DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2026 Academic Year Applications Now Open

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) are pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 academic year funding cycle for Master’s and Doctoral studies. The funding aims to support students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

Who Should Apply?

This call is open to:

• New Master’s and Doctoral students

• Continuing students eligible for second or third-year funding (to submit progress reports)

• South African citizens, permanent residents, and a limited number (5%) of international students

Funding Categories

Funding will be awarded as either:

• Full Cost of Study (FCS): For South African citizens and permanent residents who:

  • Are financially needy (household income ≤ R350,000/year),

  • Live with a disability, or

  • Are exceptional academic achievers.

• Partial Cost of Study (PCS): For a small percentage of international students or those not meeting FCS criteria but who meet minimum academic standards.

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of 65% in the most recent completed degree is required.

• Students must apply online via the NRF Connect System:
  https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
  Manual applications will not be accepted.

Application Timelines

Note: Honours applicants requiring ISFAP financial assessment must apply by 02 September 2025.

Designated Authority Submission Deadlines

Required Documentation

Applicants must consult the Application and Funding Guide and Framework Documents available on the NRF website:
https://www.nrf.ac.za/funding/nrf-call-for-proposals-for-funding-in-2025-and-2026

Contact Information

For technical assistance (issues with the NRF Connect platform):
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 012 481 4202

For funding-related queries:
Email: [email protected]
(Subject line must include: Level of study, Funding opportunity, and Application reference number)

SARAO-related enquiries:

• Master’s & Doctoral: Annah Mashemola – [email protected] | 011 268 3420

• Honours: Mkhululi Jodwana – [email protected] | 011 268 3412

Fraud Reporting (NRF Fraud Line):
Tel: 0800 111 729
SMS: 30916
Email: [email protected]

Download - DSI-NRF-Masters-and-Doctoral-Application-and-Funding-Guide-for-2026-final.pdf 

  Download - NRF-Statement-of-expectation-for-Postgradute-Training-2026-final.pdf 

Download - Application-Guide-for-SARAO-Doctoral-Scholarships-for-2026.pdf 

Download - Application-Guide-for-SARAO-Masters-Scholarships-for-2026.pdf 

Download - DSTI-NRF-Postgraduate-Scholarship-Framework-for-2026-Funding__FINAL-003.pdf