The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship Program for FY 2025, administered by the Department of Education, supports doctoral students conducting dissertation research in modern foreign languages and area studies abroad. This program aims to enhance the study and teaching of these disciplines in the United States by providing opportunities for doctoral candidates to immerse themselves in the culture and language of their research regions.

Applicants must focus their research on specific geographic regions, including Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, South Asia, the Near East, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Western Hemisphere (excluding the U.S. and its territories). Competitive preference is given to projects focusing on less commonly taught languages, thematic topics such as STEM or public health, and proposals from minority-serving institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Tribal Colleges.

The program has a total funding estimate of $3,000,000, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 and an average size of $37,500. Approximately 80 awards are expected. Fellowships can last from six to twelve months and must be completed within the institution’s 18-month project period. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education that submit applications on behalf of their doctoral candidates. Individual recipients must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are admitted to candidacy in a doctoral program and planning a teaching career in the United States.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Department’s G6 system. Required materials include research narratives, language proficiency certifications, and institutional endorsements. Individual applications are compiled into a single institutional submission by the project director. The submission deadline is January 15, 2025. A pre-application webinar will be held to guide applicants through the process.

Review criteria focus on the quality of the proposed research, including its originality, methodology, and relevance to the field; the applicant's qualifications, including academic record and language proficiency; and the project's feasibility and alignment with the program’s goals. Preference is given to applications that demonstrate significant contributions to area studies and modern language education.

Recipients are required to submit performance reports, including data on language proficiency improvement, degree completion, and employment outcomes. These reports contribute to program evaluations and the Department’s performance measures. For additional guidance, applicants can consult the program’s website or contact the Department of Education. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students to advance their research and academic careers while contributing to the broader field of international education and language studies.