UNITED STATES: The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme 2027/2028

The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme (SARSP) is inviting applications for the 2027-2028 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 research programme (Visiting Scholar)

Duration:
3 to 9 months

Programme Period:
Research programmes may commence between 1 August 2027 and 31 March 2028 and must be completed by 31 December 2028.

Deadlines

30 August 2026

Fields of Study 

The programme is open to scholars in all academic disciplines, regardless of age or gender.

Please note:
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;
• 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.

Ineligible Applications

The programme does not support:

• Doctoral dissertation research;
• Immediate postdoctoral research following completion of a doctorate;
• General professional travel.

What the scholarship offers 

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

Important:
Laboratory fees are not part of the standard award package and are considered only on a limited, case-by-case basis, subject to available funding.

Application process 

Applications must be submitted via the Fulbright Online Application System and include:

• A well written research proposal with well explained methodology that can be understood by a general reviewing committee;
• Three confidential letters of reference (submitted directly by referees through the online system); 
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Supporting academic documentation.

A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required.

Applicants who do not have a host institution may request assistance from the Fulbright Programme in identifying a suitable host.

Virtual Information Sessions

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the online information and Q&A sessions:

15 May 2026: 09:00-10:00 

11 June 2026: 12:00-13:00 

15 July 2026: 14:00-15:00 

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

Instructions for completing the SARSP application

SARSP 2027-2028 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.