U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Closes
8 April 2026
Value
Full tuition, stipend, travel, insurance
Level
Master's, PhD, Visiting Researcher
For
SA citizens and permanent residents (5+ years)
Sector
All Fields (Excl. Clinical Medicine & MBA)
Type
Scholarship
About this bursary
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers comprehensive financial support for South African graduates wanting to complete postgraduate degrees or doctoral research in the United States. Managed through the U.S. Embassy, the award covers tuition expenses, living allowances, return flights, and health insurance.
This initiative builds academic links and cultural understanding between South Africa and the United States. It targets motivated individuals with strong academic results, leadership potential, and a clear goal to give back to their communities upon returning home.
Funding applies to almost every discipline. However, studies requiring direct clinical contact with human or animal patients and standard MBA programs are excluded from this opportunity.
Obligation
Recipients must return to South Africa after concluding their studies in the United States.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents of at least five years.
- Dual citizens holding American citizenship are ineligible.
- Master's degree candidates need a four-year Bachelor's degree, a BTech, or an Honours degree.
- Doctoral candidates must hold a completed Master's degree.
- Visiting Student Researcher applicants must be registered for a PhD at a South African university.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and extra-curricular participation.
- Sufficient English proficiency is required, with short-listed applicants sitting for GRE or TOEFL tests.
- Applicants must commit to returning to South Africa after finishing the program.
You do not qualify if
- South African nationals with dual United States citizenship may not apply.
- Students currently studying at an institution in the US are ineligible.
- Degrees requiring clinical contact with human or animal patients are excluded.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are not funded.
Documents you need to submit
- Copy of passport bio page (or identity document if passport is pending)
- Study or research objective statement (around 2 pages)
- Personal statement essay (1 to 2 pages)
- Three professional or academic references
- Academic transcripts, degree certificates, and grading system explanation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample (required for PhD and VSR applicants)
- Completed interview location form
- Host university invitation letter (optional for VSR applicants)
Ensure all transcripts and essay files are attached to your online portal submission.
How to apply
- 1Open the official Fulbright application link.
- 2Register a user account on the portal and log in.
- 3Download and read the guidelines document carefully.
- 4Fill out all sections of the online form.
- 5Attach your transcripts, essays, CV, and reference documents.
- 6Submit your complete application online before midnight SAST on 8 April 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will take standardized tests like the GRE or TOEFL during later rounds.
How you are selected
Forms, downloads and links
Fulbright application portal
apply.iie.org/ffsp2027Register application account
apply.iie.org/account/registerApplication guidelines (PDF)
za.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2026/01/South-Africa-FFSP-Application-Guidelines-and-Instructions-2027-2028-1.pdfEmail the bursary team
[email protected]