Deadline: 17 April 2024
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program provides grants for South African university graduates to pursue post-graduate studies at a United States university (excludes MBA and 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 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 – Master’s or Doctorate.
What do they look for in the 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.
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:
- For PhD research (Visiting Student Researcher): Current registration for a PhD at a South African university, and you should still be registered with a South African University as a PhD student for the duration of your research program in the U.S.
- When applying for a Master’s degree: a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, BTech degree or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an Honors degree. Current 4th year or Honors students may apply. You must have completed your degree and be able to provide results by November 2024.
- When applying for a Doctorate degree: a Master’s degree. If currently registered for a Master’s degree, you should have completed your degree and be able to provide results by November 2024.
- Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Have not had recent and extensive experience in the U.S.
- Have not held a Fulbright Scholarship before
- Students already studying in the United States are NOT eligible
- MBA and studies that require direct patient contact (human or animal) are excluded.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.
