Professor or researcher, you may be eligible for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Grant
The Visiting Scholars Program is a program for Moroccan Faculty to apply for 6 months of research at an American university. Like all Fulbright grants, all subjects and disciplines are eligible. Those proposing research in medical or legal areas need to check with MACECE to see if their research could be accepted. The grant period must be continuous and with no interruptions.
The application process begins with the Moroccan researcher contacting an American university or otherwise scientific colleague who agrees to host the Visiting Scholar at their university or institute for the entire grant period.
Applicants must have adequate spoken and written English to conduct research, collaborate with colleagues in the USA, and get to navigate everyday life in the United States. They must state why the proposed research needs to be conducted in the United States rather than Morocco as well as the expected benefits of the research.
Candidates planning to spend six months need to specify this on their applications and on the invitation letters received from their potential US collaborators.
Eligibility /Ineligibility
- Permanent residents of the United States (holders of the “Green Card”) or Moroccan-American dual nationals are not eligible
- Like all Fulbright programs, the Visiting Scholar must pledge to return to Morocco upon completion of the program
- Individuals who are employees or close family members or dependents of employees of MACECE, the MACECE board, the US Embassy or the US Department of State or its cooperating agencies are ineligible to apply for the program.
- Round-trip, economy-class airfare
- A monthly stipend
- A settling-in allowance, a professional allowance, and, if necessary, an allowance for dependents
- Health insurance
The Following Selection Criteria are taken into consideration by the Selection Committee Members when reading the Applications of the Candidates for Fulbright Visiting Scholar Grants:
- Scholarship: The Selection Committee looks for academic leaders through evidence of the quality and quantity of the candidates’ academic contributions in their fields. The following elements are carefully assessed: a) candidates’ record of serious publications and papers presented at conferences; b) candidates’ level of involvement in institution-building, curriculum and program development; c) their role as citizens in community-based service organizations.
- Vision and Intent: The proposal should be clear and feasible in terms of goals, and methods. It must show academic rigor in its content and format. It should demonstrate possible long-term benefits for building or reinforcing existing bilateral institutional relations and for strengthening the candidate’s home institution.
- Application to Moroccan Context: The proposal should highlight the relevance of the proposed field of research and topic to Morocco’s national objectives for institution-building, educational reform, sustainable development, and technological progress.
- Leadership and Cultural Ambassadorship: The candidate should demonstrate his or her involvement in civil society, academic associations, and non-academic activities which provide evidence of candidates’ engagement in the community. Candidates’ history of taking on responsibilities at their universities is also considered.
- For repeat grant candidates (who have satisfied the minimum five-year waiting period between grants): Proposals from candidates who are past recipients of Fulbright grants will be reviewed with particular rigor with a view to giving preference to candidates who have never had a previous grant. The relevance and importance of the research topic is assessed in light of priorities of both countries. In addition, candidates must show they maximized the impact of their previous grant in academic/scientific terms (publications and/or papers given at conferences, as well as curriculum and course development) and in terms of outreach in their home communities. The committee also strives to determine the possibilities of other sources of funding available to the candidate (often the Fulbright Program is the only possible source).
- Project length: All visiting scholars have to stay in the US for a period of 6 months.
- A completed and signed grant application form
- documentary proof that the applicant holds a Ph.D., a Doctorat d’Etat, or equivalent
- evidence of an adequate level of English, for example, a score of at least 475 on the paper based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or 52 in the internet-based test (IBT) OR a degree from an English-language university or a university diploma certifying a major in English Studies. The Commission will also accept the TOEIC and the IELTS as a substitute for the TOEFL test. As for Visiting Scholar alumni, please refer to the Program Officer for more details
- A CV, in English, with a complete list of publications and conference presentations and including foreign travel
- A detailed description of the research project in English + bibliography
- An invitation letter from the American professor or host institution, clearly stating their agreement to provide adequate facilities and assistance during the grant period. The invitation letter should also include exact travel dates to the US.
- A step-by-step plan of research for the period of the grant, outlining the timing and goals of the research
- Three letters of recommendation from colleagues or others able to comment on the applicant’s level of commitment, academic record, and the suitability of the research project
- The approval of the director of the applicant’s institution in Morocco
Applicants for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program should select in their application the academic year 2024-2025. Failure to do so will result in the ineligibility of your application.
Please note that plagiarism will not be tolerated on any application and is grounds for disqualification.
- Application launch: August 1
- Application deadline: November 15
- Selection process: Later December through February
- Departure: Starting from August 1
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.
Do you accept Ph.D holders who have not yet a teaching position to apply and benefit from the Visiting Scholar Grant Program?
Yes, but priority is given to those who have a teaching position in a University or an Institution in Morocco.
Is there any allowance in the grant benefits for dependents?
Yes, some allowance is provided, but dependent(s) must accompany the scholar for at least 80% of the grant.
Do participants, who will be in the US on a J-1/J-2 in the Professor/Research Scholar category, have the right to get another J visa to travel to the US.?
Participants who will be in the US on a J-1/J-2 in the Professor/Research Scholar category will be subject to the 24-month bar.
Are you responsible for identifying host institutions for Moroccan Visiting Scholars Applicants?
No, it is the full responsibility of the Scholar.
Are you responsible for finding housing in the US for the grantees?
No, it is the full responsibility of the Scholar.