Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award (All Disciplines)
Finland
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 Fulbright-Tampere University scholar will conduct research and lecture at any of the seven faculties of the University:
- Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
- Faculty of Management and Business
- Faculty of Education and Culture
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
- Faculty of Built Environment
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Social Sciences
The award can be awarded to any field represented at Tampere University.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the host department, faculty, or research program to work together in designing the activities.
The Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award is jointly funded by the Tampere University and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
Tampere University
Tampere University is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. The University is known for its excellence in teaching and research and it collaborates with hundreds of universities and organizations worldwide. The community consists of 21,000 students and over 4,000 staff members from more than 80 countries.
Tampere University brings together research expertise spanning a broad spectrum of disciplines relating to technology, health and society. The Centres of Excellence carry out body-on-chip research and study game cultures, among other things. The University is home to more than 100 active research groups and centers, and there are countless research projects underway.
Please visit the university website for more information on our research excellence, international activities and study programs in English.
City of Tampere
Tampere is the third largest city in Finland and the largest inland center in the Nordic countries.
Tampere is one of the three most rapidly developing regions in Finland. It is a center for leading-edge technology, research, education, culture, sports, and business. Year after year, the City of Tampere comes first in image surveys comparing the largest cities in Finland. It is also the most attractive city among Finns who plan on moving. Tampere is home to 250,000 people. The Greater Tampere Area, which comprises Tampere and its neighboring municipalities, has a population of almost half a million.
Find more information at Visit Tampere.
Awards begin in September 2025 or January 2026, or must be separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The academic year runs from September through mid-May. No teaching is generally offered during June to August.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of invitation from the relevant unit. The letter should include information on the agreed teaching and research plan, details of housing, and length and dates of the proposed visit (the Finnish host institution should refer to these instructions).
Note: Late June, July, and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland, and responses to inquiries may be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2025.
A candidate for the Fulbright–Tampere University Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree and have some experience in teaching and research in their field.
The candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Information on the Fulbright-Tampere University Scholar Award on the Fulbright Finland Foundation website
More information about Finland: Visit Finland and This is Finland
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is 4,500 EUR a month (approx. $4,900), paid out in euros in monthly installments.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
Tampere University will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. This information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
A one-time travel allowance of $1,800 is provided.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
K-12 education in Finland is generally free or heavily subsidized (some special schools, such as private international schools, may charge tuition). Instruction in English is available in Helsinki and other bigger cities at kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, however many of them require an aptitude test and sometimes entry is competitive.
For details about the Finnish education system please visit the Ministry of Education and Culture, which provides greater insight to education at all levels across Finland.
The scholar will receive the full support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation for all Fulbright grantees in Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges a four-day orientation seminar for scholars at the end of August, which scholars arriving for the fall semester are expected to attend. An orientation meeting is also arranged for scholars arriving in January. In addition, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of Finnish culture.
The grantee will also be eligible to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society, pending availability of suitable programs.
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.
Finland
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Finland for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Finland is a Nordic country the size of California located in northern Europe and is part of the European Union. It is rather sparsely populated (5.6 million people) and has extensive nature: forests, coastline, and lakes. The six largest cities host approximately 60% of the population; urban environments are closely linked to nature. It is a country that has a well-organized and efficient society. The general infrastructure, both public and private services, is considered very effective. Well run public services such as transportation, police, education, and healthcare are fundamental and highly regarded parts of the society. The arts and design, cultural life, nature, and sports are highly valued. Finland ranks as one of the world’s most stable nations and has been named one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, which makes it an easy place to live and travel.
Finns believe strongly in equality and education, and the country is especially known for its effective and free education system. Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Finnish higher education institutions engage in world-leading research and offer high-quality academic programs. On a national level, research and development is highly emphasized. The Finnish government is committed to the target of raising research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers interesting opportunities for American researchers, teachers, and professionals. English is widely used at the university level.
The academic year in Finland is based on a two-semester system. The official academic year starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. However, in the fall semester, lectures are usually scheduled between September and mid-December, and in the spring semester, between early January and May. Typically, there is no teaching during the summer and on public holidays.
Finland has a strong Fulbright program with a unique history. The program has an important role in supporting the internationalization of education and research in Finland, helping U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages, and promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The program has grown in recent years due to the close cooperation of the Fulbright Finland Foundation with Finnish universities, research institutions, governmental agencies, and private foundations, as well as to U.S. and Finnish alumni contributions. Most of the program’s funding currently comes from Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers awards to U.S. scholars to teach or pursue research in Finland. The majority of awards are available to scholars in all disciplines, but some awards are limited to certain fields. In nearly all categories, housing is provided for the grantee. Awards are also available for professionals for career development.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation also provides information for Finnish institutions, which applicants are encouraged to utilize when contacting prospective hosts.
Read more about Finland:
Fulbright Finland Foundation website
Fulbright Finland News Magazine
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Scott E. Buchanan - Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies 2019-20
David Dorman - Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health and Environmental Sciences 2021-2022
Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation website to see grantees from previous years.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Tampere University
Tampere University encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Minna Haka-Risku is happy to help potential candidates to connect with the faculty members for discussion.
Minna Haka-Risku
Manager of International Affairs
Email: minna.haka-risku@tuni.fi
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions.
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
Coordinator
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi