Fulbright-University of Lapland Scholar Award

Purpose of the Grant Program

The Fulbright-University of Lapland scholar will conduct research, or conduct research and teach, at any of the four faculties, or the multidisciplinary Arctic Centre, at the university:

• Faculty of Art and Design
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Arctic Centre 

Applicants are encouraged to contact the host department, faculty or research program to work together in designing the activities.

The Fulbright-University of Lapland Scholar Award is jointly funded by the University of Lapland and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.

Benefits

The award is available for visits of 3–9 months. It includes:

• Monthly grant is 2 700 - 5 000 EUR (approx. 3 100 - 5 800 USD*), depending on the rank of scholar (post-doc level 2 700 EUR, assistant/associate professor level 4 000 EUR, full professor level 5 000 EUR), paid out in euro in monthly installments.
• One-time travel allowance of 1 800 USD.
• Residence permit allowance based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members)
• Housing for the scholar and their accompanying family arranged and paid for by the host university.
• Work facilities and administrative support.
• Orientation and support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki. For example, the Foundation will arrange a four-day arrival orientation in Helsinki for all U.S. Fulbright grantees at the end of August each year (orientation is also arranged in January for grantees arriving for the spring semester).
• Fulbright Finland mid-year activities and networking opportunities (such as the American Voices Seminar at the University of Turku) each year.
• The grantee will also be eligible, free of charge, to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society, pending availability of suitable programs.

* amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

Support for Grantees with Disabilities

Please see more information on the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program main page.

Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

A candidate for the Fulbright-University of Lapland Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree (or other terminal degree) and have substantial experience in teaching and research in their field.

You can read more about the general U.S. Scholar Program eligibility guidelines and review criteria on the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program main page.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland combines science and art at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. The academic fields represented are education, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and Arctic issues. 

The North and its global allegations are at the core of the University’s work. The University produces new knowledge and competence from the Arctic perspective so that life in the Arctic can continue to thrive in the future.

City of Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, offers a distinctive combination of Arctic character and modern infrastructure, making it an ideal location for short-term academic and research residencies. 

With excellent connectivity and a welcoming atmosphere, Rovaniemi provides an inspiring and supportive environment for professionals from around the world. Seasonal phenomena such as the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights further enhance the city’s appeal, offering a truly memorable and unique experience.

How to Apply?

The U.S. program partner in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is the Institute of International Education IIE. Applications are submitted through IIE and forwarded to discipline-based peer review committees in the U.S. Applications that pass this initial peer review in the U.S. are forwarded to the Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki to be reviewed by the Foundation’s review committees. The Fulbright Finland Foundation makes the funding decisions and final selections of grantees.

Additional information and detailed application instructions are available from the Fulbright Finland Foundation and the Fulbright Scholar Program websites.

Please see the program and application timeline on the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program main page.

Resources for Hosts:

• Instructions for writing invitation letters and a checklist for a U.S. scholar's host

Further Information

Please note that late June, July and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries may be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.

University of Lapland encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Staff is happy to help potential candidates to connect with the faculty members for discussion.

What is the Fulbright Finland Foundation?

The Fulbright Finland Foundation is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. The Foundation’s aim is

• to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, and
• to support the internationalization of education and research in Finland, and help U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages.

What Makes the Fulbright Finland Foundation Programs Unique?

• In addition to the grant, the Fulbright Finland Foundation offers the grantees several additional benefits and free support services, as well as an access to a global, multi-professional network.
• We are looking for applicants who want to impact the future and to make a difference – applicants who want to facilitate positive change, develop and advance their own profession or discipline, and find solutions to national and international challenges in their field.
• The grantees also act as ambassadors for the Fulbright Finland Foundation, their home country, and their home organization and, in this way, do their part in sharing their home country and culture and contributing to the relations between Finland and the U.S.

Fulbright-University of Lapland Scholar Award program is part of the global Fulbright program operating in over 160 countries worldwide.