The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the largest Fulbright program in Africa and provides financial assistance for a maximum of two years of study toward a graduate degree in a US university or for participation in a non-degree research or nonacademic professional program. It is designed primarily to strengthen African universities through higher degree training for faculty members. Applications are also accepted from prospective candidates in public and private educational and cultural institutions, independent research institutes, and professional institutions.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open to any qualified candidate but strongly encourages the inclusion of female candidates and preferred candidates who have not had extensive recent experience in the United States. Recent (within three years) recipients of Fulbright grants are not eligible to apply, and it should be emphasized that funding is for a maximum period of two years only. It is important to note that doctoral degree candidates will typically need to secure additional funding to complete their course of study and we now prioritize the selection of Fulbright Master’s candidates over Ph.D. candidates.
The US Embassy encourages candidates with disabilities to apply as special accommodations are available. The US Government has provided previous grantees with a screen reader and note taking software, laptops, cell phones, canes, and/or wheelchairs to assist them while on their grant in the US
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Overview | The largest Fulbright program in Africa, offering financial assistance for up to two years for a graduate degree, non-degree research, or non-academic professional program in the US. |
| Target Audience | Faculty members of African universities, candidates in public and private educational and cultural institutions, independent research institutes, and professional institutions. |
| Eligibility | – Bachelor’s degree at the time of program start date. – Strong academic record. – English proficiency or ability to attend an LTE Program in the US. – Additional requirements vary by country. |
| Ineligibility | – Recent (within three years) Fulbright grant recipients. – Doctoral candidates who cannot secure additional funding for their program duration. |
| Priority Candidates | – Female candidates. – Candidates without extensive recent US experience. – Master’s candidates are prioritized over Ph.D. candidates. |
| Support for Disabled Candidates | The US Embassy encourages candidates with disabilities to apply, offering accommodations such as screen readers, note-taking software, laptops, cell phones, canes, and wheelchairs. |
| Scholarship Benefits | – Tuition coverage. – Living stipend. – Academic allowances. – Travel funds. – Cultural and professional enrichment activities. – Pre-Academic Training, Gateway, and Enrichment Seminars. |
| Additional Opportunities | – Experience US culture and share your traditions. – Lifelong alumni network. – Alumni grants post-completion. – Enhanced English language skills. |
| Funding Duration | Maximum of two years for a master’s or Ph.D. program. Ph.D. candidates must secure additional funding for completion beyond two years. |
| Application Process | – Online application preferred; handwritten applications are not accepted. – Submit academic transcripts and three confidential letters of reference online. – Finalists require medical history and standardized test scores. |
| Application Link | Interested applicants can apply via the official link provided (typically on the US Embassy or Fulbright website). |
Fact About Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Africa’s Largest Gateway to U.S. Education: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program stands as the biggest Fulbright initiative in Africa, opening doors to U.S. universities for countless African scholars.
- Full Financial Support: Imagine studying in the U.S. with virtually all expenses covered for up to two years! The program provides comprehensive financial assistance that makes this dream a reality.
- Empowering African Universities: The program’s primary mission is to empower African universities by offering higher degree training to their faculty members. This strengthens not just the individual scholars but the entire educational landscape across the continent.
- Not Just Academics: Fulbright isn’t just for students pursuing degrees. It also funds non-degree research and non-academic professional programs, allowing a diverse range of African professionals to gain invaluable experience in the U.S.
- Advocating for Gender Equality: Fulbright is serious about closing the gender gap in education. The program strongly encourages female candidates to apply, fostering a more balanced and inclusive academic community.
- Fresh Perspectives Only: To keep the experience dynamic, recent Fulbright recipients (within the last three years) are not eligible to apply again. This ensures that each batch brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table.
- Master’s Over Ph.D.: The program is prioritizing Master’s degree candidates over Ph.D. candidates, making it easier for scholars to gain advanced knowledge without the prolonged commitment a Ph.D. entails.
- Disability-Inclusive: Fulbright is committed to inclusivity. The program provides special accommodations for candidates with disabilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Past grantees have received assistive technology like screen readers, note-taking software, and even mobility aids like canes and wheelchairs.
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: The Fulbright experience is so unique that the program limits funding to a maximum of two years, making it a rare and precious opportunity to immerse oneself in U.S. academic life.
- Global Network: Fulbright scholars become part of a prestigious global network of alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, heads of state, and groundbreaking researchers, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
Eligibility Requirements For Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2025 Masters & PhD Scholarship
- Bachelor’s degree at the time of program start date
- Strong academic record
- English proficiency and/or ability to attend a Long-Term English (LTE) Program in the United States prior to the study program.
- Additional eligibility requirements differ by country of citizenship.
Rewards For Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2025 Masters & PhD Scholarship
- Tuition, a living stipend, academic allowances, and travel funds.
- Opportunity to experience life in the United States and share your unique culture and traditions
- Cultural and professional enrichment activities.
- Join a lifelong alumni network of global leaders.
- Pre-Academic Training, Gateway, and Enrichment Seminars.
- Eligible for alumni grants after completing your program and returning home.
- Gain knowledge and skills that contribute to your home community.
- Improve your English language skills.
Funding
- Fulbright funding is for a maximum of TWO years of funding in a master’s degree or doctoral program. Students accepted to degree programs less than two years are eligible to only receive funding through the designated period of degree completion – as stipulated by the host institution. Master’s applicants are given placement priority.
- Ph.D. candidates who secure funding from outside sources will remain under Fulbright visa sponsorship rather than have sponsorship transferred to the host institution. Ph.D. candidates unable to secure funding for the additional years will return home without completing their degree.
- All application forms must be prepared electronically, on-line application is preferred: hand-written applications will not be accepted. Candidates must submit completed application forms, academic transcripts, and three confidential letters of reference online.
- Please note that only those short-listed for final consideration will be called for a panel interview. Only finalists will be required to submit their medical history, supplemental forms, complete standardized English, and Graduate Record Exam tests.
How To Apply For Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2025 Masters & PhD Scholarship
Interested Applicants Should Use The Link Below To Apply.