The National Research Foundation functions as a mediator between Governmental policies and South African research institutes. They are an independent research body and their goal is to promote and support research. The NRF Bursary is a Postgraduate Scholarship for Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Technology.
Who Can Apply For This Bursary?
The NRF bursary is intended to support doctoral candidates, Masters and Honours who wish to do their postgraduate research in the following fields:
- Science (all areas)
- Engineering (all areas)
- Technology (all areas)
- Humanities (all areas)
- Social Sciences (all areas)
What Does The NRF Bursary Cover?
Your Postgraduate scholarship will be funded partially or fully. Read the requirements for both on the NRF Application and Funding document.
What Are The Requirements?
These are the minimum requirements listed by the NRF
- 65% Average for your final Undergraduate year of Honours funding
- Honours level: a minimum average of 65% on all subjects or minimum 65% average of the final year of your Masters funding
- Doctoral funding: Minimum of 65% at masters level
- For classifications “Pass” or “Pass with distinction” you will need a score. Otherwise, your score will be set to a default of 1. From April 2021 you will not be eligible to apply with these classifications
- FCS funding will be only awarded to permanent residents and citizens of South Africa and they need to be financially needy, exceptional Academic achievers or living with a disability
- PCS (Partial funding) will be given to 5% of International students
How To Apply for the NRF Bursary?
If you want to apply for this postgraduate scholarship you will need to go to the following website—–>https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za
Every year the call to action starts in April but the University you are planning to do your Postgraduate for decides what the closing date will be.
If you have submitted all information on the nrf submission website the NRF will route it directly to your university. They will review all documents and only applications who meet all requirements will be sent to the NRF. You will need to ask at your University the internal closing date before you can apply for the NRF scholarship.
They will only accept 1 application per applicant. If you are doing both a NRF Masters and Doctoral support, you will need to choose.
How to submit your NRF Online Application?
Make sure to download the NRF Application and Funding Guide where they explain how to submit your application. This guide explains step by step how to register and submit your Masters, Doctorate and Honours funding application.
They also have a document with the F.A.Q. where they explain the most common questions.
If you want to apply you need to use the online submission platform, manual applications will not be considered.
What Is The Closing Date?
Opens around April. Closing date is 18 December.
Please check with your University for the internal closing dae
Contact Details
Do you have more questions? First read the documents they provide at the NRF website.
For enquiries and questions contact the persons written here.
