Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027/2028 in the USA (Funded)

Applications are now open for the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) 2027/2028, a funded international research programme for South African university faculty and research professionals. The programme enables scholars to conduct advanced research at a U.S. university or research institution for a period of three to nine months while strengthening academic collaboration between South Africa and the United States.

Administered through the Fulbright Program, the scholarship supports researchers seeking to advance their academic careers, expand international partnerships, and contribute to research and curriculum development at their home institutions. Scholars will undertake independent research in their field of expertise while benefiting from access to world-class research facilities and academic networks in the United States.

About the Programme

The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program provides experienced academics and researchers with an opportunity to undertake high-level research at accredited universities and research institutions across the United States.

The programme is designed to strengthen research capacity, encourage international collaboration, and promote the exchange of knowledge between South African and U.S. institutions. Fellows are expected to conduct research that will contribute to academic development, curriculum enhancement, and long-term institutional partnerships upon their return to South Africa.

Research grants are awarded across a wide range of academic disciplines, although projects involving direct clinical medical research with patient contact are not eligible under the programme.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Monthly living stipend based on the cost of living at the host institution.
• Round-trip airfare.
• Excess baggage allowance for return travel.
• Professional allowance for books, conferences, and seminars.
• Settling-in allowance.
• Medical insurance coverage.
• Visa application fee support.
• Access to leading U.S. universities and research institutions.
• Opportunities to build international research collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens or permanent residents with at least five years of permanent residency.
• Hold a doctoral degree or an equivalent terminal qualification before applying.
• Have a minimum of three years of university teaching experience (preferred).
• Demonstrate a strong record of scholarly research and publications.
• Be proficient in English.
• Be in good health.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Have not previously received a Fulbright Scholar grant.
• Have limited or no previous academic experience in the United States.

Applications for doctoral dissertation research, immediate postdoctoral research following completion of a doctorate, or general professional travel are not eligible.

Eligible Fields of Research

The programme welcomes applications from scholars in almost all academic disciplines, including:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering
• Education
• Agriculture
• Environmental Studies
• Business
• Law
• Public Policy
• Information Technology

Clinical medical research involving direct patient contact is not supported under the programme.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Detailed research proposal.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Three confidential letters of reference.
• Letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution (strongly encouraged but not mandatory).
• Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Visit the official Fulbright Scholar application portal.
2. Review the programme guidelines and eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare a detailed research proposal.
4. Secure referees to submit confidential recommendation letters.
5. Complete the online application.
6. Submit the application before the closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain a letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution, although this is not a compulsory requirement.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Quality and originality of the proposed research.
• Research and publication record.
• Potential contribution to South African higher education.
• Feasibility of the proposed project.
• Ability to strengthen academic collaboration between South Africa and the United States.