DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Requirements & How To Apply

The DSDSI-NRF PostgraduateI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship call is open only for a limited time, and competition is intense. 

If you meet all the criteria and have all the documents ready, you significantly improve your chances.

About the Organisations

DSI is the Department of Science, Innovation (previously DST), which sets science and research policy in South Africa.

NRF is the National Research Foundation, which administers postgraduate funding via its Postgraduate Student Funding programme in partnership with DSI.

Fields of Study Funded

The scholarship supports full-time postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, Doctoral) in all academic disciplines, including:

• Science, Engineering, Technology
• Social Sciences and Humanities
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Benefits for Recipients

1. Funding is offered at either Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS). Full Cost is awarded to SA citizens or permanent residents who are financially needy, living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers.
2. Under PCS, applicants who do not qualify for FCS (including some international students) may still be funded, provided they meet minimum criteria.
3. The scholarship covers the period of study for the degree, subject to academic progress. For example, Master’s studies are funded for up to two years; Doctoral studies for up to three years. Extension support is possible under certain circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following (with some flexibility depending on category):

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident for FCS (or meet PCS criteria if international or not eligible for FCS).
2. Meet minimum academic performance:
     • 65% average for major subjects in the final year of undergraduate study for Honours funding.
     • 65% or better in Honours or final year of four-year degree if applying for Master’s; similarly at Master’s level for Doctoral.
3. Age requirement: you must be 28 years or younger for Honours; 30 years or younger for Master’s; 32 years or younger for Doctoral, at the time of application.
4. Financial need: For Full Cost funding, household income must be ≤ R350,000 per annum (or you qualify by being living with disability or an exceptional achiever).
5. Not employed full-time while studying (unless a special case) — funding is for full-time students.

How to Apply

1. All applications must be submitted online via NRF Connect: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/
2. No manual or paper applications are accepted.
3. Complete your profile in NRF Connect (including CV, personal details) before applying.
4. Attach all required documents, correctly certified. These typically include ID, full academic transcripts, proof of acceptance or registration, supervisor support/report (for Master’s/Doctoral), and proof of financial means if applicable.

Required Documents

You will need to include:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID (or proof of permanent residency if applicable)
2. Academic transcript/record (showing previous degree or current standing) from your institution, with official stamp.
3. Proof of registration or provisional acceptance for your upcoming year of study (if a First-time applicant)
4. Supervisor’s report or Head of Department confirmation for Master’s / Doctoral applications.
5. Financial means documentation: household income (proof via income statements, affidavit, etc.) if applying for FCS funding.
6. If applicable, a medical certificate (for disability)

Age & Other Limits

• Honours: 28 years or younger at the time of application.
• Master’s: 30 years or younger.
• Doctoral: 32 years or younger.

Closing Dates 

• Honours (General): opens 1 July 2026, closes 21 November 2026.
• First-time Master’s: opens 14 May 2026, closes 4 July 2026.
• Master’s and Doctoral extension support closed on 15 August, 2026.

Contact Details / Enquiries

• NRF Support Desk: 012 481 4202; supportdesk@nrf.ac.za
• For postgraduate funding queries: postgraduatequeries@risa.nrf.ac.za