All Disciplines
Paraguay
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.
Applicants may propose research projects, teaching projects, or a combination of both in any discipline. Professionals may propose a professional project.
For a combination of teaching/research projects, the recommended ratio is 60/40.
Teaching and teaching/research grantees are expected to conduct seminars (at least 2), give public lectures, and advise on university curriculum and administration.
Any appropriate institution of higher education, research center, government Institution or NGO in Paraguay.
Four to six months; for Flex grants, see Flex Option section.
Grants may begin in August 2026 or later. For Flex grants, see Flex Option section.
All Scholars to Paraguay are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, which typically takes place in mid-July, prior to beginning their Fulbright grant.
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 awards are offered for teaching and teaching/research grants.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Paraguay stands out for its flexibility, broad eligibility, and alignment with national priorities. It is an ideal choice for scholars and professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact while experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of Paraguay.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants are encouraged to consult the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) “Can-Do Statements” to determine if they are qualified.
Applicants are encouraged to register qualified language evaluator, such as a language instructor or a translator, to conduct the external assessment in the application. Being a native speaker alone does not qualify an individual to conduct the assessment.
Applicants who are native speakers do not need to complete an external evaluation.
Guarani is required if necessary for research projects.
It is recommended that, if the host institution accepts a grantee with lower language proficiency, that institution be prepared to find and fund an interpreter.
Ph.D. is preferred, but professional candidates with a minimum of seven years of experience will also be considered.
Applicants seeking assistance with local contacts may contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion. Inquiries may be directed to Sergio Jimenez.
$1,350, in addition to round-trip airfare coordinated through travel agency GBT.
For Flex grants, round-trip travel will be included for each segment of the grant for the scholar only. Dependent travel will not be provided for Flex scholars.
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance; these materials should be donated to the host institution or other entity upon grantee's departure.
$300 - $500 research allowance for research-only grants and professional project grants.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $200/month to $400/month.
Round-trip airfare is also provided for up to two eligible dependents and is coordinated through travel agency GBT. Dependent travel will not be provided for Flex scholars.
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 in Asuncion
Asuncion, the capital city of Paraguay, offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities worldwide. Here are some details on the estimated costs:
Housing Costs
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: Approximately $450 per month.
- Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center: Around $700 per month.
- Utilities (electricity, heating, water) for one person: About $100 per month.
Day-to-Day Expenses
- Groceries: Basic items such as milk ($1.20 per liter), bread ($1.00 per loaf), and eggs ($2.00 per dozen) are relatively affordable.
- Restaurants: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $15.00.
- Transportation: A one-way ticket for local transport is about $0.45, and a monthly pass costs around $45.00.
- Other: A bottle of mid-range wine costs approximately $25.00, and a pack of cigarettes is around $2.00.
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.
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.
Paraguay
In the Heart of South America
Paraguay, often called the heart of South America, is a landlocked country bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. With a population of about six million, nearly a third reside in the vibrant metropolitan area surrounding the capital, Asunción.
Paraguayans are proud of their bilingual heritage. Spanish and Guarani, an indigenous language, are both official and widely spoken. Family and simple pleasures are central to daily life. While tourism remains modest, it is steadily growing, drawing visitors to Paraguay’s rich natural landscapes and warm hospitality.
Demographics
Most Paraguayans live in the eastern region, within 160 kilometers (99 miles) of Asunción. The Gran Chaco in the northwest covers 60% of the country but is home to less than 2% of the population. Paraguay is one of South America’s most ethnically and culturally homogeneous nations, with about 75% of the population identifying as mestizo (mixed Spanish and Guarani descent). The Guarani language remains a strong cultural thread, spoken by 90% of Paraguayans.
Climate and Weather
Paraguay enjoys a subtropical climate with abundant rainfall and moderate seasonal changes. Expect warmer temperatures from October to March and cooler weather from May to August. Rainfall is consistent in the east, with the heaviest precipitation in March–May and October–November.
Housing
Asunción, founded in 1537, blends colonial charm with modern growth. The city offers a range of housing options, from historic neighborhoods to contemporary apartments. Residents enjoy easy access to supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues.
Tereré: A Social Tradition
Sharing Tereré, an infusion of yerba mate in ice-cold water, is a cherished Paraguayan custom. To be offered Tereré is a sign of social acceptance, and you’ll see people enjoying it everywhere, from parks to offices.
Academic Year
The academic year runs from March to December, with a two-week break between semesters (usually in June/July).
Useful Telephone Information
- Country Code: +595
- Asunción City Code: 21
- Cell phone numbers: ten digits, starting with 09 (e.g., 0981 123 456)
- Landlines: six or seven digits, or with area code 021 (e.g., 607 930 or (021) 607 930)
Consider Paraguay for your Fulbright experience and discover a country where tradition, hospitality, and opportunity meet at the heart of South America.
Click here to view a list of Fulbright alumni to Paraguay.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.