South Africa: Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2025-2026

Kickstart Real results, real impact! With fundsforNGOs Premium, NGOs, companies and individuals across the globe have accessed millions in grants to expand their projects. Now You can also do it! Discount open.

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).

"Thanks to Premium Membership, we connected with donors we never knew existed!" – Start uncovering hidden funding opportunities today. Get it before it's gone. Discount open..

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.