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Deadline: October 5, 2025
The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) 2026/2027 is now open for applications from exceptional South African academics, researchers, and professionals. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious program offers fully funded research opportunities in the United States for a period ranging from 3 to 9 months.
Administered by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, the program aims to strengthen academic exchange and foster international collaboration by supporting advanced research projects in any discipline at accredited U.S. institutions. The SARSP is ideal for scholars seeking to conduct postdoctoral research or engage in collaborative work that contributes to both their professional development and the global knowledge base.
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.
SEE ALSO: DW Akademie’s SparkChange Programme 2025 for Young Changemakers (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their fields at the time of application. Preference will be given to individuals who have a minimum of 3 years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record.
- 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 S.A./U.S. citizenship are not eligible for the program).
- The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program is open to scholars in all disciplines except clinical medical research, and without regard to gender or age; however, proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Program.
- Applications for doctoral dissertation research, post-doctoral research immediately following completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant and have had no experience or only limited experience in the U.S.
- Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to carry out their projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues. TOEFL exams are not required. However, the U.S. Embassy reserves the right to administer an English language test, if necessary, to evaluate applicants’ language skills.
- Applicants must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report.
- Scholars who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should submit their application for the 2026-2027 opportunity, revise their proposals, update curriculum vitae, and obtain current letters of reference/invitation.
Application Process and Documents Required
Apply through the online application system by completing relevant information and uploading all required supporting documents.
Application components:
- Include a well written research proposal with well explained methodology that can be understood by a general reviewing committee.
- Include three confidential letters of reference. These letters must be uploaded by your referees through the online application system. Guidelines on how to register your referees are included in the country information section of the application. We will not accept any letters of reference via email or post.
- 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. The Fulbright Program will honor institutional affiliation preferences as far as possible. Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that the Fulbright Program identifies a suitable host institution.
Applicants should note that laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package for the Fulbright SARSP and are awarded on a limited, case-by-case basis, and only if funding is available.
