Each year appointments are made to distinguished senior scientists for research in the fields of anthropology, natural history, environmental science and ecological processes, tropical biology, African art and culture, oriental art, astrophysics and related topics, history of science and technology, American cultural and social history, or art history. Prior to submitting an application, interested senior scientists should consult with Smithsonian staff in their chosen field. Applicants must have held the PhD or equivalent degree for at least seven years. The JSD program is designed primarily to strengthen African universities through higher degree training of younger staff members. A few awards go to candidates affiliated with institutions other than universities.
All awards are for one degree only, either master's degree or doctoral degree.
For further information and applications, interested students should contact the U.S. embassy in their home country. Many embassies provide advisory services for students interested in study in the United States, including information on examinations required for admission. The African Research Scholar Program is a Fulbright program. With the exception of South Africa, applicants for ARSP awards compete with candidates from other sub- Saharan African countries representing a variety of disciplines. South African scholars compete only with other South Africans.