Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship South Africa

Fields of study

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.

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

Who can apply

• 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)
• 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
• Have a sufficient level of English proficiency to engage in graduate level study in the United States
• 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)
• Show academic excellence
• Show strong leadership qualities
• Show a strong sense of social responsibility
• Be involved in extra-mural activities
• Be highly motivated and committed to returning to South Africa after the programme
• Have a desire to further Fulbright Alumni activities by giving back to your community/university after returning
• Understand the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust to life as a student in the USA
• Not be currently studying in the USA
• 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

Documents you will need

• Passport Bio page (or ID document if passport is not available yet)
• Personal Statement (average 1-2 pages)
• 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

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   • Fulbright Foreign Student Program Application 2027/2028
   • Register an account
   • Login
   • Fulbright Foreign Student Program guidelines

   Applications must be submitted online at: Fulbright Foreign Student Program Application 2027/2028

   Applicants must Register an account before they can Login and apply.

   Applicants must download and read the Fulbright Foreign Student Program guidelines (.pdf).

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around April. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship South Africa

The Fulbright Program is the US government's flagship international educational exchange, run in South Africa by the US Embassy.