Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) 2026–2027

If you are a South African academic with a doctoral degree and a passion for impactful research collaboration, the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) 2026–2027 is now accepting applications. This prestigious U.S.-based fellowship offers South African scholars the opportunity to conduct research at U.S. institutions, enriching both personal scholarship and broader academic networks. The program fosters mutual understanding through academic exchange and is one of the most esteemed Fulbright awards offered to senior researchers and lecturers.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: United States of America

• Host Institutions: Accredited universities and research centers in the U.S. (applicant may suggest preferences)

• Study Level: Postdoctoral research (not suitable for PhD candidates or recent graduates)

• Target Group: South African citizens and permanent residents (with ≥5 years residency)

• Fields of Focus: Open to all academic disciplines (excluding clinical medical research involving patient contact)

• Coverage: Fully funded (includes stipend, airfare, insurance, allowances)

• Duration: 3 to 9 months

• Application Deadline: October 5, 2025

• Program Start Date: Between August 2026 and March 2027

• Eligible To: Academics with a PhD and a strong publication and teaching record

📝 Program Overview

The Fulbright SARSP provides mid-career and senior South African scholars the opportunity to pursue independent research or collaborative projects at U.S. academic or research institutions. Scholars are expected to engage in research that benefits their home institutions and fosters long-term collaborations between South Africa and the U.S.

The program encourages:

• Institutional collaboration

• Research that contributes to South Africa's development

• Projects that offer potential for publication and dissemination

🧩 Structure and Activities:

• Research-focused visit to a U.S. institution

• Optional seminars and academic networking events

• Grantees may request to affiliate with specific U.S. institutions (letter of invitation strongly encouraged)

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly living stipend tailored to U.S. location

• Round-trip airfare for the scholar

• Excess baggage allowance (return only)

• Professional allowance (for books, conferences, and seminars)

• Settling-in allowance

• Primary medical insurance (grantee only)

• Limited dependent allowance (including one return airfare for 1 dependent for full-duration grants)

• Optional assistance in placement at U.S. institutions by the Institute of International Education (IIE)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or terminal degree

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident (≥5 years)

• Have at least 3 years of university teaching experience and a record of research/publication

• Demonstrate proficiency in English

• Not have U.S. citizenship or dual S.A./U.S. nationality

• Preferably not have extensive prior U.S. experience or prior Fulbright grants

• Not propose clinical medical research involving patient contact, doctoral dissertation work, or general travel

📋 Application Procedure

Application must be submitted via the official portal: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2026

📂 Required Documents:

• Online application form

• Project Statement (3–5 pages, single-spaced) with a clear research plan

• Curriculum Vitae (max 6 pages, include education, publications, awards, service)

• Letter of Support from your home institution

• Three confidential reference letters (submitted online by referees)

• Letter of Invitation from a U.S. institution (strongly encouraged but not mandatory)

• Passport bio page (including dependents, if applicable)

• Copy of any prior J1/J2 visa (if applicable)

• Interview Location Page (uploaded in the portal – select Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, or Pretoria)

💡 TIP: Start early and give your referees sufficient time to upload their letters before the deadline.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dependent Information

• Grantees may bring dependents (legal spouse and unmarried children under 21)

• A modest allowance is provided to help cover dependent health insurance

• Grantee must cover all other dependent-related costs

• Return airfare for one dependent is covered only for full 8–9 month grants

⚠️ Additional Notes

• No deferrals: If selected, you must start your program within the 2026–2027 academic year.

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Applications will be screened for originality.

• Laboratory fees are not covered unless pre-approved on a case-by-case basis.

📞 Contact Information

For queries, contact the U.S. Mission in South Africa:

• Pretoria: fpsa@state.gov

• Johannesburg: rs-DL@state.gov

• Durban: PAS-DL@state.gov

🔍 Final Checklist Before Submitting

•  Online Application Form

•  CV (max 6 pages)

•  Project Statement (3–5 pages)

•  Home Institution Support Letter

•  Invitation Letter (optional but preferred)

•  3 Reference Letters (submitted online)

•  Passport Copy (you + dependents)

•  Previous U.S. Visa Copies (if applicable)

•  Interview Location Page

📂 Resources

SARSP 2026-2027 Country Specific Instructions (PDF)

🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK

Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program (SARSP) 2026–2027

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