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.
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 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 program)
- Have one of the following academic degrees:
- Visiting Student Researcher must be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of your 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
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 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)
- 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 Link: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026
Application deadline: 23:59 SAST on April 13, 2025
Guidance for applicants – Read before commencing your application:
South Africa FFSP Application Guidelines and Instructions 2026-2027
General admissions requirements by field of study
Guidelines_for_Letters_of_Recommendation
Plagiarism_and_Essay_Guidelines
Resume_Tips
Tips_for_Fulbright_Arts_Candidates
For questions not addressed via any of the above resources, please contact the Fulbright Office: [email protected]
