The Iceland-U.S. Educational Commission and the American-Scandinavian Foundation Join Forces

Following discussions that have taken place over the last couple of years on possible cooperation, we are pleased to announce that the American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) and the Iceland-U.S. Educational Commission (Fulbright Commission) have decided to join forces on ASF’s Thor Thors Fellowship program for Icelanders. While the Memorandum of Understanding has not been completed yet, we expect to finalize it over the summer. ASF grants for Icelanders will become ASF-Fulbright Commission grants, with joint administration through the MoU. It is important to note that these grants will not be Fulbright grants, although jointly administered by the Fulbright Commission.

The Director of Educational Exchange at ASF and the Executive Director of the Commission see this as an exciting development that will benefit both organizations. ED Belinda Theriault noted that the Commission was excited to partner with the prestigious ASF, which has been awarding grants to students, scholars, professionals, and artists from the U.S. and the Nordic countries for study and research since 1910. This was a welcome addition to the Commission’s portfolio and would increase efficiency in grant management as related to exchanges between Iceland and the U.S.

We will be posting more information for prospective applicants soon, so stay tuned to our website and social media. For now, please note that the deadline for Icelandic grantees applying for funding through ASF will change. For the 2025-2026 school year the deadline will be October 14, 2024 (the same deadline as for Fulbright grants). Previously ASF grants for Icelanders have had a later deadline, so please take note!