowance for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed at $5,000 maximum for one semester, $10,000 maximum for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts and depending on funding availability. Reimbursement is based on actual costs.

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.

Estimated Cost of Living

Apartment Rent: Rental costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina vary significantly based on location. In major cities like Sarajevo or Banja Luka, one-bedroom apartments typically range from $450 to $650 or more per month. Prices in smaller towns tend to be lower. 

it's important to ensure that a rental agency operates in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Transportation: Public transportation is affordable, with a single bus or tram ticket priced around $2. Monthly passes are available for regular commuters. Taxis are also reasonably priced compared to Western Europe.

Groceries: The cost of groceries is generally lower than in many Western European countries. Basic groceries for a single person may range from $450 to $550 per month, depending on individual habits.

Eating Out: Eating out at restaurants and cafes is often quite affordable, with prices varying based on cuisine and location. Generally, they are lower compared to those in Western Europe.

Utilities: Utility costs, including electricity, water, heating, and internet, can vary based on apartment size and usage habits. Monthly utility expenses amount to about $250.

These estimates serve as general guidelines; however, actual prices may fluctuate based on factors such as specific location, lifestyle preferences, and prevailing economic conditions.

 

Special Award Benefits

N/A

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.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a post-war country in transition. Society continues to move through processes of reconciliation and development at various levels — educational, political, social, economic, etc. For Fulbrighters, this context offers a meaningful environment for academic and community engagement. Daily life is generally welcoming and accessible, and Fulbrighters often find it easy to integrate into local communities, universities, and professional networks. English is widely spoken among younger people and in academic settings, which supports smooth collaboration and everyday communication. There are also many opportunities to engage with citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international community, and other partners on issues related to development, reconciliation, and community strengthening.

The academic calendar varies from university to university, but in general, the academic year runs from the first week of October through June, with semesters running from the first week of October through December and the last week of February through mid-June. Teaching, research, or combined teaching/research awards are for one or two semesters during the academic year.

Previous Fulbright Recipients

The names of alumni who are available to provide information about their Fulbright experiences can be provided upon request.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.