[National Research Foundation](https://www.nrf.ac.za)

March 31, 2026 (Applicants) | April 24, 2026 (Designated Authorities)

No direct funding; award is a research rating/recognition used for future funding eligibility and benchmarking.

National peer evaluation process that assesses and rates individual researchers’ outputs to benchmark research excellence and inform future funding.

Strict deadlines: late applications are not accepted.

--- ## Description The National Research Foundation (NRF) Evaluation and Rating process is a competitive, peer-reviewed assessment designed to evaluate the quality, impact, and standing of individual researchers in South Africa. This process provides formal recognition of research excellence, benchmarks researchers within their fields, and informs eligibility for future NRF funding opportunities. Researchers are rated according to established categories based on the quality and impact of their recent research outputs, with the aim of promoting high standards and guiding research development nationally. --- ## Due Dates - **March 31, 2026**: Submission deadline for applicants (by 16:30 SAST) - **April 24, 2026**: Submission deadline for Designated Authorities (institutional approval, by 16:30 SAST) **No late applications will be accepted after these deadlines.** --- ## Funding Amount - **No direct monetary award is provided with the evaluation and rating.** - The rating serves as a nationally recognized benchmark of research excellence and is essential for eligibility to apply for various NRF funding programs and grants. - Rated researchers may subsequently be eligible for NRF funding streams and institutional support. --- ## Eligibility ### Who Can Apply - Researchers employed (full-time, part-time, or contract) at South African higher education institutions (public or private), museums, or NRF-recognized research institutions. - Full-time temporary staff at SA HEIs and museums who enjoy the same conditions as permanent staff. - Postdoctoral fellows conducting full-time research at SA HEIs. - Individuals being considered for full-time posts at SA HEIs and museums (applications can be submitted before formal employment). - Joint appointees (with a foreign institution) who are employed by a SA institution for at least three months per year and spend at least three months per year in South Africa. - Retired academics/researchers resident in South Africa, formally affiliated with a SA HEI, and actively involved in research and postgraduate mentorship, with formal institutional endorsement. ### Additional Notes - Only researchers at NRF-recognized institutions are eligible. These institutions must conduct basic or applied research, have research training leading to master's and doctoral degrees, and be committed to equity and redress. - Researchers currently rated A, B, C, P, or Y are typically invited for re-evaluation every five years. Unrated or previously unsuccessful applicants may apply for re-evaluation after three years. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [NRF Connect](https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za). - Consult your institutional research office for any internal deadlines prior to the NRF's closing date. - Applicants are required to: - Provide details of recent research outputs and other scholarly contributions. - Nominate appropriate peer reviewers (see reviewer guidelines). - Select relevant specialist committees for evaluation based on research area. - Institutional Designated Authorities must approve and submit final applications by the DA deadline. - Comprehensive guidelines, eligibility documents, and reviewer selection criteria are available on the [NRF call page](https://www.nrf.ac.za/call-for-applications-for-evaluation-and-rating-2026). --- ## Additional Information - The evaluation covers a broad range of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, health sciences, law, education, and creative arts. - Specialist committees assess applications according to discipline-specific criteria and research output types. - Ratings are categorized (A, B, C, P, Y) based on peer review, with definitions and criteria available in the official [rating categories document](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Definition-of-NRF-Rating-Categories.pdf). - A rating is required for eligibility for many NRF research funding programs. --- ## External Links - [Call for Applications for Evaluation and Rating 2026](https://www.nrf.ac.za/call-for-applications-for-evaluation-and-rating-2026) - [NRF Connect application portal](https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) - [Applicant Eligibility Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Applicant-Eligibility-1.pdf) - [Guidelines for Selection of Reviewers (PDF)](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Guidelines-for-Selection-of-Reviewers.pdf) - [Key Research Areas and Types of Research Outputs (PDF)](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Key-Research-Areas-and-Types-of-Research-Outputs.pdf) - [Definition of NRF Rating Categories (PDF)](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Definition-of-NRF-Rating-Categories.pdf) - [Application-Eligibility-Type (PDF)](https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Application-Eligibility-Type.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------| | Ms. Jelka Monyela | [JP.Monyela@risa.nrf.ac.za](mailto:JP.Monyela@risa.nrf.ac.za) | +27 12 481 4185 | | NRF Support Desk | [Supportdesk@nrf.ac.za](mailto:Supportdesk@nrf.ac.za) | +27 12 481 4202 | | NRF General Inquiries | [info@nrf.ac.za](mailto:info@nrf.ac.za) | +27 12 481 4000 | ---

Call for Applications for Evaluation and Rating 2026

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