The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers South African university graduates the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at universities in the United States.
This prestigious program is designed to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and South Africa through educational exchange.
- Application Deadline: 13 April 2025
- Location: South Africa
Program Overview
The Fulbright program provides grants for South African citizens to study in the U.S. (excluding MBA and medical/veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients). Selected students receive comprehensive support, including visa processing, health insurance, and pre-departure orientation.
Opportunities Available
- Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): South African PhD students enrolled at a local university may apply to conduct one year of research at a U.S. university.
- Master’s or PhD: Scholarships are available for postgraduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, awarded for two years for one degree.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident with at least 5 years of residency in South Africa (note: dual citizens with U.S. citizenship are not eligible).
- Academic Qualifications:
- For Visiting Student Researcher: Must be registered for a PhD at a South African university.
- For Master’s Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree or BTech degree, or a three-year bachelor’s degree with honors.
- For PhD: Must have a master’s degree.
Selection Criteria
The program seeks applicants who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence.
- Leadership potential.
- Clearly articulated study objectives.
- Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
- Engagement in extracurricular and community activities.
- Commitment to furthering the Fulbright Program and contributing to their home country upon return.
Required Test Scores
Candidates must provide scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Application Process
To apply, candidates should visit the FPSA application portal. For additional inquiries not covered in the provided resources, contact the Fulbright Office at [email protected].