About the National Research Foundation (NRF)
Established over 20 years ago, the National Research Foundation (NRF) is an independent government agency that acts as an intermediary between the government’s policies and strategies, and South Africa’s research institutions. The NRF’s mission is to promote and support research by providing human resource development, funding, and research facilities to foster innovation and advancement in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
About the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
The NRF, along with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is inviting students to apply for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2025 academic year. The scholarship is designed to support outstanding students pursuing postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in the fields of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Fields Covered
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship is offered in the following fields:
| Field |
|---|
| Science |
| Engineering |
| Technology |
| Social Sciences |
| Humanities |
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
- Be studying or intending to study towards a postgraduate qualification (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in the fields of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities, in 2025
- Be 28 or younger if applying for Honours funding
- Be 30 or younger if applying for Master’s funding
- Be 32 or younger if applying for Doctoral funding
- Achieve a minimum result of 65%
- FCS funding: be a South African citizen or permanent resident, who is either financially needy (combined household family income NOT more than R350 000 per annum), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achiever
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. Enter "www.Govnet.co.za" in the field asking how you heard about the DSI-NRF Scholarship.
Supporting Documentation
Applicants must submit the following supporting documentation along with their completed application:
| Document |
|---|
| Identify document (certified copy) |
| Full tertiary academic record to date (on institute’s letterhead) |
| Proof of university enrolment (on institution’s letterhead) |
| Parents/guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/affidavit if unemployed/SASSA grant letter if applicable) |
Closing Date
The closing date for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship varies by institution. Please check the closing dates with your institution. Applications submitted after the closing dates will not be accepted.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the closing date
- Proofread your application to eliminate errors
- Highlight your unique strengths, achievements, and qualifications
- Provide detailed reasons for choosing your chosen field of study and career goals
- Show appreciation for the NRF’s support by expressing your commitment to pursuing a career in the STEM sector
Contact the NRF
For any queries related to the scholarship programme, please contact the NRF through the following channels:
| Department | Contact Person | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| General Honours Related Enquiries | Mr Lehlogonolo Phaahla | Telephone: 012 481 4315; Email: [email protected] |
| General First-time Master’s and Doctoral, and NRF-DAAD Related Enquiries | Mrs Kgaugelo Molepo | Telephone: 012 481 4148; Email: [email protected] |
| National Skills Fund and NRF-MINDS Related Enquiries | Mrs Busisiwe Sibiya | Telephone: 012 481 4166; Email: [email protected] |
| First-time SARChI Honours, Master’s and Doctoral Related Enquiries | Mrs Andisiwe Jukuda | Telephone: 012 481 4113; Email: [email protected] |
| First-time CoEs Honours, Master’s and Doctoral Related Enquiries | Mrs Malekgotla Finger | Telephone: 012 481 4003; Email: [email protected] |
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