Application for the Fulbright Scholarship Programme for South African Students, 2025/2026 Entry is now open for study in the United States.
The US Mission to South Africa has opened applications for its Fulbright scholarship programme. The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme is a competitive scholarship that funds postgraduate study in the US. South African citizens and permanent residents can apply for a Fulbright scholarship to complete a master’s or doctoral degree at any accredited tertiary institution in the US.
Fulbright scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses in the US for up to two years.
In partnership with South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the Fulbright programme also offers scholarships to South African PhD students enrolled at South African universities to conduct one year’s research at a US university as a visiting student researcher (VSR).
The following opportunities are available:
Visiting Student Researcher (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.
Master’s or PhD: Post-graduate students may apply for scholarships towards Master’s or Doctorate degrees. Scholarships are awarded for two years towards one degree—a master’s or doctorate.
FULBRIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN RESEARCH SCHOLAR PROGRAMME ELIGIBILITY
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 programme.)
- Have one of the following academic degrees:
- Visiting Student Researcher: Be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of your Fulbright programme
- When applying for a Master’s degree: a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, BTech degree or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an honours degree
- When applying for a Doctorate degree: a Master’s degree
What do we look for in our 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 Programme 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 Programme expects candidates to conduct a thorough university search and identify institutions that are a strong fit for their academic, personal, and professional goals.
FULBRIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN RESEARCH SCHOLAR PROGRAMME APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Applications can only be made individually through the link to the US Embassy South Africa’s website: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2024
Applications for the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme will close on April 17, 2024.
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