Multiple Disciplines
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.
Host institutions welcome scholars to teach courses, conduct research, or carry out a combination of teaching and research activities.
For proposals that carry out a combination of teaching and research activities, there are no requirements for a teaching/research ratio as this depends on the interests of and agreement between the scholar and the host institution.
Strong preference for curriculum development and program design, and student mentoring in research. Host will also provide opportunities for the awardee to speak to local audiences and/or the media about their area of research.
More information about teaching and/or research proposals available here.
Possible host institutions include, but are not limited to:
4-9 months
Host institutions prefer to host scholars based on the academic year (October - June). Any teaching component must correspond with the length of the academic calendar in Kuwait. All grant lengths must be completed by June 2024. The academic calendar may be adjusted around Islamic and local holidays, as well as the COVID-19 status in the country.
For Flex grants, see Flex Description.
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.
Preferred fields include, but are not limited to:
American studies: American history and political processes
Science, Engineering, Technology, Math (STEM)
Cybersecurity
Journalism/mass communications
Women's studies
Education
International education advising
During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Middle East and North Africa region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant (five to 14 days) for participation in a variety of activities including faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, conferences, or some combination thereof. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program.
Interested applicants are encouraged to establish contact with potential host institutions, which should be done as early as possible. Faculty and/or administrators in Kuwait may be difficult to reach from June through August. Please contact the Public Affairs Section of U.S. Embassy, Kuwait, at PASKuwaitM@state.gov, for assistance in facilitating contact with the host institution.
- Kuwait University: Ability to conduct lectures in Arabic preferred, but not required.
- American University of Kuwait: Courses are conducted in English.
- Gulf University of Science and Technology: Courses are conducted in English.
For research, Arabic or other applicable language proficiency sufficient to complete the research project is required; applicants must complete the language proficiency evaluation. For applicants without Arabic or other applicable language proficiency, the feasibility of conducting research in English must be demonstrated in the proposal.
For teaching activities: Ph.D. or equivalent and at least five years teaching experience strongly preferred.
For education administration and curriculum development activities: advanced degree and substantial professional experience required.
$2,950 for relocation, in-transit, and excess baggage fees.
Plus one round-trip, economy-class, international travel arranged by travel agent selected by IIE.
Please note that Kuwait does not provide residency permits. For grant durations over three months, Fulbrighters will need to plan to leave the country every three months and re-enter to renew the tourist visa.
For Flex grants: round trip travel will be included for each segment of the grant. The relocation, in-transit, and excess baggage allowance will be divided by number of segments.
$750 books and educational materials allowance for teaching or teaching/research grants; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.
$2000 research allowance for research-only grants.
For Flex grants: educational materials allowance or research allowance will be divided by number of segments.
Additional living (monthly) allowance is provided for grantees with one dependent or two or more dependents. These amounts range from $360/month to $760/month.
Round-trip, economy-class, international travel is arranged by travel agent selected by IIE, for up to two dependents. Dependent travel will not be provided for Flex grants.
Please note that Kuwait does not provide residency permits. For dependents accompanying grantees on grant durations over three months, dependents will need to plan to leave the country every three months and re-enter to renew the tourist visa.
Dependent tuition allowance for dependents in grades K-12 is provided on a reimbursement basis upon submission of reciepts, and based on the availability of funds. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only.
- One semester grants: up to $4,250 per child, or $8,500 per two children.
- Two semester grants: up to $8,500 per child, or $17,000 per two children.
- For Flex grants: dependent tuition allowance will not be provided.
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.
Kuwait
About Kuwait
In 2020, the population of Kuwait was estimated at 4,464,521 persons, according to the Kuwait General Statistical Bureau. 1.3 million are Kuwaitis and 3.2 are expatriates. The society is made up of different ethnic groups, including expats from western, Asian, and Arab countries. English is widely spoken.
Kuwait lies in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf. Its north-west borders are with Iraq, and its south and south-west borders are with Saudi Arabia. Its shores of the Arabian Gulf lie on the east. Kuwait has a continental climate characterized by its dry, hot, long summer and a short, warm winter with occasional rainfall. Dust storms often occur during the summer months. (Source: Kuwait Government Online)
Visa
Pre-covid, a tourist visa was granted upon arrival. Post-Covid, travelers have been asked to apply for the tourist electronic visa online. The tourist visa is free of charge and lasts for three months. Typically, the host institution assists grantees in renewing the tourist visa every three months. Pandemic circumstances have disrupted the norm, and additional information will be provided upon selection. The Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait will provide the most up to date information after selection.
Housing
The U.S. Embassy will not be able to assist Fulbright grantees in securing housing for. Grantees should check with the host institution for advice. For temporary housing, a list of hotel apartments are available in Kuwait by visiting www.e.gov.kw, Visitors > Tourism In Kuwait > Hotels and Resorts.
Economy
Kuwait's economy is based on oil. Its currency, the Kuwaiti dinar, is the highest-valued unit of money in the world. There are non-petroleum industries such as financial services. The country is home to a large wealth-management industry. According to the World Bank, Kuwait is in the top-10 of the wealthiest countries in the world (per capita). (Source: Nationsonline.com)
Arts and Culture
There is no tourism sector in Kuwait. However, there are significant cultural establishments and museums that inform visitors about the rich history of Kuwait, including modern museums at Al-Shaheed Park, Kuwait’s largest urban park, and the memorial museum. Other large modern establishments include Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Center and Abdullah Alsalem Cultural Center. Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah, Bait Al-Sadu, and Tareq Rajab Museum are also highlights of Kuwait’s cultural scene. Cultural establishments are managed by the Ministry of Information.
Kuwait has some of the best top-class shopping malls in the world that include an impressive variety of international brands. Some of the well-known shopping destinations are the Avenues Mall, Marina Mall, and 360 Mall. For more information about art and culture in Kuwait, please visit http://www.kuwaitculture.com/.
Schooling Options for Dependents
The academic year in Kuwait runs from September to June. There might be changes in the academic year’s timeframe due to COVID-19. Information on international schools in Kuwait and their fees are available on their websites.
Transportation
Taxi services are the best option for transportation.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
No housing will be provided by local universities. However, staff from Human Resources at local universities may advise on convenient housing near the host institution. Upon arrival, researchers usually stay in furnished apartments or hotels until they secure suitable apartments.