Balkan linguistics with Focus on Albanology
Kosovo
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.
The scholar will conduct research in the area of Balkan linguistics with focus on Albanology in collaboration with staff at the host institution. Also, the scholar is expected to deliver presentations and/or seminars to staff, post-graduate students and other researchers in this field at the Faculty of Philology, University of Pristina. Albanian is one of the key languages of Balkan Sprachbund. Moreover, Kosovo is a multiethnic society that includes languages and language contacts of other languages of Balkan Sprachbund: Serbian (with the focus on Torlak variety of Serbian), Balkan Romani, Balkan Turkish, Gorani and Rahovec Slavic variety with strong elements of Balkan linguistics as well as elements or traces of Aromanian. Therefore, a scholar of Balkan Linguistics and/or Balkan Languages would have an excellent opportunity to conduct firsthand research that may also additionally consider any of these languages, as well as language contact between them. Depending on the specifics of the research project, other centers of Balkan languages (Skopje, Tirana, Belgrade, Sofia, Athens) may be of interest for collaborative work and exchange of site visits.
Scholars selected for this grant will be required to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation.
University of Pristina, Faculty of Philology, Department of Albanian language and Department of Balkanistics, Pristina, Kosovo (https://filologjia.uni-pr.edu)
Award length: 6 - 9 months. Months for the visit: From September 2025 to May 2026.
Host university will offer logistical assistance in finding housing or school for dependent children of the U.S. Fulbright Scholar. The Inter-Country Travel Program may support exchange visits.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Prof Dr. Bardh Rugova, bardh.rugova@uni-pr.edu
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.
$4,250
$1,500 books and educational materials allowance; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.
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 $300/month. In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amounts range from $2,750 to $5,500.
Reimbursement for dependent education expenses may be available on a limited basis, depending on funding availability and grant duration. Grantees should confirm with IIE that proposed expenses meet eligibility criteria; however, availability of funds may not be known until the end of the academic year.
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.
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.
Kosovo
Kosovo is the youngest European country, in the heart of the Balkans. With 70 percent of the population under 35, it is young and vibrant. Pristina, the capital city, officially has around 200,000 inhabitants, but that number swells during the business day to nearly 500,000. It is very easy to navigate, with a strong café culture, many great restaurants, and a large international community. Every other major town is within 90 minutes of Pristina, including Prizren (the cultural capital of Kosovo), Peja and Gjakova (hubs for outdoor enthusiasts). More information on Kosovo and tourism can be found here and here.
A culturally Muslim country, but very liberal in practice, Kosovo is widely considered to be one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with a U.S. favorability rating of more than 95 percent of the population. The ongoing dispute over Kosovo's independence from Serbia creates a unique dynamic, especially with the Kosovo-Serb minority population.
Since Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, its higher-education system has slowly been making progress towards a more Western-oriented approach, based on the Bologna System. U.S. Fulbright Scholars have significantly helped to expand the knowledge of students and professors who might otherwise not have the opportunity to study or travel abroad.
Higher education in Kosovo consists of eight state universities and one college: the University of Pristina "Hasan Prishtina” is Kosovo's largest university; the University of Prizren "Ukshin Hoti”; the University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”; the University of Gjilan "Kadri Zeka"; the University of Mitrovica "Isa Boletini"; the University of Peja "Haxhi Zeka"; and the University of Applied Sciences (UASF) in Ferizaj, Faculty of Islamic Studies and the International Business College Mitrovica (for more information , please check this link. There are 11 private institutions of higher education (for more information, please check this link. The academic calendar consists of two semesters (October-January and February-May). Exams are generally offered at the end of each semester.
The Fulbright Program in Kosovo is 14 years old, but undergoing a significant expansion thanks to a joint investment of funds by the Government of Kosovo and the United States. Significant opportunities remain to make a difference in the state of education in the country. Knowledge of the Albanian language is beneficial, but not a requirement.
Families are welcome and opportunities for K-12 education are available. You may reach out to us, and we will provide you with a list of K-12 schools taught in English.
Medical facilities in Kosovo consist of the government-sponsored University Clinical Center and private medical clinics. Medical facilities outside Pristina have limited capabilities. For more information, please see this link.
Public transportation is available. Taxis are generally an inexpensive, safe, and a reliable means of transportation.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for trips of up to 90 days. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at Pristina’s Directorate for Migration and Foreigners. To apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to provide proof of health insurance and an official police background check report issued in the United States prior to travel. See our Criminal Records checks page on our website. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist you in obtaining background checks, certificates of conduct, or fingerprints. For all public information related to entry, exit, and visa requirements available to U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Kosovo, see this link.
Prospective applicants may contact the U.S. Embassy directly with questions or for clarification. The primary point of contact for the Fulbright Program is Remzije Potoku, Higher Education Specialist, at PotokuRK@state.gov.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.