The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) is a fully funded opportunity for South African university faculty and 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. Applications for the 2027-2028 cycle are open, with a closing date of 30 August 2026. The grant enables the scholar to perform high level research in the United States, aimed at strengthening academic programmes or curricula at their home institution.
About the Programme
The Fulbright SARSP gives South African scholars the chance to carry out high level research at a U.S. academic or research institution while strengthening the academic programmes or curricula back at their home institution. Qualifying applicants have a proven track record of productive scholarly research, teaching and publication. Research programmes of 3 to 9 months are commenced between 1 August 2027 and 31 March 2028, and must be completed by 31 December 2028.
What the Grant Covers
The research grant comes with a comprehensive package of benefits:
💵 A monthly stipend based on the cost of living at the research site.
✈️ Round trip airfare for the scholar.
🧳 Excess baggage allowance for return travel.
📚 A professional allowance for books, conferences and seminars.
🏠 A settling-in allowance.
🩺 Primary medical insurance coverage for the scholar.
🛂 The visa application fee.
Note that laboratory fees are not part of the standard benefits package for the Fulbright SARSP. They are awarded only on a limited, case by case basis, and only if funding is available.
Who Is Eligible
The programme has clear eligibility requirements:
🎓 Applicants must hold a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their field at the time of application. Preference is given to individuals with a minimum of 3 years of university teaching experience and a productive scholarly record. Applications for doctoral dissertation research, post doctoral research immediately following completion of a doctorate, or general professional travel are ineligible.
🇿🇦 Applicants must be a South African citizen, or a permanent resident with a minimum of 5 years of permanent residency status in South Africa. Please note: South African nationals with dual South African / U.S. citizenship are not eligible for the programme.
🔬 The 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 Program.
⭐ Preference is given to candidates who have not previously received a Fulbright scholar grant and who have had no experience, or only limited experience, in the U.S.
🗣️ Applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to carry out their projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues. TOEFL exams are not required; however, the U.S. Embassy reserves the right to administer an English language test, if necessary, to evaluate applicants' language skills.
🩺 Applicants must be in good health. Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report.
🔁 Scholars who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply. Repeat applicants should submit their application for the 2027-2028 opportunity, revise their proposals, update their curriculum vitae and obtain current letters of reference or invitation.
What Your Application Needs
A complete application is made up of several components:
📝 A well written research proposal with a clearly explained methodology that can be understood by a general reviewing committee.
📮 Three confidential letters of reference. These must be uploaded by your referees through the online application system; guidelines on how to register your referees are included in the country information section of the application. Letters of reference sent via email or post are not accepted.
🏛️ A Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required.
How to Apply
Apply through the online application system by completing the relevant information and uploading all required supporting documents, including your research proposal. Register your referees through the system so they can upload their three confidential reference letters directly; letters sent by email or post will not be accepted. Where possible, attach a Letter of Invitation from a U.S. host institution, which is preferred though not mandatory.
A Note on Host Institutions
Applicants are discouraged from requesting affiliation with an alma mater. The Fulbright Program will honour institutional affiliation preferences as far as possible, and applicants unfamiliar with U.S. institutions may request that the Fulbright Program identifies a suitable host institution for them.
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Application Resources
The programme provides two documents to guide applicants: the Instructions for completing the SARSP application, and the SARSP 2027-2028 Country Specific Instructions. Both are available through the official resources and are worth reading carefully before you begin.
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Deadline
⏳ 30 August 2026
Links
🔗 Application link: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2027
🌐 Main page: https://za.usembassy.gov/fulbright-south-african-research-scholar-program/
📄 Instructions for completing the SARSP application: https://za.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2025/10/Instructions-for-completing-the-SARSP-application.pdf
📄 Country Specific Instructions (2027-2028): https://za.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2025/10/SARSP-2027-2028-Country-Specific-Instructions.pdf
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
