The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme (FFSP) invites South African graduates to apply for postgraduate study opportunities in the United States for the 2027–2028 academic year.
The programme provides funding and comprehensive support for talented South Africans to pursue Master’s degrees, PhDs, or non-degree doctoral research at U.S. universities (excluding MBA and clinical medical/veterinary studies).
For more information on the programme, refer to the South Africa FFSP Application Guidelines and Instructions.
Degree level
The following opportunities are available:
- Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): South African PhD students enrolled with a South African University may apply to conduct one year’s research at a U.S. University as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR). Current National Research Foundation (NRF) funded PhD students are encouraged to apply;
- Master’s or PhD: Post-graduate students may apply for scholarships towards Master’s or Doctoral degrees. Scholarships are awarded for two years towards one degree – Master’s or PhD.
Fields of Study
All fields of study except MBA and medical/veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients.
Deadlines
The application deadline is 8 April 2026.
MS Teams Information Sessions
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen OR a permanent resident with a minimum of 5 years of permanent residency status in South Africa (Please note: S.A. nationals with dual citizenship from the United States are not eligible for the programme);
- Have one of the following academic degrees:
- Visiting Student Researcher: Must be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of their Fulbright VSR programme;
- When applying for a Master’s degree: Have a four-year bachelor’s degree, B-Tech degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree with an honours degree;
- When applying for a PhD you must have a master’s degree.
- All Applicants should:
- Have sufficient level of English proficiency to enable them to engage in graduate level study in the United States;
- Be able to meet the minimum scores on required standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (Fulbright will provide semi-finalists with vouchers to complete
these tests when invited to the semi-final round); - Display academic excellence;
- Be highly motivated and committed to returning to S.A. after the programme;
- Demonstrate leadership qualities;
- Display a sense of social responsibility; be involved in extra-mural activities;
- Have a desire to further Fulbright Alumni activities by giving back to your community/university upon returning;
- Have an understanding of the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust successfully to life in the United States as a student.
- Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Have not had recent and extensive experience in the U.S.;
- Have not held a Fulbright Scholarship before
- Students already studying in the United States are NOT eligible;
- MBA and studies that require patient contact (human or animal) are excluded.
What the scholarship offers
The Fulbright programme provides a high level of support to candidates.
- Funding for two years of consecutive study towards a master's or doctoral or one year of non degree study and research towards a South African Doctoral
- Full Tuition and a living allowance while in the United States;
- Medical insurance;
- Round trip plane ticket to the United States;
- Visa application fees;
- Settling in allowance upon arrival in the United States;
- Test fees for GRE/TOEFL testing.
Application process
Completed applications with all required supplemental documents must be submitted through the online system by midnight SAST on 8 April 2026.
Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programmes.
Contact
For questions not addressed on the website may be sent to the Fulbright Office via:
Documents and links
South Africa FFSP Application Guidelines and Instructions 2027-2028
Faculty Outreach Tips and Guidelines
Guidelines_for_Letters_of_Recommendation
Plagiarism_and_Essay_Guidelines
Tips_for_Fulbright_Arts_Candidates
Note
Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
