Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

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South Africa

Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Flexible Start
Grant Length
6-9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program in South Africa aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and South Africa.

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa supports a balanced countrywide distribution of grants. Priority consideration will therefore be given to proposals involving affiliation with previously disadvantaged host institutions and to those seeking affiliations beyond heavily-subscribed institutions, dependent on the field of study. Institutions in the Western Cape Province are often heavily subscribed, so applying for opportunities in the more rural provinces may make an application more competitive.

Grant Length
6-9 Months
Grant Period
Flexible Start

Fulbright grants start between August 2024 and March 2025, subject to the approval of the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria.

Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2024.

Candidate Profile

Priority will be given to candidates who are currently enrolled in Master's and PhD programs.

Students working in areas that strongly align with the current Integrated Country Strategy for South Africa will be given priority. For more information, see: https://www.state.gov/integrated-country-strategies/ .

Eligibility
Dual citizens of this country are NOT eligible
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant

U.S. citizens are eligible. Dual citizens of South Africa are ineligible. Students who have not resided in South Africa in the year prior to their grant start date will be given priority.

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Additional Information: Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider whether a language other than English will be necessary for the successful completion of their projects.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline

Applicants must identify an educational institution, research facility, or other appropriate institution for their projects. They are required to include affiliation letters and/or research clearance letters with their applications. Affiliation is possible at any of the 26 universities in South Africa. Affiliation with other public or private institutions will also be considered. Applicants are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy’s Fulbright Office if they have questions at fpsa@state.gov.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits
Housing Arrangements

Fulbright Grantees are responsible for finding their own housing and transport. Unfortunately, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates do not have sufficient staffing resources to assist in securing housing for Fulbright grantees. Grantees must arrange at least temporary housing prior to arrival in South Africa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates can provide advice/guidance when necessary.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.AF@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://za.usembassy.gov
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Fulbright Office, U.S. Embassy Pretoria: fpsa@state.gov