The Fulbright Specialist Program offers Polish academic and research institutions an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation by inviting distinguished experts from the United States to participate in joint research and teaching initiatives. Applications for the 2027–2028 edition are open until January 8, 2027.
The Fulbright Specialist Program enables Polish universities and other eligible institutions to establish partnerships with distinguished American experts and jointly implement projects addressing the research, teaching, and development needs of the host institution.
Under the program, institutions can invite a specialist from the United States to Poland for a short-term visit lasting between 2 and 6 weeks (14–42 calendar days). Such visits provide an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, develop new skills, and strengthen the University’s international engagement.
What Does the Program Offer?
A visit by an American specialist may involve a variety of activities tailored to the needs and priorities of the host institution. Possible forms of cooperation include:
- delivering lectures, seminars, and workshops for students, doctoral candidates, and academic staff;
- participating in conferences and other academic events;
- providing consultations on academic programs and curriculum development;
- conducting evaluations and preparing expert assessments;
- supporting the development of local research projects;
- exchanging best practices and experience in research, teaching, and institutional management.
The scope of the visit should address the specific needs of the host institution and be designed as a joint initiative that brings tangible benefits to both the academic community and the invited specialist.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applications may be submitted by eligible Polish institutions, including universities, doctoral schools, research institutes, research organizations, educational institutions, government institutions, cultural and medical institutions, as well as non-governmental research organizations and non-profit organizations operating in Poland.
The program offers an opportunity for University units interested in expanding international cooperation, enriching their educational offer, and developing joint research initiatives with distinguished experts from the United States.
How to Select a Specialist?
Applications can be submitted in one of two formats:
Named application – the host institution identifies a specific American specialist with whom it wishes to carry out the project. If the selected candidate is not yet listed in the Fulbright Specialist Roster, they must also apply to the program through World Learning.
Open application – the host institution does not identify a specific candidate. Following the announcement of the competition results, World Learning recommends suitable experts from the Fulbright Specialist Roster.
Projects must fall within academic disciplines approved by the U.S. Department of State. The relevant discipline must be selected when completing the application form.
What Does the Program Cover, and What Are the Host Institution’s Responsibilities?
Under the grant, the invited specialist receives:
- an honorarium;
- basic health insurance;
- round-trip airfare between the United States and Poland.
The host institution is responsible for covering the specialist’s accommodation and meal costs, as well as domestic travel expenses related to the project.
A total of five specialist visits are expected to be funded in the current edition of the program.
Important Dates and Application Documents
The application period for the Fulbright Specialist Program 2027–2028 runs from October 6, 2026, until January 8, 2027.
To participate in the competition, institutions must prepare a project proposal outlining the planned activities involving the American specialist and specifying the host institution’s financial contribution. Applications must be submitted through the online application system.
Application resources:
- Application form template – DOCX
- Application guidelines – PDF
- Detailed information about the Fulbright Specialist Program
- Information for U.S. specialists – World Learning
An Opportunity to Strengthen the University’s International Cooperation
Participation in the Fulbright Specialist Program offers an opportunity to host a distinguished expert from the United States, develop new research and teaching initiatives, and establish lasting partnerships with the American academic community.
Academic staff, faculty members, and representatives of the University’s organizational units are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the program and consider submitting project proposals as part of the current application round.
The application deadline is January 8, 2027.
Contact and Further Information
The program organizers encourage prospective applicants to contact the program coordinator during the application preparation process, particularly to discuss project proposals or seek assistance with any technical difficulties.
Paulina Kubylis
Senior Program Specialist
Fulbright Program
Email: paulina.kubylis@fulbright.edu.pl
Phone: +48 882 013 014
Telephone consultations are held on the following days and at the following times:
- Monday–Tuesday: 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.;
- Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.