Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) Bursary
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation funds South African postgraduate students conducting research into virology. Bursaries support BSc Honours, MSc and PhD candidates, with awards running for the length of the qualification, and are administered through the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
- Amount
- Postgraduate research bursary
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Duration
- Up to 2 years for MSc, up to 3 years for PhD
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Registered or accepted for BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD study
- ✓ Research focused on virology
- ✓ Registered at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Strong academic record
- ✓ Supervisor support for the proposed research
What's Included
- ✓ Postgraduate research funding
- ✓ Support for the full duration of the qualification
- ✓ Association with the virology research community
- ✓ Research capacity development
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Poliomyelitis Research Foundation bursary application
- 1
Download the PRF Final Bursary Form from the PRF website
- 2
Complete the form together with your research supervisor
- 3
Email the completed form to [email protected]
- 4
Use the subject line 'PRF Bursary Application' followed by your level: BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD
- 5
Submit before the relevant closing date
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed PRF Final Bursary Form
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Full academic transcripts
- 📄 Research proposal
- 📄 Supervisor's letter of support
- 📄 Curriculum vitae
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the PRF bursary closing dates?
- The PRF runs two application rounds a year, closing on 28 February and 15 September. The September 2026 round is the one currently open.
- What research does the PRF fund?
- Funding is specifically for postgraduate research into virology at BSc (Hons), MSc and PhD level.
- How long does the bursary run?
- The award depends on your qualification level. Masters students receive up to 2 years of support and PhD students up to 3 years, barring exceptional circumstances.
- How do I submit my application?
- Email the completed PRF Final Bursary Form to [email protected] with 'PRF Bursary Application' and your study level in the subject line.
When do 2027 applications open?
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 15 September 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Poliomyelitis Research Foundation before you rely on them.
Check Poliomyelitis Research Foundation's official siteNeed help? Contact Poliomyelitis Research Foundation:
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-07-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Postgraduate bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
SACTA NPC Trust Bursary
South African Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA) NPC (administered by Agri Manage Solutions (Pty) Ltd)
The SACTA NPC Trust Bursary funds South African postgraduate students whose research advances the country's grain and oilseed breeding and technology industry, covering Honours, Master's and Doctoral studies in fields such as plant breeding, agronomy and seed technology. Master's by dissertation students receive R99,750 per year for up to two years and Doctoral researchers R131,250 per year for up to three years. The bursary is funded from statutory breeding and technology levies on self-pollinated grain and oilseed crops and carries a work-back obligation in the South African grain and oilseed industry.
View details →SANSA Postgraduate Bursary Programme
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
The SANSA Postgraduate Bursary Programme funds Honours, Master's and Doctoral students pursuing STEM qualifications linked to South Africa's space sector, including space science, Earth observation, remote sensing, GIS and engineering. It targets financially needy, high-achieving students under the age of 32 who want to build a career in the country's growing space industry.
View details →Discovery Foundation Awards
Discovery Foundation
The Discovery Foundation Awards are grants for qualified medical professionals and institutions, not an undergraduate bursary. They fund academic-medicine training, sub-specialist qualifications, and healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Eligibility is restricted to registrars, senior doctors and specialists, and universities or faculties; undergraduate students cannot apply.
View details →