NRF Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

National Research Foundation

Funding

Up to R180,000/year

Closing date

30 Jun 2026

Provinces

All provinces

National Research Foundation scholarships for honours, masters and PhD students.

About this bursary

The NRF awards competitive scholarships to South African postgraduate students across all disciplines, with values set by the DHET-NRF funding framework.

Eligibility

South African citizens and permanent residents, minimum 65% average at undergraduate level, registered or accepted at a South African public university.

Requirements

ID, academic transcripts, CV, research proposal (for masters/PhD), supervisor details.

Benefits

Full-cost bursary or fees-only award depending on category, plus running costs for research.

How to apply

Apply on the NRF Connect online submission system during the annual call.

Fields of study

all

Qualification levels

Honours

Masters

PhD