Fulbright-University of Turku 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 award is meant for conducting research and/or lecturing in any field represented in the eight faculties and four independent units at the University of Turku.
Faculties at UTU:
In addition, research activities and learning take place at independent units, e.g. at Turku Bioscience Centre and Turku PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Center – both acknowledged worldwide for their quality research. Moreover, Faculty of Social Sciences hosts the national John Morton Center.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the host department, faculty or research program to work together in designing the activities.
The Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar Award is jointly funded by the University of Turku and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The University of Turku (UTU) is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. The University of Turku was founded as the first Finnish-language university in the country in 1920. The main campus is located in the historical city centre of Turku, renowned as the best Student City in Finland.
The University of Turku is among the top universities worldwide (QS World University Ranking 2023). The University builds a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. Close national and international research collaboration strengthens the University’s position among the leading research universities in the world.
Research at the University is profiled through the following six thematic collaborations:
- biodiversity and sustainability
- future technologies and digital society
- cultural memory and social change
- children, young people and learning
- health, diagnostics and drug development
- sea and maritime studies.
The University offers a wide choice of international Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in English. In addition, it is a home for the University of Turku Graduate School which consists of 16 Doctoral Programs with approximately 2,000 doctoral researchers from over 70 countries.
Located only 150 kilometers west of the capital city of Helsinki, Turku is very well-connected, including daily ferry and air connections to Stockholm, Sweden. Turku itself also offers a variety of both cultural and sport activities and events as well as opportunities to relax on nature trails or by the seaside. Active student life, easy and well-functioning public transport, and affordable housing are Turku's great assets.
Awards begin in August or September 2025, January 2026, or as separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The academic year runs from September through mid-May (fall semester: September to mid-December; spring semester: January to mid-May).
There is generally no teaching from June to August.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Note: Late June, July, and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland, and responses to inquiries may be considerably delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time if they have any questions about the grant or if they wish to obtain an invitation letter from the host.
It is also recommended to work together with the host to plan the work program relevant for both the grantee and the host. The hosts might receive several inquiries, so it is advisable to make contact with the host at the earliest stage.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2025.
A candidate for The Fulbright - University of Turku Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree (or other terminal degree) and should have several years of teaching and research experience in their field. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care, or patient contact are not eligible.
In addition to the general evaluation criteria, candidates in all Fulbright programs are reviewed on the project’s contribution to the objectives of the Fulbright Program as well as on the adaptability and suitability of the candidate to act as a Fulbright Ambassador for the U.S. in Finland.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is 2,700–4,000 EUR (approx. 2,900-4,400 USD), depending on the rank of scholar, paid out in euros in monthly installments.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
The University of Turku will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. 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.
Fulbright Scholars at UTU are offered a full range of services incl. help and advice for relocation and orientation, Finnish for beginner's courses, staff training, and sports services. UTU also wants to contribute to its international staff's accompanying family settling in well in Finland and Turku. Information on Finnish language courses, daycare, and schools, as well as leisure time activities and networking, is available at: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/for-visitors
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki also 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.
University of Turku
Please contact the contact persons at the university in any general questions about the university or if you need assistance in locating a potential host at the university.
International Liaison Officer
Email: satu.e.nurmi@utu.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