Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2027/2028 – USA (Masters & PhD, Country Deadlines Now Open)

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports outstanding graduate students from more than 160 countries — including most African nations — to pursue Master’s or PhD study at universities across the United States. The 2027/2028 cycle opened in many African countries from April 2026, with deadlines set individually by each U.S. Embassy.

What it covers: Full tuition and fees, a living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchange Visitors), and in some cases pre-academic English training.

Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries who hold a completed undergraduate degree, demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership potential, and are proficient enough in English to undertake graduate study (an English test such as TOEFL/IELTS is normally required at application or shortly after).

Key dates to know: Deadlines vary significantly by country and are set by the local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission — for example, several African countries had June 2026 deadlines for the 2027/2028 cycle (Nigeria: 1 June 2026; Madagascar/Comoros: 5 June 2026; Tunisia: 30 June 2026), while others open later in the year. Always check your country’s U.S. Embassy Fulbright page directly, since missing your specific national deadline is the most common reason applicants lose this opportunity.

How to apply: Start at the Fulbright Foreign Student Program application portal, then confirm your country-specific deadline and requirements via your local U.S. Embassy or binational Fulbright Commission website.