Fulbright Scholarships To Study In United States

Bursary Details

The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme is inviting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Programme provides grants for South African university graduates to pursue post-graduate studies at a United States university in any subject (excludes MBA and medical/veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients).

Students are selected through a rigorous application and interview process and receive a high level of support ranging from visa processing and health insurance to a comprehensive pre-departure orientation and re-entry session.

Degree level

• Visiting Student Researcher (non-degree): South African PhD students enrolled with a South African University may apply to conduct one year’s research at a U.S. University as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR). Current National Research Foundation (NRF) funded PhD students are encouraged to apply;
• Master’s or PhD: Post-graduate students may apply for scholarships towards Master’s or Doctoral degrees. Scholarships are awarded for two years towards one degree – Master’s or PhD.

Fields of Study

All fields of study except MBA and studies that require patient contact.

Candidate Requirements

• 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 United States are not eligible for the programme);
• Have one of the following academic degrees:
  • Visiting Student Researcher: Must be registered for a PhD at a South African university for the duration of your Fulbright VSR programme;
  • When applying for a Master’s degree: Have a four-year bachelor’s degree, B-Tech degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree with an honours degree;
  • When applying for a Doctorate degree: a Master’s degree.
• All Applicants should:
  • Have sufficient level of English proficiency to enable them to engage in graduate level study in the United States;
  • Be able to meet the minimum scores on required standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (tested by Fulbright when invited to the semi-final round);
  • Display academic excellence;
  • Be highly motivated and committed to returning to S.A. after the programme;
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities;
  • Display a sense of social responsibility; be involved in extra-mural activities;
  • Have a desire to further Fulbright Alumni activities by giving back to your community/university upon returning;
  • Have an understanding of the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility needed to adjust successfully to life in the United States as a student.
• Preference will be given to applicants who: 
  • Have not had recent and extensive experience in the U.S.;
  • Have not held a Fulbright Scholarship before
• Students already studying in the United States are NOT eligible;
• MBA and studies that require patient contact (human or animal) are excluded.

Bursary Inclusion

The Fulbright programme provides a high level of support to candidates.

• Placement at a U.S. host university;
• J1 visa sponsorship
• Medical clearance;
• Visa application fees;
• International travel and health insurance;
• Tuition and a living allowance while in the U.S.;
• Travel allowance and transportation from South Africa to the authorized U.S. destination;
• Settling in allowance upon arrival in the United States.

Field of Study

Computer Science
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Science