Fulbright Joint Supervision Program

• A monthly stipend for a total of 12 months while at the American university, divided into two periods if appropriate
• One or two round-trip, economy class flights between Morocco and the American host university (request for number of trips must be confirmed at time of application)
• Reasonable charges at the American host university, subject to MACECE’s and the U.S. co-supervisor’s approval
• An allowance of up to $1000 for the purchase of books and materials
• An allowance of up to $1000 for the purchase or rental of necessary academic equipment
• Medical insurance covering the grantee’s period(s) of stay in the U.S.
• MACECE also provides an economy-class round-trip ticket and per diem for the American co-supervisor to attend the PhD thesis defense of the Moroccan student and to spend up to one week in Morocco connecting with Moroccan colleagues and universities.
• The Joint Supervision grant is preferably for one round-trip, economy class flight to the USA, but upon request, the grant can be divided into two trips.  The minimum research time allowed under the grant is two months.

• Careful attention is paid to rationale provided by the candidate in both written statements and during the interview for wanting to work under the joint supervision of an American professor/specialist at an American university or research institute. The committee also looks for possible long-term benefits for building or reinforcing existing bilateral institutional relations.
• It is critical that the U.S. co-supervisor clearly indicate familiarity with the candidate’s field of research and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to guiding and assisting the candidate during the grant period. Proposed co-supervisors should also have an adequate level of expertise in the candidate’s discipline.
• The selection committee pays particular attention to the quality and feasibility of the candidate’s doctoral research proposal and their detailed plan of action during the grant period (which is 12 months and can be divided into up to 2 separate visits). The research plan should be measurable and achievable. Other evidence of academic merit reviewed by the selection committee include university transcripts (distinctions and/or class rank), letters of recommendation, academic prizes and publications/participation in conferences.
• The selection committee looks to the relevance of proposed field of study to Morocco’s strategic objectives in institution building, educational reform, sustainable development and technology transfer.

Ph.D. students interested in this program must first find an American professor willing to host them for one year.  Applications must include a letter of invitation from an American professor that clearly states the professor’s support for applicants to come and work with them at their university.

Many applications reflect a previously established relationship between Moroccan and the American professors. Equally frequent are applications with the U.S. professor identified through their significance in the applicant’s field of research and the applicant establishing an initial relationship and securing a letter of support.

Online Applications must include: 

• A minimum TOEFL score of 477 for the paper-based test or an internet-based test (IBT) minimum score of 53 for Candidates in the Sciences/ Engineering Candidates in the humanities must have a minimum 500 / 61. Applicants who hold a B.A. in English Studies are exempt from this requirement.
• Shortened thesis proposal specifically tailored for this application that covers the following points:

1- the dissertation’s hypothesis and overall purpose must be stated clearly in plain English in the first few paragraphs of the modified thesis proposal

2- how the dissertation’s thesis and research are situated in the context of current research in field, taking place in Morocco and in the world in general

3- how the proposal relates to Morocco’s national development needs is an important element in the Selection Committee’s consideration of the proposal

4- a brief review of the relevant literature, including an up-to-date bibliography

• Documentary proof that the applicant is a Ph.D., student (Attestation inscription/réinscription )
• Research objectives and personal statement essays (use the forms in the online application) which should demonstrate why the applicant’s research should be conducted in the US for one year
• CV

In the USA, administration of the Joint Supervision Program and Joint Supervision students is carried out by AMIDEAST in Washington, DC.

Like all Fulbright programs, the Joint Supervision Grantee must pledge to return to Morocco upon completion of the program.

Application launch: August 1, 2020
Application deadline: December 15, 2020
Interviews: February 2021
Final decision: March 2021
Depart to the U.S.: Summer 2021

The maximum period over which Joint Supervision is disbursed is two years.

Note:

Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.

Does the Commission provide doctoral students with the U.S. Co-supervisor?

No. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure a US supervisor. When feasible, the Commission can offer recommendations for possible faculty within its network. However, the applicant is strongly recommended to work with his or her Moroccan supervisor to identify an appropriate American co-supervisor.

Will applicants get a PhD degree from the U.S. university?

No, students who completed the joint supervision program will only get a certificate of participation in the program.

Can I get a grant even though I am studying in the US now?

Students currently in the US are not eligible for a grant.

Can students with disabilities apply for the grant?

ALL are encouraged to apply for our programs. If you get the scholarship, the program will support you to find a reasonable accommodation.

Can I stay in the US after I’ve completed my degree or research?

In order to receive the grant, you must sign a contract stipulating that you will return to Morocco immediately after you finish your research, and that you must stay in Morocco for at least 2 years.

I have a green card. Can I still get the grant?

Green card holders are not eligible for the grant.