Fulbright Specialist Program in Cameroon: Call for Proposals Now Open

 

Introduction

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon has officially opened the call for proposals for the 2026 Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP), offering Cameroonian institutions a valuable opportunity to host top American academic and professional experts. This flagship initiative of the U.S. Department of State is designed to strengthen educational capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and build long-lasting partnerships between institutions in the United States and abroad.

For Cameroonian universities, grandes écoles, NGOs, research centers, and government bodies, the Fulbright Specialist Program represents a rare chance to leverage world-class U.S. expertise — at no cost to the institution in terms of the Specialist's salary or international travel. Applications are open until May 25, 2026.

What Is the Fulbright Specialist Program?

The Fulbright Specialist Program is a short-term, on-demand component of the broader Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State through a cooperative agreement with World Learning, the FSP deploys highly qualified U.S. experts to institutions around the world for collaborative projects lasting two to six weeks.

For Fiscal Year 2026, approximately 400 projects across 149 countries will be supported. A key requirement: all FSP projects must be carried out in person — virtual missions are not permitted under any circumstance.

While most Specialists are academics, the program also engages a wide range of professionals, including attorneys, journalists, scientists, economists, security experts, public health practitioners, communications specialists, and public administration experts.

Who Can Apply in Cameroon?

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon invites Cameroonian institutions to submit project proposals. Eligible host institutions include, but are not limited to:

• Universities (public and private) and higher education institutions
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including nonpartisan organizations and issue-focused groups
• Think tanks and policy research centers
• Medical institutions, including teaching hospitals and public health organizations
• Ministries and government offices engaged in education, training, or research
• Other eligible institutions aligned with the program's educational and training focus

Eligible Project Activities

All projects must have a clear education or training focus. Host institutions have significant flexibility to design activities that address their strategic priorities. Examples of eligible activities include:

• Delivering seminars, workshops, and training sessions
• Consulting on faculty or workforce development
• Developing academic or training curricula and materials
• Providing lectures at the graduate or undergraduate level
• Engaging in strategic or institutional planning
• Conducting needs assessments or program evaluations

Projects may cover a wide range of fields, including American studies, business and economics, civic education, communications and media, cultural preservation, education and teaching, environment and sustainability, government and public policy, law, science and technology, agriculture, and public health.

Funding and Cost-Sharing Structure

A key attractive feature of the Fulbright Specialist Program is its balanced cost-sharing structure between the U.S. Department of State and the Cameroonian host institution.

Covered by the U.S. Department of State:

• Round-trip international airfare for the Specialist
• Health benefits for the duration of the assignment
• Daily honorarium paid to the Specialist

Covered by the host institution (financially or in kind):

• Lodging for the Specialist
• Meals throughout the project duration
• In-country transportation

This structure makes the program accessible even to institutions with limited financial resources, as contributions can be provided in kind (for example, university guest housing, staff vehicles, or campus dining facilities).

Selection Criteria: How to Be Competitive

According to the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon, the most competitive proposals will:

1. Present clear, realistic, and measurable objectives
2. Demonstrate strong relevance to the broader Cameroonian context
3. Be designed as practical and results-oriented, with tangible outcomes
4. Show a clear return on investment (ROI) and long-term impact
5. Contribute to strengthening security, stability, and economic ties between the U.S. and Cameroon
6. Help build networks between the Specialist, the host institution, and broader stakeholders

Application Deadline and Contact

The deadline for proposal submission is May 25, 2026. Late applications will not be considered for the 2026 cycle.

For additional information or clarification, institutions may contact the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé:

• Phone: 22220-1500, ext. 4565
• Email: YaoundePDCulturalDL@state.gov

How to Apply

Visit official webpage for more details