Study in the United States with One of the World’s Most Prestigious Scholarships

The Fulbright Program South African Foreign Student Program 2027/2028 is now open — offering fully funded opportunities for South African graduates to study in the United States.

This globally recognized scholarship supports Master’s, PhD, and research studies at top U.S. universities.

Application Deadline

8 April 2026

Quick Overview

Programme: Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Host Country: United States
Target Group: South African graduates
Funding Type: Fully funded scholarship
Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, Visiting Research

Available Study Opportunities

Master’s or PhD Degrees

Funding for postgraduate studies in the U.S.
Duration: Up to 2 years

Visiting Student Researcher (VSR)

For PhD students already enrolled in South Africa
Spend 1 year conducting research in the U.S.

NRF-funded PhD students are strongly encouraged to apply.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Fulbright programme provides comprehensive support, including:

Tuition fees
Visa processing
Health insurance
Travel support
Pre-departure orientation
Re-entry support after studies

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

Be a South African citizen
(or permanent resident with 5+ years status)
Not hold U.S. citizenship or residency

Academic Requirements

Depending on your level:

Master’s:
- 4-year degree OR
- 3-year degree + Honours OR
- BTech
PhD:
- Must have a Master’s degree
VSR:
- Must be registered PhD student in SA

You can also:

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on:

Academic excellence
Leadership potential
Clear study goals
Communication skills
Cultural awareness
Community involvement
Commitment to giving back to South Africa

Additional Requirements

GRE & TOEFL required for shortlisted candidates only
Test vouchers will be provided to selected applicants

What Makes Fulbright Special?

The Fulbright Program is globally respected because it:

Connects future leaders worldwide
Promotes cultural exchange
Builds global academic networks
Opens doors to top universities

Application Tips (Very Important)

To improve your chances:

Research U.S. universities carefully
Choose programmes aligned with your goals
Write a strong personal statement
Highlight leadership and community work
Show how you will give back to South Africa

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Why This Scholarship Matters

This programme helps you:

Study at top global universities
Build an international career network
Gain world-class education
Return with skills to impact South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Fulbright Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition, travel, visa, and living support.

2. Can I apply for an MBA or medical degree?

No. These fields are not supported under this programme.

3. Do I need GRE or TOEFL before applying?

No. Only shortlisted candidates will need them.

4. Can PhD students apply?

Yes, through the Visiting Student Researcher (VSR) option.

5. Who is not eligible?

U.S. citizens
Applicants currently living in the U.S.

6. What is the deadline?