Our applications have closed for the current accademic year
The United States Mission to South Africa has opened applications for its coveted Fulbright scholarship program. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a competitive scholarship that funds postgraduate study in the United States.
South African citizens and permanent residents can apply for a Fulbright scholarship to complete a master’s or doctoral degree at any accredited tertiary institution in the United States. Fulbright scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses in the United States for up to two years. In partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Fulbright program also offers scholarships to South African PhD students enrolled at South African universities to conduct one year’s research at a U.S. university as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR).
“Over 2,100 South Africans have received Fulbright scholarships to date, and after completing their studies, Fulbrighters have returned to South Africa where they have made a huge difference in their communities and transferred skills that continue to contribute to the development and economic growth of SA,” Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Mission to South Africa Frank Whitaker said. “We encourage talented South African students, graduates, and young professionals to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime academic exchange program and to join the Fulbright family of changemakers,” Whitaker added.
Applications for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program closed on May 1, 2022. South Africans wishing to pursue a master’s degree must have completed a four-year B-Tech degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree with an Honors degree. Prospective doctoral students must have successfully obtained a master’s degree. Successful applicants will start their Fulbright studies in August 2023. Medical studies or research requiring direct patient contact and MBA studies are not funded by the Fulbright scholarship.
The U.S. government strongly encourages applications from students with disabilities and from underserved areas. South Africans interested in applying for a Fulbright scholarship can learn more by clicking here.