The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a chance for South African graduates and postgraduate students to study or do research in the United States during the 2027‑2028 academic year. If you want to finish a master’s or PhD, or if you’re a PhD student looking to spend a year working at a U.S. university, this program could be the perfect fit. It covers everything from tuition to travel, so you won’t have to worry about money while you focus on your studies.
What the Fulbright Program Gives You
The program is designed to help bright South Africans become future leaders. The selection process is tough, but if you make it, you’ll get:
- Full payment for tuition and course fees
- Help with getting your U.S. student visa
- Health insurance while you’re abroad
- A briefing before you leave South Africa so you know what to expect
- Ongoing support from U.S. mentors and classmates
- A chance to stay in touch with other Fulbright alumni after you come back
You’ll be part of a community that helps you grow academically and personally, and you’ll learn skills that will benefit South Africa when you return.
Study Options for 2027‑2028
There are two main ways to join the program:
Visiting Student Researcher (Non‑Degree)
- Only for South African PhD students who are already registered in a university in South Africa.
- You spend one year working on a research project at a U.S. university.
- If your PhD is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), you should definitely consider this path.
Master’s or PhD Degree Studies
- Scholarships are available for either a master’s or a PhD – you can pick one, not both.
- The funding can cover up to two years of study, depending on the program you choose.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify you must be:
- A South African citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in South Africa for at least five years
- Not a U.S. resident or a dual U.S. citizen
- For the Visiting Student Researcher track, you need to be a PhD student for the full year of the award
- For master’s candidates, you must have:
- A four‑year bachelor’s degree, or
- A BTech degree, or
- A three‑year bachelor’s degree plus an honours year
- For PhD applicants, you need a master’s degree already
What the Panel Looks For
Applicants who stand out usually show:
- Strong grades and academic achievements
- Clear evidence of leadership or the potential to lead
- A well‑thought‑out plan for what you want to study or research
- Good communication skills and the ability to work with others
- An interest in cultural exchange between the U.S. and South Africa
- Involvement in community service, leadership roles, or extra activities
- A promise to share what you learn with South Africa after you finish
If you get to the semi‑final stage, you’ll be asked to take the GRE or TOEFL, but the program will give you vouchers for these tests.
How to Apply
The application process is online. Click Apply Now to start your application.
The deadline is midnight on April 8, 2026 (SAST). After that date, applications will not be accepted, so be sure to finish all required documents in time.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you apply, think about:
- Current health rules that might affect travel
- Whether the U.S. consulate can process your visa
- The policies of the university you want to join in the U.S.
All of these can influence whether you can start your program on time.
Why This Matters
The Fulbright Program is one of the most respected scholarship programs worldwide. It’s not only about money—it gives you a network of people from different countries and disciplines that you can rely on throughout your career. If you’re serious about learning at the highest level and you want to bring back new ideas to South Africa, this scholarship could change the course of your life.
Take a look at the program details and see if you fit the profile. Then, put your best foot forward and apply before the deadline. Good luck!