DSI‑NRF Postgraduate Scholarships for 2025 Funding
NRF Postgraduate Student Funding supports full-time Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral research in science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities at South African public universities.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026: First-time Master’s & Doctoral applications | November 2026: Honours (General) applications | August–September 2026: SARAO, Extension, and DA submissions | March 2027: Honours DA claim deadline
Funding Amounts: Honours: R163,892/year (FCS), R124,892/year (PCS); Master’s: R182,836/year (FCS), R126,836/year (PCS); Doctoral: R188,820/year (FCS), R131,320/year (PCS); typical duration: 1–3 years depending on level
Summary: Supports full-time Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral study at South African public universities in science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
Key Information: All dates are projected; check the NRF program page for official updates.
Description
This opportunity provides funding for postgraduate students (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral) to pursue full-time studies at South African public universities. The scheme is designed to advance research capacity, promote transformation, and support national research priorities across science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities. Funding is available for both first-time and extension support applicants, with a focus on equity, academic merit, and financial need. The program also supports specific partnership scholarships (e.g., SARAO, DAAD, SASOL, MINDS, EMET) with additional eligibility rules.
