UNITED STATES: The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme 2026/2027

The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme (SARSP) is inviting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

The SARSP is 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 for a period of 3 to 9 months.

A research grant enables the scholar to perform high-level research at a U.S. educational institution, aimed at strengthening academic programmes or curricula at his/her home institution. Applicants need to have a proven track record of productive scholarly research, and publications.

For more information on the programme, visit the website on: Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme

Degree level

Non degree programme (3 to 9 months Visiting Student Researcher programme). Research programmes of 3 to 9 months are commenced between 01 August 2026 and 31 March 2027; to be completed by December 31, 2027.

Deadlines

The application deadline is 05 October 2025

Fields of Study 

The SARSP is open to Scholars in all disciplines and without regard to gender or age, however, proposals for clinical medical research involving patient contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Programme.

Who can apply?

Applicants must: 

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional/terminal degree in their field. 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 citizenship from the U.S. are not eligible for the programme);
• Applicants may be affiliated with local universities, research institutes, or other institutions that have educational and/or research objectives;
• The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme 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 Programme;
• Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in the English language to carry out the project required. TOEFL exams are not required. English Language Proficiency may be tested by Fulbright Offices;
• Applicants must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report;
• Applicants who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should revise their proposals, update curriculum vitae, and obtain current letters of reference.

Applications for doctoral dissertation research, post-doctoral research immediately following the completion of a doctorate degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible.

What the scholarship offers 

• Monthly stipend based on the cost of living at the research site;
• Round trip airfare for the grantee;
• Excess baggage allowance for return travel;
• Professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars;
• Settling-in allowance;
• Primary medical insurance coverage for the grantee;
• Visa application fee.

Application process 

Completed applications with all supplemental documents must be submitted through the Online Application System. 

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, uploaded by your referees through the online application system; 
• A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required.

Applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that the Fulbright Programme identifies a suitable host institution.

Contact 

You can reach out to the U.S. Mission in South Africa:

U.S. Embassy Pretoria

U.S. Consulate Johannesburg

U.S. Consulate Durban

U.S. Consulate Cape Town

Documents and links

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme Website

SARSP 2026-2027 Country Specific Instructions

Application link

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.