Tanzania - Open Study/Research Award

Full Job Description

The 2027-2028 Competition is now open. The National Deadline is October 6, 2026 at 5pm Eastern Time. Start an application.

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1 Open Study/Research Award

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Accepted Degree Levels

• Doctoral

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Grant Period

Flexible Start

Grant Length

6-9 Months

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Proposals to conduct research and/or study in Tanzania, as part of the candidate's current graduate program, will be considered. Affiliation with a higher education institution is central to this type of project, as is the presentation of a well-thought-out research plan. All applicants are required to demonstrate the relevance of their projects to the Tanzania Fulbright Program's mandate, which is to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and Tanzania.

Fulbright grants will begin between September 2027 and March 2028, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam.

As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2027.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is seeking applicants who demonstrate:

• Rigor in scholarly enquiry and academic excellence

• Strong reasons for wishing to pursue the proposed project in Tanzania

• A desire to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures of their host country

• Commitment to the community through volunteer and extra-curricular activities

• Flexibility and dynamism necessary for active involvement in the host country

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Tanzania is a large country made up of Tanzania mainland and the semi autonomous islands of Zanzibar. It has a population of over 70 million and more than 120 ethnic groups. Zanzibar island is well known for its beautiful blue-water beaches and historic towns. Also, Tanzania has vast world renowned national parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater which Fulbrighters can visit any time of the year.

Transport from one Tanzanian city to another is mainly through a bus/coach service, SGR Trains or through a number of local airlines which travel across major cities. Transport within Tanzanian cities is usually by mini-bus known locally as 'daladala', motorcycles known as 'bodaboda', and tricycles known as 'bajaj'. Local food is vendored in small restaurants known as 'mama ntilie' and all universities have cafeterias where students can buy food at affordable prices.

Tanzania offers a rich culture, friendly locals, and affordable living costs. However, Fulbrighters may also face certain challenges, such as language barriers and unfamiliar cultural norms. With careful planning and preparations, Fulbrighters can navigate the challenges and make the most of their time in this beautiful and culturally rich country. Here are specific aspects of life for Fulbrighters in Tanzania:

1. Education: Tanzania has a relatively well-developed education system, with several universities and colleges offering a range of programs. The University of Dar es Salaam, the oldest and most prestigious university in the country, attracts many foreign students. There are also several other public and private higher learning institutions.

2. Language: Kiswahili and English are the official languages and most Tanzanians speak at least one of them. However, some local communities may have their own languages or dialects.

3. Culture: Tanzania has a rich culture influenced by various ethnic groups, religions, and traditions. Fulbrighters can immerse themselves in this culture by attending local events, festivals, and ceremonies, and by interacting with local people. However, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions to avoid any behavior that may be considered offensive.

4. Food: Tanzanian cuisine is varied and flavorful, with a mix of African, Indian, and Arab influences. Fulbrighters can find a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including traditional Tanzanian dishes such as pilau, ugali and nyama choma, as well as international cuisine. Local markets are a great place to find fresh fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for cooking.

5. Safety: Tanzania is generally safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas. Fulbrighters should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their belongings. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.

6. Social Life: Fulbrighters can find various opportunities to socialize and meet people. There are many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and cultural and historical sites in major cities where Fulbrighters can relax and enjoy themselves.

Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at the time their grant period begins.

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

Additional Information: Swahili language proficiency is not a requirement in the selection process. However, applicants should include plans for studying the language if selected, since Swahili language abilities will greatly enhance the Fulbright experience and will promote deeper engagement with the host community. Other indigenous languages may be useful or necessary for certain projects, especially outside of urban areas.

The role of the affiliation in the U.S. Student Program is to provide ongoing and substantive oversight and support for the grantee's project. Grantees will be required to have affiliations with accredited academic or research institutions in Tanzania. Therefore, applicants must initiate contact with the host institution of preference and obtain a formal letter of invitation or affiliation. In addition to indicating the nature of the affiliation between the applicant and the host institution (e.g., auditing classes, access to facilities or resources, collaboration with an ongoing project, etc.), the letter should state that a host contact will be available during the grant year to mentor the applicant and/or supervise the applicant's work on the proposed project. It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure affiliation with a higher education institution. It is not possible for a grantee to obtain research clearance from the Commission of Science and Technology (COSTECH) if the grantee is not affiliated with a local higher education institution. Affiliation is also needed for obtaining the long-term visa and residency permit required of foreign researchers in Tanzania.

It is the Fulbright grantee's responsibility to ask their selected host institution whether affiliation fees are required.

• A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
• International travel benefits
• Accident & sickness health benefits
• 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
• 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

• Excess baggage fees
• Registration/Permitting fees
• Research/Materials allowance
• Settling in allowance

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

The cost of living in Tanzania is on average 62.9% lower than in the United States. Rent in Tanzania is on average 78% lower than in the United States.

The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $1,577 (rent exlcuded). A single person's estimated monthly costs are estimated to be $443 (rent excluded).

• https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Tanzania

• https://livingcost.org/cost/tanzania/united-states

The host institution will not provide housing but may assist grantees in locating nearby and appropriate accommodations. Grantees are also welcome to arrange their own private housing.

Information on visas and residency permits is available on the Tanzania immigration website. The Tanzania Commision for Science and Technology (COSTECH) issues research permits. It is important to note that a long-term stay visa and residency permits will not be approved for students who do not have a research permit. Detailed information on the research permit application is available here.

After arrival in Tanzania, field researchers should allow for a flexible schedule of four to six weeks to process COSTECH and immigration documents in case additional documents are needed, or other clearances are required, depending on the research topic. Ideally researchers should have their research permit before arriving in the country, as they will not be allowed to start research until the permits are issued. Students must also work closely with their host institutions to assist them in processing these documents. The embassy should be involved in the conversation, as well, to assist if there is any difficulty obtaining the permits. It is important to note that researchers in forestry, wildlife, and medicine, or those with projects involving minors, patients, or animals, may need additional clearances from other agencies. Researchers are advised to apply for clearance early and ask COSTECH whether there is a possibility they will require other clearances.

Research in Zanzibar requires clearance from the Office of the Chief Minister in Zanzibar, P. O. Box 239 Zanzibar, Tanzania. The application letter should describe the proposed research and formally request permission to carry out the project. It is also wise to send a courtesy copy of the application letter to the Assistant Minister, Ministry of State Planning, P.O. Box 874, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Recently, some Fulbrighters have alternatively received clearance through the Zanzibar Division of Archives, Museums and Antiquities when they had relevant research interests with that institution. It can be reached at +255 (0)24 2230342 or via email. Obtaining clearance can be a lengthy process, so candidates should begin the application for research clearance simultaneously with the application for a grant—but should not pay any fees (except application fees) until if/when they are formally offered Fulbright grants.

In addition, a mainland residence permit is not valid in Zanzibar. Researchers on this island must therefore get a residence permit in Zanzibar (which is, however, also valid on the mainland).

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