Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Open
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen or permanent resident (for full funding) or international student (for partial funding)
- 28 or younger for Honours, 30 or younger for Master's, 32 or younger for Doctoral
- Minimum 65% average in major subjects, most recent year of study
- Registered for Honours, Master's, or Doctoral study
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport
- Academic transcript
- Proof of registration or acceptance for postgraduate study
- Research proposal
About Dsi Nrf Postgraduate Scholarship
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship, run jointly by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), funds Honours, Master's, and Doctoral study across a wide range of research fields.
Apply entirely online through NRF Connect, and expect one of two funding tiers depending on your circumstances: Full Cost of Study (FCS) if you meet the strictest criteria, or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) otherwise.
Funding Details
Receive either Full Cost of Study or Partial Cost of Study funding, depending on which criteria you meet - the exact amount varies by qualification level and funding tier.
Where You Can Study
Any recognised South African university offering an accredited postgraduate research programme qualifies.
About National Research Foundation (NRF)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is South Africa's principal agency for funding, promoting, and supporting research across all fields of science, engineering, and the humanities. Based in Pretoria, the NRF provides…
View full provider profile →- Address
- Meiring Naudé Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184
- Phone
- +27 12 481 4000
- info@nrf.ac.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident to access Full Cost of Study funding - international students and those not meeting FCS criteria can apply under Partial Cost of Study terms instead. Meet the age limits for your level: 28 or younger for Honours, 30 or younger for Master's, 32 or younger for Doctoral. Achieve at least 65% in your major subjects in your most recent year of study.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
- Opens
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- Closes
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Questions about this application?
Contact National Research Foundation (NRF) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Full Cost and Partial Cost of Study funding?
Full Cost of Study (FCS) goes to South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the strictest criteria. Partial Cost of Study (PCS) applies to international students or those who don't meet FCS requirements.
Is there an age limit?
Yes - 28 or younger for Honours, 30 or younger for Master's, and 32 or younger for Doctoral study, at the time of application.
How do I apply?
Entirely online through NRF Connect.
What academic average do I need?
At least 65% in your major subjects in your most recent year of study.
