Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program Bursary 2026 – Closing Date: 5 October 2025

Hey future-shaping minds! Are you a South African academic or researcher dreaming of taking your groundbreaking work to the United States? Well, get ready because the incredible Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program Bursary could make that dream a reality!

This bursary isn’t just a financial boost; it’s a golden ticket for South African university faculty and research institute professionals. It offers you the chance to conduct high-level, impactful research in your area of expertise at a top U.S. academic or research institution for 3 to 9 months. The best part? It’s all about strengthening academic programs and curricula right here at home when you return. If you’ve got a solid track record of scholarly research, teaching, and publications, this one’s definitely for you!

Who Can Apply?

Alright, let’s see if you tick all the boxes for this amazing opportunity:

First up, you need to hold a doctorate or an equivalent degree in your field by the time you apply. Bonus points if you have at least 3 years of university teaching experience and a solid publication history!
You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident who has held that status for a minimum of 5 years. Quick note: If you have dual S.A./U.S. citizenship, this program isn’t for you.
The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program is open to scholars from all disciplines – we’re talking broad! However, please know that proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact can’t be approved under this program.
This bursary isn’t for doctoral dissertation research, immediate post-doctoral research right after your doctorate, or just general professional travel. It’s for established researchers!
If you haven’t received a Fulbright scholar grant before, or have limited experience in the U.S., you might just get preference here!
You’ll need to be proficient enough in English to rock your projects and collaborate effectively. No TOEFL exams are usually required, but the U.S. Embassy might ask for a language test if needed.
Good health is a must! If you’re successful, you’ll need to submit a Medical History and Examination Report.
Unsuccessful in previous applications? Don’t sweat it! You can re-apply. Just make sure to update your proposal, CV, and get fresh letters of reference/invitation.

What Does It Cover?

This bursary is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring you can focus on your research without financial stress. Here’s what you can expect:

A monthly stipend tailored to the cost of living at your research site – so you’re covered!
Round-trip airfare just for you, the scholar.
An allowance for excess baggage on your return journey – bring those research materials home!
A professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars.
A settling-in allowance to help you get comfortable in your new environment.
Primary medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
Your visa application fee is also taken care of.

Just a heads-up: Laboratory fees aren’t standard benefits and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, only if funding is available.

How to Apply?

Ready to make your mark? Applying for the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program is straightforward, all done through their online application system. Here’s what you need to do:

Fill in all the required information and upload your supporting documents. Make sure your research proposal is well-written, with a clear methodology that anyone on the reviewing committee can understand.
You’ll need three confidential letters of reference. These must be uploaded directly by your referees through the online system – no emails or postal mail accepted! Detailed guidelines on how to register your referees are available in the application’s country information section.
While not strictly required, a Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred. It shows you’ve got a place to land!

Quick tip: It’s best to avoid requesting affiliation with your alma mater. The Fulbright Program will do its best to match your institutional preferences, or they can even help you find a suitable host institution if you’re not familiar with U.S. institutions.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to advance your research career and contribute to academic excellence! For all the nitty-gritty details and to start your application, head over to the official webpage:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program

If this sounds like the perfect bursary to fuel your research passion, don’t wait — apply now and remember to explore even more amazing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!