Deadline: April 8, 2026
Applications are open for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027-2028. 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).
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. Permanent residents with a minimum of 5 years of permanent residency status in South Africa are also considered.
- Applicants who are 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:
- Visiting Student Researcher applicants must be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of their 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
- When applying for a PhD you must have a master’s degree
Selection Criteria
- 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
Application
For more information, visit South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
