Africa‑Japan Collaborative Research (AJ‑CORE) 4th Call
The NRF Postgraduate Scholarships support full-time honours, master's, and doctoral research at South African public universities, focusing on research excellence, national priorities, and transformation in the research workforce.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026: Full application / applicant closing date (projected) | August 2026: Designated Authority (DA) submission to NRF closing date (projected)
Funding Amounts: FCS: up to R188,820/year (doctoral), R182,836/year (master's), R163,892/year (honours); PCS: up to R131,320/year (doctoral), R126,836/year (master's), R124,892/year (honours); max 1–3 years support by level.
Summary: Supports full-time honours, master's, and doctoral studies at South African public universities, with a focus on transformation, equity, and research excellence.
Key Information: Only full-time students; strict age and academic cut-offs; FCS for SA citizens/permanent residents, PCS for limited international students.
Description
The National Research Foundation (NRF) Postgraduate Scholarships support full-time honours, master's, and doctoral students at South African public universities. The program aims to foster the next generation of researchers, promote equity and transformation in the research workforce, and advance research aligned with national priorities. Funding is awarded either at Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS), with strict eligibility criteria based on academic achievement, financial need, and citizenship. The NRF prioritizes funding for South African citizens and permanent residents who are financially needy, living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers, while a small percentage of PCS awards are available to international students.
