Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027/2028 Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship – Apply Now

Application Deadline: April 8, 2026

The opportunity to apply for the 2027/2028 cycle of the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program is now available. Through this program, grants are awarded to university graduates from South Africa to undertake postgraduate studies at institutions in the United States, with the exclusion of MBAs and medical or veterinary programs involving direct patient contact. A rigorous process of application and interview is used for student selection, and successful candidates are provided with extensive support. This support encompasses assistance with visa processing and health insurance, in addition to a detailed pre-departure orientation and a re-entry session upon completion.

The following opportunities are available:

Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): The chance to apply for a one-year research position at a U.S. university as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) is extended to South African PhD students currently enrolled at a South African university. Strong encouragement is given to current PhD students receiving funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) to submit an application.

Master’s or PhD: Scholarships for master’s or Doctoral degrees are open to postgraduate students. Awarded for a two-year period, these scholarships are designated for the completion of one degree, either a master’s or a PhD.

Eligibility

• South African citizenship is a requirement. Consideration is also extended to individuals with permanent residency status in South Africa, provided they have maintained this status for a minimum of five years. Individuals currently residing in the U.S. or those possessing dual U.S. citizenship are ineligible for the program.
• One of the following academic qualifications must be held:

• Registration in a PhD program at a South African university for the entire duration of the Fulbright VSR program is mandatory for Visiting Student Researcher applicants.
• A four-year bachelor’s degree, a BTech degree, or a three-year bachelor’s degree combined with an honors degree should have been obtained by applicants to a master’s program.
• A master’s degree must be in the possession of those applying for a PhD.

Requirements

• A record of academic excellence
• Demonstrated potential for leadership
• Study objectives that are clearly defined and expressed
• Interpersonal skills that can be demonstrated, alongside evidence of cultural sensitivity and a sincere interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the United States while sharing facets of South African culture with its citizens
• Involvement and interest in activities beyond academics, including within the community
• A commitment to advancing the goals of the Fulbright Program and contributing to one’s home country after returning
• Attainment of the necessary scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). It is important to note that these test scores are only required from applicants who reach the semi-finalist stage. Candidates who are selected as semi-finalists will be provided with vouchers to cover the registration costs for the GRE and TOEFL tests.

To apply click here

Clear and well-reasoned justifications for the choice of preferred U.S. universities will also be sought by the Selection Committee and Interview Panel. A comprehensive search for universities is expected of all candidates, with the aim of identifying institutions that closely align with their academic ambitions, personal values, and professional objectives.

For More Information: For complete details and access to the application portal, a visit to the Official Webpage of the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program is recommended.