Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar (USAS) Program

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program brings established scholars and professionals from ASEAN countries to the United States to research questions that matter to the U.S.–ASEAN relationship. The Thai route is run by the Thailand-United States Educational Foundation, known as TUSEF or Fulbright Thailand.

Grantees spend three to four months at a U.S. host institution they arrange themselves, then bring the work home. The award is aimed at people already established in academia, government, business, or the non-profit sector, not at degree students.

Up to three grants go to each participating country per year. The cycle runs on a fixed rhythm: applications in October and November, interviews in December, and the research period starting between January and March roughly fourteen months after applications close.

Benefits & funding

Monthly stipend for the length of the grant; the foundation does not publish the amount.
Round-trip international economy-class airfare.
Professional allowance and settling-in allowance.
Research and laboratory fees where the project requires them.
Accident and sickness insurance.
J-1 exchange visitor visa sponsorship.

Eligibility

Thai citizenship.
Age up to 55.
A master’s degree or higher.
A research plan focused on U.S.–ASEAN issues.
Aimed at people working in academia, government, business, or non-governmental organisations.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

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Eligible nationalities
Thailand
Education required
Master · PhD
Age requirement
≤ 55 yrs

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Application process

1
Choose a research topic on U.S.–ASEAN issues and identify a U.S. host institution.
2
Obtain an official invitation letter from that host institution stating the research period.
3
Prepare the documents: a CV of up to six pages, a personal statement of up to two pages, a research proposal of three to five pages with a bibliography of up to three pages, official diplomas and transcripts for all post-secondary study, and a valid passport or national ID card.
4
Ask two referees to submit their letters of recommendation online.
5
Apply to Fulbright Thailand inside the October–November window; the foundation publishes the window rather than a fixed closing date, so check its announcement for the current cycle.
6
Attend the interview in December if shortlisted.

Program timeline

Application period
October–November (year 1)
Interviews
December (year 1)
Interview results announced
January (year 2)
Final results and pre-departure orientation
June (year 2)
Research period begins in the United States
January–March (year 3)