The U.S. Department of State, Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII), provides fellowship support for overseas language study and research.

Title VIII Fellowships for Overseas Language Study

Title VIII funding provides support to graduate students in policy-relevant fields who wish to participate in the American Councils immersive language programs in Russian, Balkan, and Eurasian languages (see program website below for specific languages and countries).

Title VIII fellowships are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic merit. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies by the time their program starts and be enrolled or demonstrate intent to enroll in graduate study in a field relevant to the formulation of U.S. policy in the region. Applicants can indicate interest in being considered for Title VIII funding when completing the application for their selected program.

Title VIII Research Programs

American Councils administers two Title VIII programs for U.S. scholars and graduate students conducting policy-relevant research in Russia, Eastern Europe, or Eurasia:

Research Scholar Program
The Research Scholar Program provides full financial support for 3 to 9 consecutive months of overseas research. Fellowship awards include international travel, housing and living stipends, insurance, visa assistance, and logistical support while abroad.

Combined Research and Language Training Program
The Combined Research and Language Training Program provides advanced language instruction in addition to the benefits provided by the Research Scholar Program.

All competitions for research funding are merit-based and open to U.S. graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.