The NRF funding was established through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998), following a system-wide review conducted for the Department of Arts, Culture, Science, and Technology (DACST).
The new entity incorporated the functions of the research funding agencies that were previously servicing various sections of the research community, namely the former Centre for Science Development (CSD) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the former Foundation for Research Development (FRD) that included several National Research Facilities.
Announcement of NRF One Call for Proposals 2026/2026
During the last four years the National Research Foundation (NRF) has embarked on a process designed to enhance and simplify the NRF administrative interface with Researchers, Students and Designated Authorities. This has been done by streamlining its application templates and its Call Opening process, in line with.
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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 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 2026 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