No, but the feasibility of carrying out the project without knowledge of Spanish must be demonstrated in the project statement.

If your project involves working with indigenous populations, yes, you will need to have proficiency in Kichwa or, depending on the community, another indigenous language. 

Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care or patient contact are not eligible. Fulbright policies do not authorize activities for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required.  

Yes, you must have an affiliation with an institution based in Ecuador: a higher education institution, NGO, government or public institution, research institute, or civil society organization. U.S. Scholars carry out projects in teaching, research or a combination of these. The institution of affiliation is very important because you will be performing teaching or research activities with them. Therefore, the host institution must be interested in supporting your proposed project. 

The Commission can help candidates connect with institutions in Ecuador. Please contact us at:  programs@fulbright.org.ec.

Ecuadorian higher education institutions are usually the best affiliations in most cases. Other suitable organizations can be NGOs, public research facilities and also public institutions, depending on the type of project you are proposing.

If you work at a university, we suggest you check if your institution has agreements with Ecuadorian universities. This is usually a good starting point.

The Commission can also support candidates connecting them with a suitable institution in Ecuador. You can reach us

• Office hours: the Commission offers office hours via Zoom for candidates the last Wednesday of the months of April, May, June, July and August, from 3 – 4pm
• Email: you contact us writing to: programs@fulbright.org.ec.

No, you do not need a visa. U.S. citizens can stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days without a visa, paying a small fee after the first 90 days.

The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is looking for candidates who want to generate an impact in Ecuador. Our Academic Committee reviews all applications and determines which candidates will be selected as grantees. The Committee is interested in applicants who demonstrate commitment to engaging with their host community, who have a well-designed project that can be adapted if needed, who are collaborating with an Ecuadorian institution with substantial experience in that specific area of knowledge and that can be concluded in the time frame of the grant, which is between 3–4 months. The Academic Committee promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in review of all applications.  

The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador provides flexibility to U.S. Scholars. Your Fulbright grant can start as early as June 2025 or as late as May 2026.

A flex grant allows you to complete the 3 or 4-month grant period in two different visits to Ecuador. Flex grants are designed to accommodate busy schedules.

Absolutely! Your spouse and kids can accompany you during the Fulbright grant period. The Commission provides an allowance to cover up to 2 dependents. They will not need a visa.

You can contact the Commission through the following channels:

• Office hours: the Commission offers office hours via Zoom for candidates the last Wednesday of the months of April, May, June, July and August, from 3 – 4pm
• Email: you contact us writing to: programs@fulbright.org.ec.