Applications are now open for the2027/2028 South African 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.
South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program
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
Requirements
- 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
For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program
