The Fulbright Program, a United States Cultural Exchange Program, aims to improve the intercultural relations and cultural diplomacy between citizens of the United States of America, as well as intercultural competence, through the exchange of people, knowledge and skills.
The Fulbright Program, founded in 1946 is one of the most prestigious and widely known scholarships in the entire world. The Fulbright Program awards scholarships and grants to citizens of the world. This includes students, scholars, educators, professionals, scientists, artists, etc.
The FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STAFF PROGRAMME: Fields Covered
The U.S. Embassy & consulates in South Africa invite students to apply for the South African Fulbright Student Program for the academic year 2025-2026.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open to South African graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate study in ANY field at ANY university in USA (excluding MBA or studies that require patient contact).
You can apply for the following positions:
- Visitor Student Researchers (non-degrees): is for South African PhD Students who are enrolled in a South African University to conduct one year of research at an USA University as a VSR. Students who are currently funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), may also apply.
- Master’s or PhD: is for students pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate.
Learn more about the FULBRIGHT FOREIGN EDUCATION PROGRAMME: Fields covered
The following benefits are offered by the programme:
- Tuition, living allowance and tuition while in the USA
- Placement in a host University in the USA
- J1 visa sponsorship
- Medical clearance
- Visa application fees
- Travel and Health Insurance for International Travel
- Travel and Transportation from South Africa to authorized USA destinations
- Allowance for settlement upon arrival in the United States
Eligibility Requirements for the FULBRIGHT FOREIGN EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Before applying, applicants must meet the minimum requirements (please be aware that if you do not meet all of the requirements your application will not be considered).
- You must be a South African Citizen OR a Permanent Resident in South Africa for a minimum of five years. (South Africans with dual citizenship may NOT apply).
- You must hold one of the following degrees:
- You must be registered as a PhD student at a South African university for the duration your Fulbright program.
- You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, BTech or 3-year Bachelor with Honours.
- You must hold a Master’s degree to be eligible for a doctorate degree
- If you plan to pursue graduate-level study in the United States, you must be able to speak English at a high level.
- Fulbright will test your ability to achieve the required minimum scores in standardized tests, such as GRE or TOEFL.
- Academic excellence is required
- Leadership qualities are essential
- You need to show that you have a strong sense for social responsibility
- You must participate in extra-mural activity
- You must be motivated and determined to return to South Africa at the end of the programme.
- You must be motivated to continue Fulbright alumni activities after your return by giving back to the community/university you attended.
- Understanding cross-cultural sensitivity is essential to adapting to the life of a student in America
- You cannot be studying in the USA at this time
- If you are not studying for an MBA, or do not intend to study towards one that requires patient contact with humans or animals, then this is a no-go.
- The preference will be given to those applicants who have not had extensive and recent experience in the USA, and who have never held a Fulbright Scholarship.
How to Apply for the FULBRIGHT FOREIGN EDUCATION PROGRAM
The application must be submitted electronically at: Fulbright Student Program Application 2023
Before they can Login, applicants must Create an account.
Download the guidelines for the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students.
Enter “busa.hlayiso.com” in the field asking how you heard about the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
Please submit a clear copy of the following documents along with your online submission (the submission is mandatory – if you do not provide these items, your application could be disqualified).
- Passport bio page (or ID document, if passport not yet available)
- Study Research Objective (average of 2 pages).
- Personal Statement (average of 1-2 pages).
- Three references (see the tips in the Guidelines and Instructions section above).
- For VSR applicants, a letter of invitation is required.
- Transcripts including grades, certificates, and grade explanation sheet
- Curriculum Vitae
- Writing Samples (required by PhD programs and visiting student researchers and recommended by MA programs).
- The Interview Location page (page 7 of the Guidelines and Instructions above)
The FULBRIGHT PROGRAMME FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS will close on the date specified below.
17 April 2024 (at midnight SAST).
Please apply before the deadline to be considered.
Contact the Program Provider
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Fulbright directly.
Email: fpsa@state.gov