Deadline: April 8, 2026
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme 2027-2028 offers a prestigious opportunity for South African students and researchers to pursue postgraduate study or research in the United States. This fully funded programme provides financial support for tuition, living expenses, travel, and health benefits, enabling scholars to gain world-class education and research experience at leading U.S. institutions.
About the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme 2027-2028
The Fulbright Programme is one of the most recognised international exchange initiatives in the world. Funded by the U.S. government, it aims to build mutual understanding between nations through educational and cultural exchange.
For the 2027-2028 academic year, the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme supports talented South Africans who wish to study towards a Master’s, PhD, or conduct doctoral research (as Visiting Student Researchers) in the United States.
This competitive scholarship is designed to identify future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will contribute to South Africa’s development and strengthen ties between South Africa and the United States.
Programme Categories
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme 2027-2028 offers two main categories:
1. Visiting Student Researcher (VSR)
This category is open to South African PhD students registered at local universities who wish to conduct research at a U.S. institution for one academic year as part of their doctoral studies.
Key details:
- Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD programme in South Africa at the time of application and remain enrolled during the Fulbright award period.
- Research should be relevant to their ongoing doctoral thesis.
2. Master’s or PhD Study
This award supports South Africans pursuing full postgraduate degrees in the United States.
Requirements:
- Master’s applicants must hold at least a four-year bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
- PhD applicants must possess a relevant master’s degree.
Note: The Fulbright Programme does not fund clinical degrees such as the MBA, MBChB, or veterinary medicine programmes involving patient contact or direct animal care.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
- Be South African citizens or permanent residents who have lived in South Africa for at least five years.
- Reside in South Africa at the time of application (applicants living in the U.S. or holding U.S. citizenship are not eligible).
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a clear sense of purpose for graduate study or research.
- Exhibit leadership potential, community engagement, and a commitment to contributing to South Africa’s growth.
- Show strong cultural adaptability and the ability to represent South Africa as a cultural ambassador.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic achievement and research potential
- Quality and clarity of study objectives
- Leadership ability and extracurricular involvement
- Demonstrated commitment to community service and cultural exchange
- Feasibility of study or research goals in relation to available resources in the U.S.
- Strength of references and academic background
- Relevance of chosen U.S. institutions and programmes
Testing requirements:
Semi-finalists may be required to sit for the GRE and TOEFL examinations. Test vouchers may be provided to qualified candidates during the selection process.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected scholars receive comprehensive funding that covers:
- Tuition and university fees
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly living stipend
- Settling-in allowance
- Health insurance
- Support with the J-1 visa process
This ensures recipients can focus fully on their academic and research objectives without financial stress.
Application Process
Applications for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme 2027-2028 are submitted online through the Fulbright application portal.
Applicants must:
- Select South Africa as their country of citizenship.
- Choose the relevant award type (Visiting Student Researcher or Master’s/PhD).
- Submit academic transcripts, reference letters, a personal statement, and a research or study objective statement.
Only complete applications received before the deadline will be reviewed.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme 2027-2028 is 8 April 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the Fulbright Programme offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:
- Study or conduct research at top U.S. universities.
- Join a global network of Fulbright alumni making a positive impact in their fields.
- Develop professional, academic, and intercultural skills that enhance global competitiveness.
If you are a motivated South African scholar ready to make a difference, this programme is for you.
Important Links
👉 Click here to apply for the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme
👉 Read more about the programme here
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