Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP)
Forecasted
Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) supports Black South African academics and those with disabilities through PhD completion and Post-PhD training to advance research careers and knowledge production.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to R100,000/year running expenses and R200,000/year lecturer replacement, plus Post-PhD travel support; awards last 6 months–3 years
Summary: Supports PhD completion and Post-PhD research training for Black South African academics and South African academics with disabilities at public universities.
Key Information: University nomination and release from teaching and administration are required, with a post-award service obligation.
Description
The Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) is a partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF) and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation. It supports academics at South Africa’s 26 public universities to complete PhDs or undertake Post-PhD research training across all disciplines. Funding provides research time through lecturer replacement, research running expenses and Post-PhD mobility support.
The programme aims to develop emerging researchers into established academics, increase participation in knowledge production and promote attainment of an NRF rating. Equity and transformation are central priorities, particularly the advancement of Black African academics, women and academics with disabilities. Supported projects must be scientifically sound, achievable and supported by realistic research and career-development plans. The programme also seeks to strengthen postgraduate supervisory capacity and contribute to the national goal of 75% of university academic staff holding PhDs by 2030.
