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 hold a qualifying degree: a 4-year bachelor's, BTech or 3-year bachelor's plus honours for a master's, or a master's for a PhD. South African PhD students can also apply as Visiting Student Researchers. Applicants with U.S. citizenship or U.S. residence are NOT eligible.

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 a U.S. university is open. Master's and PhD scholarships are awarded for two years for one degree. 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?

The 2027-2028 round closed at midnight SAST on 8 April 2026. The 2027-2028 call was posted in January 2026, and dates for the 2028-2029 round were not announced as of 12 October 2026, so check the U.S. Embassy South Africa Fulbright page early in 2027.

Postgraduate

Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship (South Africa)

U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a U.S. government scholarship that sends South Africans to universities in the United States for postgraduate study. It funds Master's or PhD study (awarded for two years for one degree) and one-year Visiting Student Researcher placements for South African PhD students, in almost any field, with support that includes visa processing, health insurance and pre-departure orientation. It targets high-achieving South African graduates with strong academic records and leadership potential.

Amount: Full grant: tuition + monthly living stipend + airfare + visa + health insurance
Deadline: Closed 8 April 2026
Renewable: Yes

2027 applications closed

Visit official site

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

Open to almost any field of postgraduate study at a U.S. university

Sciences

Engineering and Technology

Social Sciences

Humanities and Arts

Law

Public Health and Public Policy

Business and Economics (note: MBA programmes are excluded)

Excludes MBA programmes

Excludes medical and veterinary studies requiring clinical contact with patients

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen, OR permanent resident in South Africa for a minimum of 5 years
✓ South Africans who also hold U.S. citizenship, or who are resident in the U.S., may NOT apply
✓ Master's applicants: a 4-year bachelor's or BTech degree, or a 3-year bachelor's plus an honours degree
✓ PhD applicants: a master's degree; Visiting Student Researcher applicants must be registered for a PhD at a South African university
✓ Strong academic record, leadership potential and clearly articulated study objectives
✓ 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)
✓ GRE and TOEFL scores are required of semi-finalists only (selected candidates receive test vouchers)

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 for the relevant academic year
3
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (citizenship/residency, qualifying degree, eligible field)
4
Research U.S. universities that fit your academic and career goals, then complete the online application (on the IIE platform) with your study or research objectives
5
Secure 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 - the 2027-2028 round closed at midnight SAST on 8 April 2026
8
Semi-finalists write the GRE and TOEFL (vouchers provided) and shortlisted candidates are interviewed
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 hold a qualifying degree: a 4-year bachelor's, BTech or 3-year bachelor's plus honours for a master's, or a master's for a PhD. South African PhD students can also apply as Visiting Student Researchers. Applicants with U.S. citizenship or U.S. residence are NOT eligible.
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 a U.S. university is open. Master's and PhD scholarships are awarded for two years for one degree. 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?: The 2027-2028 round closed at midnight SAST on 8 April 2026. The 2027-2028 call was posted in January 2026, and dates for the 2028-2029 round were not announced as of 12 October 2026, so check the U.S. Embassy South Africa Fulbright page early in 2027.

2027 applications have closed

The 2027 application window closed on 8 April 2026.

Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year closed at midnight SAST on 8 April 2026, and the U.S. Embassy's Fulbright page lists that round as closed. The 2027-2028 call was posted in January 2026; dates for the 2028-2029 round were not announced as of 12 October 2026.

Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.

Check U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office)'s official site

Need help? Contact U.S. Department of State (administered by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa, Fulbright Office):

Email: fpsa@state.gov

Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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