About Fulbright
Founded in 1946, Fulbright is one of the most prestigious exchange programs in the academic realm. It offers scholarships to students, teachers, and researchers from around the world to study abroad. The program promotes mutual understanding between countries, facilitates an exchange of knowledge and skills, and fosters cultural competence. Fulbright provides opportunities for students from various countries to study in the United States, strengthening international relations and promoting growth.
Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship 2025-2026
The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program aims to provide graduates from South African universities with opportunities to pursue postgraduate-level studies at universities in the United States. The program offers comprehensive assistance, including support for visa processing, health insurance, pre-departure briefings, and re-entry sessions.
The scholarship is not applicable for MBA programs or studies involving patient contact. It provides financial support for tuition and fees, travel from South Africa to the US, settling-in allowance, monthly allowance, health benefits, J-1 visa sponsorship, and allowances for books and computers.
The scholarship opportunities include:
- Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): For candidates pursuing research opportunities (PhD) without pursuing a degree at a U.S. university. Funding is provided for one academic year as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR).
- Master’s or PhD: For students pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate in the US. Funding is provided for two years of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship 2025-2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen or have permanent residency for a minimum of 5 years.
- Excellent academic records.
- English language proficiency scores (GRE and TOEFL) as required by the field.
- Degree requirements:
- For PhD research: Must be registered as a student in a South African university, continuing registration during the academic year of research in the US.
- For Master’s degree: Must have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or a 3-year BTech degree with an honors degree.
- For Doctoral degree: Must have a Master’s degree.
- Interest in extracurricular and community-related programs.
- Leadership potential, clear academic goals, cultural sensitivity, and willingness to promote South African culture.
- Clear goals that benefit their home country upon return.
Application Process
Interested candidates need to complete and submit the online application form. They should review the scholarship program guidelines, register an account, and proceed with the application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days after the closing date.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- Objective of research or study.
- Invitation letter from the host (for VSR applicants).
- ID documents or passport biodata page.
- Degree certificates.
- Grades and transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Writing sample (for PhD and MA programs).
- Interview location page.
- Three references.
- Personal statement.
All documents are essential and must be attached to the application form.
Closing Date
The application period opens on January 20, and closes on May 1. Candidates must complete the application process by the closing date.
Contact Details
For inquiries, candidates can email:
- Pretoria: fpsa@state.gov
- Cape Town: fpsa@state.gov
- Johannesburg: MothianeM@state.gov
- Durban: KnowlesSD@state.gov
