NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
The NRF Postgraduate Scholarship is South Africa's flagship public research funding - a Full or Partial Cost of Study scholarship for Honours, Master's and PhD students at South African universities, awarded across all major disciplines and prioritising financial need, disability and exceptional academic achievement.
- Amount
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) - value depends on level and funding category
- Deadline
- 23 November 2026
- Duration
- Honours: 1 year, Master's: 2 years, PhD: 3 years
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen or permanent resident (for FCS funding)
- ✓ International students may apply for PCS funding (up to 5% of awards)
- ✓ Minimum 65% in the previous degree
- ✓ Studying Honours, Master's or PhD at a South African public university
- ✓ FCS prioritises: combined household income ≤ R350,000/year, OR students living with a disability, OR exceptional academic achievers
- ✓ PCS available for those who meet the academic criteria but not the financial-need threshold
- ✓ Academic Referee Report from one identified academic
What's Included
- ✓ Full Cost of Study (FCS): comprehensive coverage including tuition, accommodation, allowances and research-related costs
- ✓ Partial Cost of Study (PCS): substantial contribution toward tuition and study costs
- ✓ Research support funding for fieldwork, conferences and lab work
- ✓ Eligibility for additional grants and top-ups depending on research area
- ✓ Recognition within the South African research community
How to Apply
Steps to complete your National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) bursary application
- 1
Visit the NRF Connect System at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
- 2
Create a profile and verify your identity
- 3
Complete the online postgraduate funding application
- 4
Identify one academic referee who will complete the Academic Referee Report
- 5
Upload your academic transcripts, research proposal (where applicable), and supporting documents
- 6
Submit before the call deadline - no manual applications accepted
- 7
Wait for the institutional review and the NRF final award decision
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Full academic transcripts for all previous degrees
- 📄 Degree certificates (if applicable)
- 📄 Research proposal (Master's and PhD applicants)
- 📄 Academic Referee Report (completed by your nominated referee)
- 📄 Proof of registration or acceptance
- 📄 Proof of household income (for FCS applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between NRF FCS and PCS funding?
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) covers tuition, accommodation and allowances and is reserved for South African citizens/PR who are financially needy (household income ≤ R350,000), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers. Partial Cost of Study (PCS) is a smaller contribution available to a wider pool, including 5% international students.
- What academic average do I need for NRF funding?
- The NRF minimum is 65% in your previous degree. Higher averages strengthen your application, especially for the exceptional-achievers FCS category.
- How do I apply for an NRF scholarship?
- All applications must be submitted through the NRF Connect System at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za. No manual or email applications are accepted. You also need to nominate one academic referee who will complete the Academic Referee Report.
- Which fields does the NRF fund?
- The NRF funds postgraduate study across all major research disciplines - natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, indigenous knowledge systems and education.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 23 November 2026
Apply on National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)'s official siteInformation verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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