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NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)

National Research Foundation (NRF)

The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.

What's covered

🎓Tuition💵Living Allowance

Stipend and tuition support for postgraduate research

Open now · 64d remainingApply on Official Website

Eligibility at a Glance

Fields of Study

🩺 Medicine ⚙️ Mechanical Eng 💻 Computer Sci 📈 Data Science 🌍 Environment 📏 Statistics 🤝 Social Work 📉 Economics 📖 Humanities 📐 Actuarial

Study Level

HonoursMaster'sPhDPostgraduate

Available In

All Provinces (Nationwide)

Quick Facts

Workback requiredNo

Financial need requiredNo

NSFAS compatibleYes

Disability friendlyYes

SA citizenship requiredYes

Min academic average65%

About This Bursary

NRF Postgraduate Funding

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is South Africa's primary funder of postgraduate research. NRF funding is available for:

**Honours**: Scarce skills and research-oriented programmes

**Master's**: Research and coursework degrees

**Doctoral (PhD)**: Full doctoral research programmes

**Postdoctoral**: Research fellowships for completed PhDs

NRF funding is distinct from undergraduate bursaries — it rewards academic and research excellence rather than financial need.

Types of NRF Funding

Innovation Scholarships (SARCHI chairs)

Scarce Skills Development Fund

NRF Doctoral Scholarship

African Renaissance Programme (international students)

Equity Development Programme

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen or permanent resident (some programmes open to SADC nationals)
Enrolled in or applying to an honours, masters, or doctoral programme
Strong academic record (typically 65% minimum)
Research proposal required for masters/doctoral
Financial need NOT required

How to Apply

1Visit nrf.ac.za
2Register on the NRF online submission system
3Complete the scholarship application
4Supervisor letter required for master's and doctoral applicants
5Submit before deadline

Required Documents

SA ID
Academic transcripts (all qualifications)
Research proposal (masters and doctoral)
Supervisor/institution letter
CV

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NRF fund humanities students?

Yes, the NRF funds postgraduate students in humanities and social sciences through programmes like the Scarce Skills Development Fund and specific NRF chairs.

Can I work while on an NRF scholarship?

NRF funding terms vary, but most scholarships allow limited part-time work. Full-time employment is usually not permitted during the funding period.

Ready to Apply?

Visit the official website for the most up-to-date application information and deadlines.

Apply on National Research Foundation (NRF) Website

All bursary applications are free. Never pay to apply.

Bursary Summary

ProviderNational Research Foundation (NRF)

ValueR80,000–R200,000/year depending on level

DeadlineOpen · 64d remaining

Min average65%

WorkbackNone

Apply Now

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