OtherFully-funded

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program offers South African university faculty or research professionals the opportunity to conduct research in their field of expertise at a U.S. academic or research institution for 3 to 9 months, strengthening academic programs or curricula at their h

Provider: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Host country: United States
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Region: Africa

Official source Track this application

Topics

Research grants

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: * Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree. * South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years). * Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact. * Proficiency in English. * Good health.
Funding: Fully-funded
Study level: Other
Deadline: August 30, 2026

Key eligibility criteria

* Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree.
* South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years).
* Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact.
* Proficiency in English.

See full eligibility criteria ↓

Recorded funding information

Fully-funded

About the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 (2026)

## Overview The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) provides an opportunity for South African university faculty or research institute professionals to conduct research in their field of expertise at a U.S. academic or research Institution. The program duration is 3 to 9 months, with research programs commencing between August 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028, and to be completed by December 31, 2028. The aim of the research grant is to enable scholars to perform high-level research in the U.S. that will strengthen academic programs or curricula at their home institution in South Africa. ## Eligibility * Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application. Preference is given to individuals with a minimum of three years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record. * Applicants must be South African citizens OR permanent residents with a minimum of five years of permanent residency status in South Africa. Dual S.A./U.S. citizens are not eligible. * The program is open to scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research involving patient contact. * Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant or have had only limited experience in the U.S. * Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency, although TOEFL exams are not required. * Applicants must be in good health. ## Benefits * Monthly stipend based on the cost of living at the research site. * Round trip airfare for the scholar. * Excess baggage allowance for return travel. * Professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars. * Settling-in allowance. * Primary medical insurance coverage for the scholar. * Visa application fee. ## How to apply Applications are submitted through an online application system. Application components include: * A well-written research proposal with a clear methodology. * Three confidential letters of reference, uploaded by the referees through the online system. * A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required. Applicants are discouraged from requesting affiliation with an alma mater. If applicants are unfamiliar with U.S. institutions, the Fulbright Program can identify a suitable host institution. Laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, subject to funding availability. Virtual Information Sessions are scheduled for: * May 15, 2026: 09:00-10:00 * June 11, 2026: 12:00-13:00 * July 15, 2026: 14:00-15:00 The application link is [https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027](https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027).

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully-funded

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

* Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree.
* South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years).
* Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact.
* Proficiency in English.
* Good health.

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://za.usembassy.gov/fulbright-south-african-research-scholar-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: * Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree. * South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years). * Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact. * Proficiency in English. * Good health.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: August 30, 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (August 30, 2026). Earlier dates are approximate planning suggestions, not provider milestones or requirements. No cutoff time or time zone is added.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
4 Sept 2025
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
3 Mar 2026
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
1 Jun 2026
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
31 Jul 2026
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
August 30, 2026
Provider deadline information: August 30, 2026. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028?+

* Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree. * South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years). * Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact. * Proficiency in English. * Good health.

What funding does the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 offer?+

Listed funding: Fully-funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: August 30, 2026. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://za.usembassy.gov/fulbright-south-african-research-scholar-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: * Hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree. * South African citizen or permanent resident (5+ years). * Scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research with patient contact. * Proficiency in English. * Good health.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: August 30, 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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