Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) 2025
The NRF FBIP funds postgraduate research generating foundational biodiversity data to advance South Africa’s biodiversity knowledge and inform conservation, management, and sustainable use.
Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2026: FBIP Concept Notes (Large Call) | April 2026: FBIP Small Grants 1 | August 2026: FBIP Large Grants full application | August 2026: FBIP Small Grants 2
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); plus device/assistive allowances.
Summary: Supports full-time honours, master's, and doctoral students at South African public universities in fields aligned with national research priorities, with a focus on equity, transformation, and foundational biodiversity research.
Key Information: Scholarships are for full-time study only; strict age and academic requirements apply; funding is highly competitive.
Description
The Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) under the National Research Foundation (NRF) provides postgraduate scholarships for honours, master's, and doctoral students pursuing research that generates and mobilises foundational biodiversity data. The programme aims to advance South Africa's biodiversity knowledge base and inform conservation, management, and sustainable use of biodiversity resources. Funding is aligned with national priorities and transformation objectives, supporting the next generation of researchers and academic leaders in science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
