National Research Foundation (NRF)
The National Research Foundation is an autonomous government agency established around 20 years ago, serving as a liaison between South African research institutions and government policies. NRF’s main objectives include encouraging research, developing human resources, providing funding, and establishing research facilities.
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship 2025-2026:
NRF offers the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship is available for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral level studies in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields, as well as Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines (SSH).
Bursary Benefits:
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) depending on criteria.
- FCS covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, transport allowance, food allowance, and electronic devices.
- PCS covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and transport allowance.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet specific criteria based on their level of study:
- Honours students: South African citizens under 28 years old, meeting academic criteria.
- Master’s students: South African citizens under 30 years old, enrolled in second or third year, meeting academic criteria.
- Doctoral students: South African citizens under 32 years old, enrolled in second to fourth year, meeting academic criteria.
Application Process:
- Apply online at DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2025-2026 before the closing date.
- Read relevant application guides before applying.
Required Documents:
- Certified copies of ID documents.
- Academic transcripts and records (tertiary education).
- Proof of enrollment at eligible institutions.
- Proof of household income (payslips/affidavit/SASSA grant letter).
- Recent progress report (if applying for bursary extension).
Closing Dates:
- Honours: 24 November 2025-2026.
- Master’s (first-time) and Doctoral (first-time): 18 July (extension).
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 18 August.
- Designated Authority (DA) closing dates vary.
Contact Details:
Contact specific NRF representatives for various categories of enquiries.
For General Honours and NRF-TWAS enquiries: Mr Lehlogonolo Phaahla Tel: 012 481 4315 Email: LA.Phaahla@risa.nrf.ac.za
For General Master’s, Doctoral, and NRF-DAAD enquiries: Ms Kgaugelo Molepo Tel: 012 481 4148 Email: KJ.Molepo@risa.nrf.ac.za
For Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support, NRF-SASAC, PDP, and NRF-SASOL enquiries: Ms Nontokozo Kunene Tel: 012 481 4105 Email: NS.Kunene@risa.nrf.ac.za
For National Skills Fund and NRF-MINDS enquiries: Ms Busisiwe Sibiya Tel: 012 481 4166 Email: BG.Sibiya@risa.nrf.ac.za
For Global Knowledge Partnerships enquiries: Mr Nelson Komane Tel: 012 481 4219 Email: SN.Komane@risa.nrf.ac.za
For SARChI and CoEs enquiries: Contact respective officers listed in the provided information.
For NRF-SARAO Postgraduate scholarships enquiries: Annah Mashemola Tel: 012 442 2434 Email: amashemola@ska.ac.za
