DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding

DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for 2025

Overview

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) are pleased to announce the call for new applications for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the academic year 2025. Continuing students who are eligible for a second or third year of funding must submit a Progress Report instead of a new application.

Apply For Latest Bursaries Here

The NRF requires a minimum academic average of 65% for postgraduate funding. The entry age limits are 28, 30, and 32 years or younger for honours, master’s, and doctoral studies, respectively, in the year of application. Successful applicants may receive Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding.

FCS: Awarded to South African citizens and Permanent Residents who are financially needy (household income ≤ R350,000 per annum), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers.
PCS: Awarded to 5% of international students, including South African citizens and Permanent Residents who did not qualify for FCS but meet other NRF funding criteria.

Funding supports honours, master’s, and doctoral candidates in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

Application Dates

Student Application Dates

Honours (General): Opens 01 July 2024, Closes 22 November 2024
First-time Master’s: Opens 23 May 2024, Closes 05 July 2024
First-time Doctoral: Opens 05 July 2024
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: Opens 15 September 2024

Designated Authority (DA) Submission Dates

Honours Applications: Closes 31 March 2025
First-time Master’s Applications: Closes 06 September 2024
First-time Doctoral Applications: Closes 06 September 2024
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support Applications: Closes 01 November 2024

SARAO Specific Dates

SARAO Master’s and Doctoral: Applications close 20 August 2024, DA Submission closes 31 August 2024
Honours General Scholarships: Opens July 2024; institutions have until March 2025 to claim funds. Honours applicants requiring ISFAP assessment should submit by 02 September 2024.

Funding and Eligibility

Minimum Academic Requirement: 65%
Age Limits: 28 years for honours, 30 years for master’s, 32 years for doctoral studies
Financial Criteria:
- FCS: For financially needy South African citizens and Permanent Residents.
- PCS: For a select 5% of international students and those not qualifying for FCS.

Application Process

Platform: Applications must be completed on the NRF Connect System at NRF Connect. Manual applications are not accepted.
Documentation: Refer to the Application and Funding Guide and Framework documents for detailed instructions.

Enquiries

For any queries, applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant NRF Professional Officer:

Honours:
- Mr. Lehlogonolo Phaahla
  - Telephone: 012 481 4315
  - Email: LA.Phaahla@risa.nrf.ac.za
First-time Master’s and Doctoral:
- Ms. Kgaugelo Molepo
  - Telephone: 012 481 4148
  - Email: KJ.Molepo@risa.nrf.ac.za
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support:
- Ms. Nontokozo Kunene
  - Telephone: 012 481 4105
  - Email: NS.Kunene@risa.nrf.ac.za
National Skills Fund and NRF-MINDS:
- Ms. Busisiwe Sibiya
  - Telephone: 012 481 4166
  - Email: BG.Sibiya@risa.nrf.ac.za
Global Knowledge Partnerships:
- Mr. Nelson Komane
  - Telephone: 012 481 4219
  - Email: SN.Komane@risa.nrf.ac.za
First-time SARChI:
- Ms. Andisiwe Jukuda
  - Telephone: 012 481 4113
  - Email: AH.Jukuda@risa.nrf.ac.za
First-time CoEs:
- Ms. Malekgotla Finger
  - Telephone: 012 481 4003
  - Email: MD.Finger@risa.nrf.ac.za
SARAO Master’s and Doctoral:
- Ms. Annah Mashemola
  - Telephone: 011 268 3420
  - Email: amashemola@sarao.ac.za
SARAO Honours:
- Mr. Mkhululi Jodwana
  - Telephone: 011 268 3412
  - Email: mjodwana@sarao.ac.za

NRF Fraud Line: To report any irregular, corrupt, or unethical conduct related to funding.

Telephone: 0800 701 701
SMS: 39772
Website: NRF Fraud Hotline