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ABOUT THE COMPANY – FULBRIGHT

Fulbright Foreign Student Program South Africa. The Fulbright Program is a United States Cultural Exchange Program that aims to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the citizens of the United States of America and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.

Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is considered one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world. The Fulbright Program selects citizens from across the world, including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists, to receive scholarships or grants to study, conduct research, and teach or exercise their talents abroad.

ABOUT THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The South African Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open for application, for the 2023/2024 academic year (starting in August 2023).

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open to South African university graduates, to pursue postgraduate studies at a university in the USA, in any subject (excluding MBA and studies that require contact with patients).

These opportunities are available:

• VSR (non-degree): for South African Ph.D. students who are enrolled at a South African University, to conduct 1 year of research at a USA University as a Visiting Student Researcher (VSR). Current National Research Foundation (NRF) funded Ph.D. students may also apply.
• MA/Ph.D.: for Postgraduate students to study towards a Master’s or Doctorate degree. Scholarships are awarded for 2 years towards one degree: Master’s or Doctorate.

Ngfinders is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

MORE ABOUT THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME – SELECTION

Candidates will go through a thorough application and interview process before final selection is made. They will also receive a high level of support, including; visa processing, health insurance, comprehensive pre-departure orientation, and re-entry session.

Candidates will be selected based on these main criteria:

• Academic excellence
• Required scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for each specific field of study
• Clearly written study objectives
• Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine interest in learning more about the United States and sharing aspects of South African culture with American citizens
• Experience and interest in extracurricular and community activities
• Leadership potential
• Desire to further the Fulbright Program and give back to your home country after returning
• Reasons for selecting your USA university preferences

Candidates will be expected to thoroughly research each university, to find an institution that fits their academic, personal and professional goals.

Shortlisted/ successful candidates will be contacted within 30 days of the closing date – if you do not receive any feedback by this time, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident in South Africa, for a minimum period of 5 years (South African nationals with dual citizenship from the USA may NOT apply)
• You must have completed one of these degrees:
  • For Ph.D. research (Visiting Student Researcher): you must be registered to study towards a Ph.D. degree at a university in South Africa, to complete an academic year in the USA to conduct research related to your studies. You must still be registered as a Ph.D. student with a university in South Africa at the time that you will start your research in the USA (August 2023). Current NRF funded Ph.D. students may also apply
  • For Master’s degree: you must have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, BTech degree, or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an Honours degree
  • For a Doctorate degree: you must have completed a Master’s degree
• You must be fluent in English
• You must be able to pass standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (semi-finalists will be awarded vouchers to complete these tests when invited to the semi-final round)
• You must be committed to returning to South Africa after completing the program
• You must show academic excellence
• You must show leadership qualities
• You must show a sense of social responsibility and involvement in extra-mural activities
• You must be interested in furthering Fulbright Alumni activities, by giving back to your community/university after returning
• You must understand the cross-cultural sensitivity and flexibility required to adjust to life as a student in the USA
• Preference will be given to candidates who: have not had recent and extensive experience in the USA, have not received a Fulbright Scholarship in the past

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME

Applications must be submitted online at: Fulbright Foreign Student Program Application 2022

Applicants must Register an account before they can Login and apply.

Note: candidates must read the Fulbright Foreign Student Program Guidelines and Instructions (.pdf) before applying.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• Study Research Objective
• Personal Statement
• 3 references
• Letter of invitation from potential host – for VSR applicants only (not required, but can be included if available)
• Passport Bio page (or ID document if the passport is not available yet)
• Transcripts, including Grades, certificates, and grade explanation sheet
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample (required for Ph.D. and recommended for MA programs)
• Interview Location Page

Note: read about Writing a Research Proposal for Scholarship Application

CLOSING DATE FOR THE FULBRIGHT FOREIGN STUDENT PROGRAMME

1 May 2022.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

CONTACT THE PROGRAMME PROVIDER

For any queries related to this program, please contact the Fulbright Office directly:
Email: fpsa@state.gov