Exchange Program to the United States Grant

Exchange Program to the United States Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kosciuszko Foundation
Amount: US $7,650 - US $25,500
Last Updated: October 05, 2025

Summary

The Exchange Program to the United States, supported by the Kosciuszko Foundation, offers Polish scholars the opportunity to conduct research, artistic, or study projects at U.S. institutions. Annually, around 40 grants, totaling over $400,000, are awarded. Eligible candidates include doctoral and postdoctoral scholars, with awards lasting between 3 to 10 months. This initiative enhances scholarly exchanges and fosters professional development, allowing participants to gain valuable insights and skills to benefit Poland.

Overview

Program Description The oldest scholarship program of the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Exchange Program to the United States, enables Polish scholars to carry out research, artistic or study projects at accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States. The program helps researchers to garner expertise, practical knowledge and skills that they can bring back to Poland. Every year, we award approximately 40 scholars with grants and fellowships worth over $400,000. Our awardees conduct their research at top-ranking universities, including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Yale University, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California (Berkeley), Columbia University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Duke University and Cornell University. This program is made possible by generous donations from individuals and companies dedicated to fostering scholarly and scientific exchanges between Poland and the United States. Which Scholarship Category is right for me? The Kosciuszko Foundation Fellowships allow postgraduate scholars, professionals or artists who have completed their Ph.D. to undertake postdoctoral research in the U.S. for 3 - 9 months. The Kosciuszko Foundation Grants allow graduate degree (M.A., M.S.) scholars, professionals or artists to conduct research in the U.S. for 3 -9 months. The Kosciuszko Foundation Teaching Fellowships allow university faculty members to teach classes at U.S. universities, for up to 10 months. The lectures should focus on Polish Studies, including Polish language teaching and Polish culture. Teaching fellows may also undertake or continue their research while lecturing. There are no restrictions to fields of study/research for any of the above grants and fellowships. Award Entitlements Teaching fellowships are awarded for up to 10 months; fellowships and grants are awarded for 3 to 9 months, depending on the nature and scope of the research project and recommendations by the American Institution. The final decision on the duration is made by the Foundation's Scholarship Committees in Poland and in the United States. The awards generally range from $2,000 to $3,000 per month to cover living/accommodation costs and may depend on the duration of stay and location of study. The award cannot  be paid prior to arrival in the United States. Access to the Kosciuszko Alumni in the U.S. and Poland for social and professional networking. Assistance of the Kosciuszko Foundation with administration, visas and general inquiries. Invitation to the KF Annual Fundraising Dinner & Ball in New York. (number of seats is limited).

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Kosciuszko Foundation follows a policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any person because of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.Only Polish citizens and "Karta Polaka" holders permanently residing in Poland are eligible.Applicants must hold an M.A. or M.S. degree prior to the commencement date of the award. Candidates need to submit a certificate of employment or enrollment in doctoral studies issued by a Polish academic institution.Applicants must have strong English language proficiency, sufficient to participate effectively in formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics and to carry out the proposed study/research. English proficiency will be assessed during personal interviews in Warsaw. An applicant has to be eligible for the U.S. exchange visitor J-1 visa. There are no restrictions to fields of study/research.Repeat participation ("Reapplication") – All participants of the Exchange Program to the United States are subject to a 3-year ban on "repeat participation," which means you can apply for another KF grant or fellowship only after three full years since the completion of the KF grant/fellowship.

Ineligibility

Poles living outside of Poland may NOT participate in this program.Dual citizens (the United States and Poland) as well as individuals holding the United States permanent residency status (Green Card) are not eligible.For scholarships for American citizens, please visit our Domestic Scholarships Programs.The grants/fellowships do not cover:Medical and travel insuranceTravel and living expenses of dependentsShort-term academic visits to present a paper at a conference or attend a seminar or trainingPublications