Fulbright Vietnamese visiting student researcher program for Science and Technology Academic year 2026-2027

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam relations this year, the U.S. Mission to Vietnam is launching the Fulbright Vietnamese Visiting Student Researcher Program (VSR), academic year 2026-2027. This non-degree program offers up to five fully-funded scholarships for Vietnamese citizens currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Science and Technology at an institution in Vietnam to advance their research for 6 to 10 months at a U.S. institution for academic year 2026-2027.  

This research grant of the Fulbright program affirms U.S. partnership to achieve Vietnam’s goal to become a regional and global hub for high-tech industries, particularly the semiconductor industry. The program reflects the themes that form the foundation of the next 30 years of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship - education, innovation, and partnership.

Established in 1946 and funded by the U.S. Congress, the Fulbright Program aims to advance mutual understanding through academic and cultural exchange. The Fulbright Vietnamese Visiting Student Researcher Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program. The scholarship covers fees related to tuition, round-trip airfare to the United States, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.

Competition is open to applicants who meet the following minimum criteria: hold Vietnamese citizenship (dual citizenship not permitted) and reside in Vietnam throughout the application and ion process; have at least one Master degree; currently enroll in a Ph.D. program in Science and Technology at a Vietnamese institution and should not complete their Ph.D. studies before arriving in the U.S. or while in the U.S.; and have a valid minimum TOEFL iBT score of 70 or IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105 or TOEFL Essentials 7.5. The submission of English test score report can be waived if applicants have an invitation from a host university in the U.S. indicating they do not require an English test score. For additional explanation of criteria and the program’s requirements, please visit the U.S. Mission website.

Interested applicants should apply online. A complete application package includes an application form, three letters of reference, diplomas and tran s (including notarized English translations), TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/TOEFL Essentials score reports or a letter of invitation, essays, a curriculum vitae, and a proof/statement of current enrollment in a Ph.D. degree issued by an institution in Vietnam. The deadline for application submission is 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2025 (Vietnam time).

Details can be found on the U.S. Missionwebsite.