National Research Foundation (NRF)

About the National Research Foundation

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is the South African government's main agency for research funding and development. Parliament created it through the National Research Foundation Act, and it started work on 1 April 1999. Its head office is in Brummeria, Pretoria. The NRF falls under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and its work covers every field of science, engineering, social science and the humanities.

The NRF does more than hand out grants. It also runs national research facilities. These include the South African Astronomical Observatory, the South African Environmental Observation Network, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, iThemba LABS and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. Many young scientists get their first taste of real research at these sites, and the facilities also support public science education.

How the NRF supports students

For students, the NRF is mainly a postgraduate funder. Its scholarships support honours, master's and doctoral candidates at South African universities. The funding often appears under the name DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding. You do not apply straight to the NRF for most of it. Instead, you usually apply through the postgraduate funding office at your university, which lists internal deadlines well before the national date.

The NRF awards money at two levels. Full cost of study goes to South African citizens and permanent residents who show financial need, live with a disability or achieve excellent results. Partial cost of study goes to a small share of other applicants who meet the basic criteria. In recent calls, the NRF has also asked for a minimum academic average of 65% and set age limits for each degree level. Because these rules change, always read the current call.

Other programmes sit alongside the scholarships. The Black Academics Advancement Programme, run with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, backs early-career academics. The South African Research Chairs Initiative and the Centres of Excellence also fund senior research and train postgraduate students working inside those groups.

What to know before applying

The NRF does not fund undergraduate degrees. If you are still in your first degree, plan ahead and keep your marks strong, because postgraduate funding is competitive. Check that your honours, master's or doctoral programme is eligible, and speak to your supervisor about the timing of your application. A clear research proposal and strong results give you the best chance.

Applications run through the online NRF Connect platform, and the agency does not accept paper submissions. Prepare your academic record, a motivation and your supervisor's details early. Also confirm the exact conditions of any award with your university and the NRF, since requirements differ by year.