The Fulbright Foreign Student Program (FFSP) offers fully funded opportunities for South African graduates and doctoral candidates to pursue postgraduate study or research at accredited universities in the United States of America. Administered by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in South Africa, the program supports academic excellence, leadership development, and cross-cultural exchange. Through a competitive application and interview process, selected candidates receive extensive support, including visa processing assistance, health insurance, pre-departure orientation, and reintegration support upon return to South Africa. Programme Overview The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables South African scholars to undertake advanced academic training in the United States, excluding MBA programmes and medical or veterinary studies that require clinical contact with patients. Successful applicants benefit from: Tuition support and funding for approved academic programmes Assistance with visa processing and compliance Comprehensive health insurance coverage Pre-departure orientation and academic advising Re-entry support aimed at maximizing post-study impact in South Africa The programme is designed to strengthen mutual understanding between South Africa and the United States while contributing to national development through skills transfer and leadership growth. Available Study Opportunities The following study and research pathways are available under the 2027–2028 intake: Visiting Student Researcher (Non-Degree) Open to South African PhD candidates currently registered at a South African university Supports one year of non-degree research at a U.S. university National Research Foundation (NRF)–funded PhD students are strongly encouraged to apply Master’s or PhD Degree Programmes Scholarships support either a Master’s degree or a Doctoral degree Funding is awarded for up to two years per degree Applicants must apply for one degree level only Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident with a minimum of five years’ permanent residency in South Africa Applicants residing in the United States or holding dual U.S. citizenship are not eligible Meet academic requirements relevant to the chosen study level: Visiting Student Researchers must be enrolled in a PhD programme in South Africa for the duration of the grant Master’s applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree, a BTech degree, or a three-year bachelor’s degree plus an honours qualification PhD applicants must hold a completed master’s degree Selection Criteria The Fulbright Selection Committee assesses candidates holistically, with emphasis on academic merit, leadership potential, and long-term impact. Key qualities sought include: Strong academic excellence and intellectual ability Demonstrated leadership potential Clear and well-articulated study or research objectives Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and openness to cross-cultural engagement Active involvement in extracurricular or community-based activities A clear commitment to giving back to South Africa upon completion of studies Thoughtful selection of U.S. universities aligned with academic and professional goals Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required only for semi-finalists. Selected candidates will receive test registration vouchers. Application Process and Deadline Applications must be submitted online via the official Fulbright application portal. Application link: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2027 Closing date: Midnight (SAST), 8 April 2026 Applicants are encouraged to begin early to allow sufficient time for document preparation, university research, and reference coordination. Applicant Guidance and Resources Before starting the application, candidates are advised to consult the official guidance documents, which include: South Africa FFSP Application Guidelines and Instructions (2027–2028) Faculty Outreach Tips and Guidelines Transcript and Academic Records Guidelines Letters of Recommendation Guidelines Plagiarism and Essay Writing Guidelines Résumé Preparation Tips Guidance for Arts Candidates Applicants with questions not covered in the guidance materials may contact the Fulbright Office at fpsa@state.gov. Information Sessions Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the online MS Teams information sessions, where program administrators provide guidance and respond to general queries. Scheduled sessions include: 30 January 2026 – 11:00 12 February 2026 – 15:00 25 February 2026 – 12:30 6 March 2026 – 08:30 16 March 2026 – 15:00 25 March 2026 – 08:00 Additional Considerations Applicants should be aware that participation may be affected by public health conditions, travel restrictions, availability of consular services, or U.S. institutional policies. Final participation is subject to prevailing regulations at the time of travel and enrolment. Conclusion The Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027–2028 represents a prestigious opportunity for South African scholars to advance their academic careers, develop global networks, and contribute meaningfully to national and international development. Through academic exchange and leadership development, the programme continues to foster enduring ties between South Africa and the United States. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering support. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.