Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa 2025 – 2026
ABOUT THE GRANT PROVIDER – FULBRIGHT
The Fulbright Program is a United States Cultural Exchange Program that aims to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the citizens of the United States of America and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is considered one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world. The Fulbright Program selects citizens from across the world, including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, to receive scholarships or grants to study, conduct research, teach, or exercise their talents abroad.
ABOUT THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa is inviting students to apply for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program, for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program will be awarded to South African university graduates, who intend to pursue postgraduate studies in ANY field, at ANY university in the USA, (excluding MBA and studies that require contact with patients).
The following opportunities are available:
- Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): for South African PhD students who are enrolled at a South African University, to conduct 1 years research at a USA University as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR). Current National Research Foundation (NRF) funded PhD students may also apply.
- Master’s or PhD: for Postgraduate students to study towards a Master’s or Doctorate degree.
MORE ABOUT THE FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The programme offers the following benefits:
- Tuition and a living allowance while in the USA
- Placement at a host university in the USA
- J1 visa sponsorship
- Medical clearance
- Visa application fees
- International travel and health insurance
- Travel allowance and transportation from South Africa to the authorized USA destination
- Settling in allowance upon arrival in the United States
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen OR a permanent resident in South Africa, for a minimum period of 5 years (South African nationals with dual citizenship from the USA may NOT apply)
- You must have completed one of these degrees:
- Visiting Student Researcher applicants: you must be registered to study towards a PhD degree at a university in South Africa for the duration of your Fulbright programme
- Master’s degree applicants: you must have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, BTech degree or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an Honours degree
- Doctorate degree applicants: you must have completed a Master’s degree
- You must have a sufficient level of English proficiency to engage in graduate level study in the United States
- You must be able to meet the minimum scores on required standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (this will be tested by Fulbright when invited to the semi-final round)
- You must show academic excellence
- You must show strong leadership qualities
- You must show a strong sense of social responsibility
- You must be involved in extra-mural activities
- You must be highly motivated and committed to returning to South Africa after the programme
- You must have a desire to further Fulbright Alumni activities by giving back to your community/university after returning
- You must understand the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust to life as a student in the USA
- You must NOT be currently studying in the USA
- You must NOT be studying or intend on studying towards an MBA that require patient contact (human or animal)
- Preference will be given to applicants who: have NOT had recent and extensive experience in the USA and have NOT held a Fulbright Scholarship before
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME
Applications must be submitted online at: Fulbright Foreign Student Program Application 2023
Applicants must Register an account before they can Login and apply.
Applicants must download the guidelines for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- Passport Bio page (or ID document if passport is not available yet)
- Study Research Objective (average 2 pages)
- Personal Statement (average 1-2 pages)
- 3 references (see tips on the Guidelines and Instructions form above)
- Letter of invitation from potential host – for VSR applicants only (not required, but can be included if available)
- Transcripts, including Grades, certificates and grade explanation sheet
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Sample (required for PhD and Visiting Student Researcher and recommended for MA programs)
- Interview Location Page (page 7 on the Guidelines and Instructions form above)
CLOSING DATE FOR THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME
17 April 2024 (at midnight SAST).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE PROGRAMME PROVIDER
For any queries related to this programme, please contact the Fulbright Office directly:
Email: fpsa@state.gov