The Fulbright Scholarship 2025-26 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in the United States.
This program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides financial support for tuition, living expenses, travel, and other costs.
For South African students, the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and Consulates General in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg manage the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and Fulbright Research Scholar Program.
Each year, 20 South African students are selected for Master’s and PhD studies, while 10 scholars are chosen for research opportunities.
Let’s look into the eligibility criteria, benefits, deadlines, and application process for the Fulbright Scholarship 2025-26.
Overview
| Scholarship | Fulbright Scholarship 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Degree Level | Masters, PhD |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | All international students |
| Application Deadline | 5 March 2025 |
Benefits
The Fulbright Scholarship 2025 is a fully funded program covering all major expenses, ensuring students can focus on their academic journey.
Scholarship
- Full Tuition Fees – Paid directly to the university.
- Textbooks & Study Materials – Provided for the entire course.
- Round-trip Airfare – Covers flights from your home country to the U.S. and back.
- Living Allowance – Monthly stipend for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
- Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage.
- Visa Fees – Paid for by the scholarship.
- Laptop & Settlement Allowance – One-time grant for new students.
Fulbright scholars live at the same standard as most American graduate students, ensuring they have a comfortable and productive stay.
Programs
This program allows international students to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at American universities. Scholarships are granted for up to two years and cover various disciplines except clinical medicine.
Research Scholar Program
South African academics can conduct post-doctoral research at U.S. institutions for 3 to 9 months. This program supports 10 scholars annually, helping them collaborate with American researchers.
Eligibility
To apply for the Fulbright Scholarship 2025-26, students must meet the following criteria:
Master’s Degree Applicants
- Must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree or 16 years of education from an accredited university.
- Recent graduates are encouraged to apply (except MBA and Public Policy applicants, who need 2 years of work experience).
PhD Applicants
- Must have a Master’s, M.Phil., or equivalent with at least 18 years of formal education.
- Teaching, research, or public sector experience is preferred.
General Requirements
- Open to all academic disciplines, except clinical medicine.
- Must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE):
- Minimum Verbal Score: 138
- Minimum Quantitative Score: 136
- High fluency in spoken and written English.
- TOEFL required for selected candidates.
Details
| Funding Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Available Funds | $65,000 (pending availability) |
| Award Ceiling | $65,000 |
| Award Floor | $25,000 |
| Project Duration | 12 months |
The program is conducted nationwide in South Africa, depending on where applicants are located.
Scholarship Recipients
The Fulbright Scholarship provides extensive support for recipients, including:
- Visa Interviews: Covers travel, accommodation, and other expenses for visa interviews at U.S. Consulates in South Africa.
- Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO):
- 2-day session in Gauteng for 30 students.
- Covers travel, accommodation, and participation costs.
- Travel Arrangements:
- 10 scholars and 5 dependents receive funding for international airfare.
- Guest Speaker Honorarium:
- $275 per speaker for two PDO guest speakers.
Application Process
Applying for the Fulbright Scholarship 2025-26 is a step-by-step process. Follow these instructions carefully:
Online Application Submission
- Visit the USEFP website: www.dotusefp.org
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload all required documents (in English, formatted in 12pt Calibri font, single-spaced).
Prepare for GRE
- Take the GRE exam (required for all applicants).
- Selected candidates must take the TOEFL test for English proficiency.
Submit Supporting Documents
Ensure you upload the following:
- Academic Transcripts & Degrees
- GRE Scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
Interview Process
- Shortlisted candidates attend an interview at a U.S. Consulate in South Africa.
- If selected, applicants receive a final approval letter.
Application Requirements
- Proposal Explanation: Clearly describe the objectives of your study or research.
- Budget in USD: All financial details should be in U.S. dollars.
- Page Formatting:
- 8.5 x 11 paper size
- 12pt Calibri font
- Single spacing
- 1-inch margins
Why Apply for the Scholarship?
- World-Class Education – Study at top universities in the U.S.
- Full Financial Support – No tuition or living costs to worry about.
- Global Networking – Connect with scholars and professionals worldwide.
- Career Advancement – Boosts career opportunities in research, academia, and global organizations.
FAQs
Who can apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?
International students pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree can apply.
What expenses does the Fulbright Scholarship cover?
It covers tuition, airfare, living costs, health insurance, and more.
What is the GRE score requirement?
A minimum Verbal score of 138 and Quantitative score of 136.
When is the application deadline for 2025?
The deadline is 5 March 2025.
How can I apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?
Apply online at www.dotusefp.org and submit required documents.
