Fulbright Scholar Award

Multiple Disciplines

Oman

Application Deadline
closed
Award Code
25217-OM
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project activity type provides professionals and artists in various fields the opportunity to interact with relevant organizations abroad to explore a topic related to their field without answering a defined research question. Professional Projects may include: professional consultations; artist residencies; visits to organizations in the applicant's field; practical experience in day-to-day operations; public lectures; mentoring; arranging exhibitions, performances or musical compilations; preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews); exchange of expertise with other professionals; participation in public events; or other appropriate professional activities.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) required
Career Profile
Artists
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in an artistic profession.
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Approximately
3
Award Start Period
September 2026 or February 2027
Award Length
3 months - 10 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Accounting/Finance
Agriculture
Astronomy
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Communications
Computer Science
Criminology/Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Economics
Education
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Gender Studies
Information Sciences/Systems
International Relations
Journalism
Law
Marketing
Materials Science
Mathematics
Medical Sciences
Neuroscience
Nursing
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Physics
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Health
Religious Studies
Social Work
TEFL
Tourism
Veterinary Medicine
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

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.

Award Activity

Host institutions welcome scholars to teach full-time, conduct research full-time, or conduct a combination of teaching and research (either simultaneously or divided by semester), or conduct a professional project in the disciplines listed.

For proposals that include teaching, research, or a combination of teaching/research, scholars may be required to advise and/or mentor students, assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development, conduct a research project designated by the host institution, conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing, teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution, teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing. There are no requirements for a teaching/research ratio as this depends on the hosts' interests and agreement between the scholar and the host institution. 

Teaching courses can be at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and must correspond with the academic calendar. Academic semesters are typically September to January and February through June. Applicants should suggest courses for consideration in their Fulbright proposals. Courses may also be designated by the host institution. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are generally 1 hours long and have approximately 15 students. Grantees should expect to teach at least 30 hours per week and work with the university to conduct additional activities such as professional development for faculty or students. Activities and courses will be finalized in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Oman and the host institution.

The Professional Project grant may include visits to organizations in the applicant's field of expertise, practical experience in day-to-day operations, public lectures, artist residencies, or other professional activities to promote and support the organization’s development objectives. For more information, please see the activity description.

Please note: Final awards are contingent upon clearance by the Sultanate of Oman, a process that takes considerable time.  All candidates and affiliations must be approved by the host institution and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail

Other host institutions can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact middleeastnorthafrica@iie.org with questions about host institution eligibility.

Award Length and Period

3 to 10 months

Teaching grants should begin in September 2025 or February 2026, based on the academic calendar and depending on grant length. Research grant and Professional Project dates may be more flexible. All grant lengths must be completed by June 2026. The academic calendar may be adjusted around Islamic and local holidays.

Special Features

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 (three to fourteen 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.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
A letter of invitation is preferred.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Interested applicants are encouraged to establish contact with potential host institutions, which should be done as early as possible. Faculty and/or administrators in Oman may be difficult to reach from June through August. All host affiliations and research proposals must be approved by the Government of Oman; as such, the selection process for Oman may require additional time.

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient
Additional Language Requirement

All teaching for sciences, medicine, and most business fields will be in English; proficiency in another language is not required. For research grants, applicants without Arabic or other applicable language proficiency, feasibility of conducting research in English must be demonstrated in the proposal.

Additional Qualification Information

Ph.D. or M.D. preferred. Applicants with an M.B.A., M.F.A. or other terminal degree and substantial teaching experience will be considered.

A Ph.D. is not required for the Professional Project activity. 

Additional Comments

Helpful contacts at potential host institutions include:

  • Sultan Qaboos University: Mr. Salahalddin Al Saadi, Deputy Director of External Cooperation (ir@squ.edu.om)
  • Modern College of Business and Science, Boushar: Dr. Ahmed Al Na'mani, Dean, (naamany@mcbs.edu.om)
  • National University for Science and Technology, Ms. Sudha Sammita, Director of Libraries, (sudha@nu.edu.om)
  • University of Nizwa, Mr. Bader Al Suleimani, Director of External Relations Office, (alsuleimani@unizwa.edu.om)
  • Dhofar University, Salalah: Dr. Hassan Kashoob, Vice Chancellor, (hassankashoob@du.edu.om)
  • Sohar University, Sohar: Mr. Salim Abu Al Saad, Manager, Communications and External Relations, (Salim@soharuni.edu.om)
  • A’Sharqiyah University: Dr. Steve Reames, Dean, College of Business Administration, + 968-25560700, (info@asu.edu.om)

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Researcher and Professional Project Monthly Allowances
$4935
$4935
Teaching or Teaching/Research Award Monthly Allowances
$5705
$5925
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

$1,550 for relocation, in-transit, and excess baggage fees.

Plus a round-trip, economy-class, international travel arranged by travel agent selected by IIE.

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

$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. 

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Additional living and housing (monthly) allowances are provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $1150/month to $2240/month.

Round-trip, economy-class, international travel is arranged by travel agent selected by IIE, for up to two dependents. 

Dependent tuition allowance for dependents in grades K-12 is provided on a reimbursement basis upon submission of receipts 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.

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

Estimated housing costs: $650 per month

Meals: $200 per month

Transportation: $30 per day

Internet + Utility Bills (electricity and water): $250 per month

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.

Oman

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

The Fulbright Program in Oman began in 1995. The traditional U.S Scholar program is available for Americans to teach and/or conduct research, as well as conduct professional projects at higher education institutions in Oman. 

Visa/Residence

A visa is required for travel to Oman. Fulbrighters should contact their host institutions for guidance on visa type, validity duration, and associated fees. 

Transportation

Taxis are the best way to get around in Oman’s major cities, and negotiating fares must be done before beginning the ride. Grantees can drive in Oman with a foreign driver’s license or an international driving permit for up to three months. After three months, participants will need to convert their valid driving permit into an Omani driving permit. Short-term visitors with a U.S. driver’s license may drive rental but not privately registered vehicles. Renting a car is a great way to explore the country during a short-term visit.

Housing

It will be the grantee's responsibility to secure housing, and rental properties are plentiful in Oman. The U.S. Embassy will not be able to assist, but will provide suggested neighborhoods. 

Schooling Options for Dependents

There are a few international schools in Oman. Information and contact are available on their websites. There are also several preschools with morning-only programs. 

Healthcare 

Hospitals and clinics in Muscat are modern and clean, and the quality of service will vary. The Embassy’s health unit recommends that participants are current on polio, meningitis, tetanus, measles, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccinations.

Shopping 

Larger cities in Oman, like Muscat and Salalah, have an ample variety of places to shop for groceries, clothing, and other items. Grocery stores, as well as shopping malls, have set prices, but there is room for bargaining in the local souks.

Please note: Final awards are contingent upon clearance by the Sultanate of Oman, a process that takes considerable time.  All candidates and affiliations must be approved by the host institution and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.