Call for THE SOUTH AFRICAN FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAM 2027-2028 is open now!!!
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides grants for South African university graduates to pursue post-graduate studies at a university in the United States (U.S.) (excludes MBA and medical/veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients). Students are selected through a rigorous application and interview process and receive a high level of support ranging from visa processing and health insurance to a comprehensive pre-departure orientation and re-entry session.
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The following opportunities are available:
Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): South African PhD students already enrolled with a South African university may apply to conduct one year’s research at a U.S. university as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR). Current National Research Foundation (NRF) funded PhD students are encouraged to apply.
Master’s or PhD: Post-graduate students may apply for scholarships towards master’s or Doctoral degrees. Scholarships are awarded for two years for one degree – master’s or PhD.
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1. Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
What do they look for in our applicants?
- Academic excellence
- Evidence of leadership potential
- Clearly articulated study objectives
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills with evidence of cultural sensitivity and a genuine desire to learn more about the United States and share with American citizens aspects of South African culture
- Experience and interest in extracurricular and community activities
- A desire to further the Fulbright Program and give back to your home country upon returning
- Required scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These scores are required of semi-finalists only. Selected candidates will receive vouchers to register for the GRE and TOEFL tests.
- The Selection Committee and the Interview Panel will also be looking for clear reasons for selecting your U.S. university preferences. The Fulbright Program expects candidates to conduct a thorough university search and to identify institutions which are a strong fit for their academic, personal and professional goals,
Preference will be given to applicants who:
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- Have not had recent and extensive experience in the U.S.
- Have not held a Fulbright Scholarship before
- Students already studying in the United States are NOT eligible
- MBA and studies that require direct patient contact (human or animal) are excluded
Location:
South AfricaBenefits
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides-
- Monthly stipend based on the cost of living at the research site.
- Round trip airfare for the scholar.
- Excess baggage allowance for return travel.
- Professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars.
- Settling-in allowance.
- Primary medical insurance coverage for the scholar.
- Visa application fee.
Eligibilities
- Be a South African citizen OR a permanent resident with a minimum of 5 years of permanent residency status in South Africa (Please note: S.A. nationals resident in the U.S., or with dual citizenship from the U.S. are not eligible for the program)
- Have one of the following academic degrees:
- For PhD research (Visiting Student Researcher): Current registration for a PhD at a South African university, and you should still be registered with a South African University as a PhD student for the duration of your research program in the U.S.
- When applying for a Master’s degree: a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, BTech degree or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an Honors degree. Current 4th year or Honors students may apply. You must have completed your degree and be able to provide results by November 2026.
- When applying for a Doctorate degree: a Master’s degree. If currently registered for a Master’s degree, you should have completed your degree and be able to provide results by November 2026.
- All Applicants should:
- Have a sufficient level of English proficiency to enable them to engage in graduate level study in the U.S.
- Be able to meet the minimum scores on required standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (Fulbright will provide semi-finalists with vouchers to complete these tests when invited to the semi-final round)
- Display academic excellence
- Be highly motivated and committed to returning to S.A. after the program
FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAM 2027-2028 : APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES 2 - Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Display a sense of social responsibility; be involved in extra-mural activities
- Have a desire to further Fulbright Alumni activities by giving back to your community/university upon returning
- Have an understanding of the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust successfully to life as a student in the United States.
Application Process
Apply through the online application system by completing relevant information and uploading all required supporting documents.
Application components:
- Include a well written research proposal with well explained methodology that can be understood by a general reviewing committee.
- Include three confidential letters of reference. These letters must be uploaded by your referees through the online application system. Guidelines on how to register your referees are included in the country information section of the application. They will not accept any letters of reference via email or post.
- A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required.
Applicants are discouraged from requesting affiliation with an alma mater. The Fulbright Program will honor institutional affiliation preferences as far as possible. Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that the Fulbright Program identifies a suitable host institution.
Applicants should note that laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package for the Fulbright SARSP and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, and only if funding is available.
Application Deadline: April 8, 2026 (32 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
