Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship (South Africa)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a fully funded U.S. government scholarship that sends South Africans to accredited universities in the United States for postgraduate study. It covers Master's, PhD and Visiting Student Researcher placements in almost any field, including tuition, a living stipend, airfare, visa sponsorship and health insurance. It targets high-achieving South African graduates with strong academic records and leadership potential.
Eligible Fields of Study
U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen, OR permanent resident in South Africa for a minimum of 5 years
- ✓ South African nationals who also hold U.S. (dual) citizenship may NOT apply
- ✓ Hold a relevant first/undergraduate degree (a university graduate) to pursue postgraduate study in the USA
- ✓ Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership and potential
- ✓ Three letters of recommendation from referees familiar with your academic achievement
- ✓ Official academic transcripts for all degrees, plus relevant certificates
- ✓ Writing sample of approximately 10-14 pages (required for PhD and Visiting Student Researcher applicants)
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees at the U.S. host university
- ✓ Monthly living/stipend allowance for the duration of the programme
- ✓ Placement assistance at a suitable U.S. host university
- ✓ J1 exchange visitor visa sponsorship and visa application fee coverage
- ✓ Medical clearance and international health insurance
- ✓ Round-trip international airfare (South Africa to authorised U.S. destination) and a travel allowance
- ✓ Settling-in allowance on arrival in the U.S.
- ✓ Comprehensive pre-departure orientation and a re-entry session
How to Apply
Steps to complete your U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office) bursary application
- 1
Visit the U.S. Embassy South Africa Fulbright Foreign Student Program page at za.usembassy.gov
- 2
Download and read the official application guidelines and instructions PDF for the relevant academic year
- 3
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship/residency, completed undergraduate degree, eligible field)
- 4
Register and complete the online application form, including your study/research objectives
- 5
Secure and submit three letters of recommendation from academic referees
- 6
Upload your official academic transcripts, certificates and (for PhD/researcher applicants) a 10-14 page writing sample
- 7
Submit before the deadline of 23:59 SAST on 8 April 2026 for the 2027-2028 academic year
- 8
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview as part of the selection process
- 9
Successful candidates receive placement assistance, visa sponsorship and pre-departure orientation
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID or passport (and proof of 5+ years permanent residence if applicable)
- 📄 Official academic transcripts for all completed degrees
- 📄 Degree certificates and other relevant academic certificates
- 📄 Three letters of recommendation from academic referees
- 📄 Statement of study or research objectives
- 📄 Writing sample of approximately 10-14 pages (PhD and Visiting Student Researcher applicants)
- 📄 Up-to-date CV/resume
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program in South Africa?
- South African citizens, or people who have been permanent residents in South Africa for at least 5 years, who already hold a relevant undergraduate degree and want to pursue postgraduate study in the USA. South Africans who also hold U.S. (dual) citizenship are NOT eligible to apply.
- What does the Fulbright scholarship cover?
- It is a full grant. It covers tuition at your U.S. host university, a monthly living stipend, round-trip international airfare, J1 visa sponsorship and fees, international health insurance, a settling-in allowance, and pre-departure orientation. There is no single fixed rand figure because the value depends on your programme and host institution.
- Which fields and degrees are eligible?
- Almost any field of postgraduate study (Master's, PhD or Visiting Student Researcher) at an accredited U.S. university is open. The main exclusions are MBA programmes and medical or veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients.
- When does the Fulbright Foreign Student Program close?
- For the 2027-2028 academic year, applications close at 23:59 SAST on 8 April 2026. The programme runs on an annual cycle, with deadlines falling in the year before your intended start of study, so always check the latest official guidelines on the U.S. Embassy South Africa website.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 8 April 2026
Apply on U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office)'s official siteNeed help? Contact U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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