The Protein Research Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship 2027/2028 is open for South African Master’s and Doctoral candidates whose research will contribute to the sustainable supply or use of protein in animal nutrition. Completed applications must reach the Protein Research Foundation through the applicant’s university by 30 September 2026.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Protein Research Foundation (PRF)
Opportunity type: Postgraduate research scholarship
Who it’s for: South African citizens admitted to Master’s or Doctoral study at a recognised tertiary institution
Study level: Master’s and Doctoral
Research focus: Protein supply and/or utilisation in animal nutrition
Scholarship value: R100,000 per annum
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Last verified: 20 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
This is a specialised research scholarship, not a general agriculture bursary. The proposed Master’s topic must fit the PRF’s mission and objectives, while Doctoral applications are considered where the topic is regarded as a high research priority.
Students should not send applications directly without involving their university. New applications are submitted to the university administration, which prioritises and forwards selected applications to the PRF.
About the sponsor
The Protein Research Foundation supports research and development aimed at improving the sustainable production, supply and utilisation of protein for animal nutrition in South Africa.
Sponsor/entity link: PRF postgraduate scholarship requirements
What it covers
The scholarship is valued at R100,000 per annum. The guideline duration is two years for a Master’s degree and three years for a Doctoral degree. Payment is made directly to the candidate after proof of university acceptance and registration is received.
Continuation funding is not automatic. Further payments depend on satisfactory progress confirmed by the academic supervisor and proof of re-registration.
Eligibility
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must qualify for admission to a Master’s or PhD degree at a recognised tertiary institution
- Master’s research must fall within the PRF’s objectives relating to protein supply or utilisation in animal nutrition
- Doctoral research must be considered a high-priority topic by the PRF
- Must conduct the approved research under a recognised university supervisor
- Must agree to the PRF contract and reporting requirements if selected
Documents to prepare
- Completed new scholarship application or continuation form
- Copy of South African ID
- Clear head-and-shoulders photograph
- Full academic records
- Details of qualifications and previous research
- Proposed research title, methodology, motivation and anticipated impact
- Three professional references
- Supervisor confirmation and university endorsement
- Proof of admission or registration where available
Closing date
Completed applications must reach the Protein Research Foundation through the university by 30 September 2026. Applicants should check for an earlier internal university deadline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting directly without following the university nomination route
- Proposing research unrelated to protein for animal nutrition
- Leaving out supervisor confirmation or academic records
- Assuming funding will automatically continue in later years
- Waiting until late September before contacting the university postgraduate office
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the current Protein Research Foundation scholarship-requirements page and 2027/2028 application-form page, including the eligibility rules, R100,000 annual value, university submission route and 30 September 2026 closing date.
How to apply
- Read the PRF scholarship requirements.
- Download the new-application or continuation form, depending on your status.
- Complete the form with your supervisor and prepare all supporting documents.
- Submit the application to your university administration or postgraduate funding office.
- Ensure the university forwards the application to the PRF before the closing date.