UNITED STATES: The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme 2024/2025 (2)

The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme (SARSP) is inviting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

The SARSP is an opportunity for South African university faculty or research institute professionals to conduct research in their field of expertise at a U.S. academic or research Institution for a period of 3 to 9 months.

A research grant enables the scholar to perform high-level research at a U.S. educational institution, aimed at strengthening academic programmes or curricula at his/her home institution. Applicants need to have a proven track record of productive scholarly research, and publications.

For more information on the programme, visit the website on: Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme

Degree level

Non degree programme (3 to 9 months Visiting Student Researcher programme)

Deadlines

The application deadline is 31 August 2023

Fields of Study 

The SARSP is open to Scholars in all disciplines and without regard to gender or age, however, proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Programme.

Who can apply?

Applicants must: 

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional/terminal degree in their field. Preference will be given to individuals who have a minimum of 3 years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record;
• 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 U.S. are not eligible for the programme);
• Applicants may be affiliated with local universities, research institutes, or other institutions that have educational and/or research objectives;
• Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in the English language to carry out the project required. TOEFL exams are not required. English Language Proficiency may be tested by Fulbright Offices;
• Scholars must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report;
• Scholars who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should revise their proposals, update curriculum vitae, and obtain current letters of reference.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Have not held a Fulbright Scholarship grant;
• Have had no experience or only limited experience in the U.S.

Applications for doctoral dissertation research, post-doctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.

What the scholarship offers 

• Monthly stipend based on the cost of living at the research site;
• Monthly dependent allowance for accompanying dependents;
• Round trip airfare for the grantee;
• Round trip airfare for one dependent accompanying the grantee for a minimum period of 80% on an eight- to nine month grant;
• Excess baggage allowance for return travel;
• Professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars;
• Settling-in allowance;
• Primary medical insurance coverage for the grantee.

Laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package for the Fulbright SARSP and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, and only if funding is available.

Application process 

Completed applications with all supplemental documents must be submitted through the Online Application System by August 31, 2023. 

Application components:

• Include a well written research proposal with well explained methodology that can be understood by a general reviewing committee;
• Include three confidential letters of reference, uploaded by your referees through the online application system; 
• A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required.

Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that the Fulbright Programme identifies a suitable host institution.

Contact 

Queries not addressed on the website may be sent to the Fulbright Office via email: fpsa@state.gov.

Documents and links

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme Website

SARSP 2024-2025 Application Guidelines

Application link

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.