Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2026 / 2027
Deadline: 13 April 2025
Location: South Africa
About Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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.
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.
Eligibility:
- 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 with dual citizenship from the U.S. are not eligible for the program)
- Have one of the following academic degrees: Visiting Student Researcher must be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of your Fulbright VSR program, When applying for a master’s degree, you should have obtained a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a BTech degree, or a 3-year bachelor’s degree with an honors degree and When applying for a PhD you must have a master’s degree.
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What do South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program look for in applicants
- Academic excellence
- Evidence of leadership potential
- Clearly written 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)
- 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
How to apply
To apply, visit FPSA application portal.
For questions not addressed via any of the above resources, please contact the Fulbright Office: fpsa@state.gov
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