The Fulbright JSD Program

The Fulbright Junior Staff Development (JSD) Program is the largest Fulbright program with Africa and provides financial assistance for a maximum of three years of study toward a graduate degree in a U.S. 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.

In Lesotho, the Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program is administered by the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section, which nominates five candidates to the Fulbright Scholarship Board in Washington, DC. The Fulbright Scholarship Board makes the final selection of candidates.

Awards are granted for study toward one degree only, for a maximum of three years or less, or for participation in a non-degree research or professional program for up to one academic year only.

Grant awards guarantee full funding in a specific year: round-trip travel, insurance coverage, tuition and fees, maintenance allowance, books and supplies, and course-required field trips. Depending on availability of Fulbright funds, grant awards may also include a pre-academic orientation in the first year.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be citizens of Lesotho or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by Lesotho.
• Applicants must at least be first degree or honors degree holders and should have a record of outstanding academic achievement and preparation in their chosen field of study. They must show high motivation and serious commitment to completing the program and to returning home.
• Applicants should either be candidates for an advanced degree in their current field or for a specialized non-degree program in a field for which they are well prepared. Applicants who wish to pursue study in a field other than their current field of study must demonstrate adequate background in that field.
• Applicants must be affiliated with or committed to working at an academic institution or a public or private institution upon returning home and should have the endorsement of their home institution.
• Applicants must have a sufficiently high level of English proficiency to enable them to complete a full-time program of graduate study in the United States.
• The age of applicants must be between 25 and 40 years.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not studied overseas at all.

Application Requirements

Applications must be completed online at http://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international

Applications are open from January 1 to March 15. Only applications submitted by March 15 will be considered.