Engaging in racial studies research in Bahia offers a profound examination of Afro-Brazilian heritage, identity, and social dynamics within one of the country’s most culturally vibrant and historically significant regions.

Universidade Federal da Bahia’s (UFBA) interests are in Racial Studies, focusing on Ethnic and Racial Studies with interests in Slavery and Slave Resistance in the African Diaspora; Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Inequality in Income, Education, Health, and Housing; Structural Racism in Contemporary Society; Cultural and Artistic Diversity among Ethnic and Racial Groups; and African Societies from the Slave Trade Era to Contemporary Globalization.

The scholar will develop research and have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at Universidade de Brasilia (UnB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) and Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). The four universities constitute the Fulbright Interdisciplinary Network (FIN) along with UFBA.

FIN is an initiative by the U.S. Embassy and the Fulbright Commission in Brazil to promote joint studies of the United States among Brazilian and U.S. academics and researchers.

The Fulbright Award in Racial Studies at UFBA

The Fulbright Brazil award in Racial Studies at UFBA can total two, three or four months long.

Two- or four-month awards can be split into equal segments of 1+1 months or 2+2 months between July 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Split awards are known as Flex Awards.

What is a Flex Award?

Flex awards allow the stay to be split into two visits of one or two months each between July 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. There must be a period of at least two months between the two in-country stays.

Please be aware that most institutions in Brazil take a recess between December and January.

What should I know before starting my application?

• Brazil welcomes applicants with no previous experience in the country
• For this award mid-career, and senior candidates are welcomed
• There is no need to have advanced skills in Portuguese. In most cases, English will be sufficient.
• Brazilian-American dual citizens are not eligible for this award.

Benefits of the Fulbright in Racial Studies at UFBA award

• A fixed sum of US$ 5,400 per month to cover all expenses but housing.
• The partner university will help find accommodation for the award period.
• Additional U$ 1,200 monthly to help with housing costs. This amount corresponds to the estimated housing costs at a medium-priced hotel or Airbnb in a good location.
• Scholars who opt for a Flex Award will receive US$2,400 for two international roundtrip tickets.
• Scholars on non-flex awards will receive US$1,500 for an international roundtrip ticket.

The Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, in Salvador, Brazil

UFBA, or Universidade Federal a Bahia, in Portuguese, is a public university located mainly in the city of Salvador. It is the largest university in the state of Bahia and one of Brazil’s most prestigious educational institutions. Bahia offers a profound examination of Afro-Brazilian heritage, identity, and social dynamics within one of the country’s most culturally vibrant and historically significant regions

Learn about award details and benefits below:

If you are a Brazilian scholar who would like to host a U.S. colleague in your institution, feel free to direct your questions to the Fulbright Commission in Brazil.