Deadline: May 14, 2021
Applications are open for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2022-2023. The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides grants for South African university graduates to pursue post-graduate studies at a United States university in any subject (excludes MBA and studies that require 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:
- VSR (non-degree): South African PhD students 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.
- MA/PhD: Post-graduate students may apply for scholarships towards Master’s or Doctorate degrees. Scholarships are awarded for two years towards one degree – Master’s or Doctorate (renewable each year).
Benefits
The scholarship covers
- Master’s or Doctoral Degree: 2 years of funding towards one degree. For Doctoral degrees, at least 2-3 years of study are required beyond the initial two years. Doctoral candidates need to secure their own personal or other funding to continue studying in the United States.
- Non-Degree: Participation in a visiting research program for one academic year (9-10 months).
- Fully funded awards generally cover the following, but can vary according to each grantee’s program:
- Travel allowance and transportation from South Africa to the authorized U.S. destination
- Health benefits
- Settling in allowance upon arrival in the U.S.
- Monthly maintenance allowance (to cover living expenses)
- Tuition and fees
- Book and computer allowance
- J-1 visa sponsorship
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);
- For Non-Degree (Visiting Student Researcher) studies: Must be registered for a PhD with a South African university;
- Have a four-year bachelor’s degree, or a three-year bachelor’s degree plus honors year, or a four-year B-Tech degree when applying for Master’s;
- Have a Master’s degree when applying for a Doctoral degree.
They look out for the following in the candidates:
- Academic excellence.
- Required scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for each specific field of study.
- 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.
- Evidence of leadership potential.
- A desire to further the Fulbright Program and give back to your home country upon returning.
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.
Application
The closing date for applications is May 14, 2021. Late applications will not be considered.
For more information, visit FFSP South Africa.
