The DSTI-NRF Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support 2027 route is open under the 2027 DSTI-NRF postgraduate funding call. This route is for eligible continuing Master’s and Doctoral students who require extension support rather than first-time funding.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) / National Research Foundation (NRF)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate extension-support scholarship funding
Who it’s for: Eligible continuing Master’s and Doctoral students needing extension support for 2027
Study level: Master’s and Doctoral extension support
Application route: NRF Connect
Closing date: 14 August 2026
Last verified: 7 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is not the first-time Master’s/Doctoral funding route, which has already closed. It is the extension-support route for students who are already in the relevant postgraduate pipeline and meet NRF continuation criteria.
Applicants must check both the NRF closing date and the university internal deadline. Universities may require earlier submission to process and validate applications.
About the sponsor
The National Research Foundation administers research and postgraduate funding in South Africa. DSTI-NRF postgraduate support is intended to strengthen research capacity and support postgraduate candidates across national priority and general research areas.
What it covers
Funding may be awarded as Full Cost of Study or Partial Cost of Study depending on NRF rules, funding category and applicant circumstances. The final award value and conditions are determined through the NRF framework and relevant application guide.
Eligibility
- Must be applying for Master’s or Doctoral extension support, not first-time funding
- Must meet the NRF academic and continuation criteria
- Must apply through NRF Connect
- Must study at a qualifying South African public university
- Must provide the required supervisor, institutional and academic information where applicable
- Must comply with any university internal deadline before the NRF deadline
Documents to prepare
- Official academic record
- Progress or continuation information requested by NRF or the university
- Supervisor or institutional inputs where required
- Identity documents
- Financial-need or disability documents if applying under those categories
- Any documents required in the NRF Connect extension-support application workflow
Closing date
14 August 2026, subject to earlier university internal deadlines.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the first-time Master’s/Doctoral route instead of extension support
- Missing the university internal deadline
- Submitting without supervisor or institutional inputs where required
- Uploading unofficial academic records
- Assuming continuation funding is automatic
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the official NRF DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2027 Academic Year page, which lists the Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support closing date as 14 August 2026.
How to apply
- Read the NRF 2027 postgraduate funding page and extension-support guide.
- Confirm your university’s internal deadline and continuation requirements.
- Create or update your NRF Connect profile.
- Select the Master’s/Doctoral Extension Support route.
- Complete and submit the application before the relevant deadlines.