The DSI and NRF are pleased to announce a call for new applications for DSI-NRF Master’s and Doctoral Funding 2025 academic year  All continuing students who are eligible for a second or third year of funding must submit a Progress Report and not a new application.

The NRF minimum academic requirement for postgraduate funding is 65%. The entry age requirement is 28, 30 and 32 years or younger for honours, master’s and doctoral studies respectively, in the year of application, regardless of the first year of registration. Successful applicants will be funded either at Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS). The FCS funding will be awarded to South African citizens and Permanent Residents only, who are either financially needy (i.e., those whose combined household family income is less than or equals to R350 000 per annum), living with a disability or exceptional academic achievers.

However, the PCS funding will be awarded to 5% of international students including South African citizens and Permanent Residents who could not be funded under FCS but meet other minimum requirements for the NRF scholarship funding criteria. The scholarships are intended to support honours, master’s and doctoral candidates to pursue studies in all areas of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

All the postgraduate students will be expected to apply on the NRF Connect System by accessing the link: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. No manual applications will be accepted.

Students’ Applications Opening and Closing Dates:

The Designated Authority (DA) Submission to NRF Closing Dates:

NB: Honours General Scholarships will open in July 2024 and institutions will have until end of March 2025 to claim funds of recommended eligible students. Honours applicants requiring ISFAP assessment should submit their applications by 02 September 2024.

Please refer to the Application and Funding Guide and Framework documents when completing the online application form at every step of the process.

For enquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the Research or Postgraduate offices at their universities. Should there still be a need to contact the NRF, below are the contact persons and details:

For more Informatio: Visit the website for DSI-NRF Master’s and Doctoral Funding 2025