1. Presented by Susan Knowles U.S. Consulate General – Durban
Fulbright Outreach 2016
Presented by
Susan Knowles
U.S. Consulate General – Durban

2. Objectives To provide you, as a prospective graduate student, with:
Information regarding the Fulbright
Program
Clear directions on how to submit a
Fulbright application
Graduate: in the U.S. a graduate student is a student pursuing a Masters or PhD

3. What is the Fulbright Program?
Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas
Now in more than 155 countries:
Started in SA in 1953; over 1,550 South Africans have participated to date
Flagship U.S. educational exchange program
To increase mutual understanding between people of the USA & other nations through education

4. What is the Fulbright Program? (continued)
Range of Programs, including
Fulbright Foreign Student Program - FOR YOU
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program
Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program

5. What is the Fulbright Foreign Student Program?
Accepts applications from qualified students who want to pursue a Masters or PhD degree in the U.S.
Students registered for doctoral degrees in South Africa can apply to pursue one year of graduate study in the U.S. for non-degree purposes
Provides funding for up to 2 years of study

6. What is covered?
Fulbright provides tuition, room & board, and a small stipend.
Fulbright South Africa has partnered with the National Research Foundation to co-fund a limited number of candidates.   To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must first be successful in the normal selection process and compete equally with all other applicants.    

7. Who should apply?
To participate in a Masters Program: 4-Year Degree, Honors, or BTech required To participate in a PhD Program: A Masters Degree

8. Who gets selected?
Approximately 20 candidates are selected for Fulbright each year in South Africa
Prospective graduate students can choose to apply directly to graduate programs in the U.S. (EducationUSA advising services):
Fulbright applicants should consider this option if their application is unsuccessful

9. When do I apply? Deadline is Wednesday, 20 April 2016!
Late/incomplete applications will not be accepted
US Academic year runs from August/September to May/June
If successful, you would commence studies in August 2017

10. How do I apply? Only online applications are accepted
Application instructions and the link to the application form are at:
Read the instructions first
Print them out and use them as you go through the online application

11. Online Application Components
Personal information
Degree objective
Field of study & specialization
Financial information
Academic history
Essays
Study/Research Objectives
Personal Statement
Resume/CV (recommended)
Transcripts (required)
U.S. university preferences-Do the research!
Writing sample
Test scores (arrangements made for selected candidates)
3 Letters of reference
Page re: Interview

12. Online Application General tips
Save your username and password somewhere safe
Don’t use all CAPS, use upper and lower case; e.g. John Doe
You can copy and paste into text boxes
Adhere to space provided
Save your application frequently
Essays and resumes/CVs should be concise and short
Follow formatting guidelines and preview your essays before submitting. Upload your essays
Do your research, read the instructions & frequently asked questions
Do not forget to upload your Interview Location page!

13. Application Essay Study/Research Objective
A clear and detailed description of study objectives – in one page; objectives should be tied to SA’s future development
Write for an educated general audience – avoid jargon!
Field of study and area of focus/specialization within that field
Program type that fits your training and goals/career plans
Do not mention specific universities or institutions in essay

14. Application Essay Personal Statement
What is the purpose of this statement?
Should be a narrative, not a list of activities: Convey your character and the arc of your career - where are you going?
To further describe you and your skills beyond the transcripts and degrees
Determine your likelihood of success as a grad student and a professional
To give you a chance to spotlight your potential, your drive to achieve
Most importantly -- To indicate what you will do with your experience and degree when you return to South Africa

15. U.S. University Preferences Where to study?
Helpful search engines: &

16. U.S. University Preferences Where to study? (continued)
Provide short, clear justifications for your choices

17. Letters of Reference
Three letters of reference/recommendation are required
Register your recommenders on the online system
Choose those who will write these early and cultivate them carefully
Meet with them before requesting a recommendation, give them your transcript and statement of purpose to guide them

18. Timeline 22 March: Fulbright Application Workshop at U.S. Consulate
20 April 2016: Deadline for applications
By 30 May 2016: Invitations for regional interviews
June 2016: Fulbright National Selection Committee selects finalists
July 2016: Applicants receive notification of status
National finalists submitted to J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board in Washington D.C.
Applicants remain in applicant status until acceptance and placement at a U.S. university has been confirmed by U.S. Embassy (March/April 2017)

19. Application Process KZN applicants/Consulate Durban
Nat’l Committee/U.S. Emb. Pretoria
Institute of International Education
Universities
Departments

20. Interviews Short-listed candidates will be interviewed:
Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape candidates)
Cape Town (Western Cape candidates)
Durban (KwaZulu-Natal candidates)
Pretoria (Gauteng ,Limpopo, North West Province,
Free State, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape candidates)
You’re responsible for travel and other related expenses

21. After being selected What comes next?
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Verbal, quantitative and analytical writing assessment
Prepare and study well in advance
Computer-based
Study guides available in advising centers and can be ordered online
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Tests speaking, reading, listening and writing
Internet based
For both, cost is covered by Fulbright
Scores can have a big impact on your placement- Prepare NOW!

22. https://educationusa.state.gov/
Alternatives
Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs:
U.S. Embassy Website:

23. QUESTIONS ?
Thank you