Jointly administered by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship helps promote excellence in postgraduate research aligned with South Africa’s national priorities.
It supports honours, master’s, and doctoral candidates studying at public universities in various disciplines, including:
- Science, Engineering, and Technology
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees and a monthly stipend, thereby reducing financial burdens and enabling students to focus on their school work only.
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application Form
To apply, head to the NRF Connect System to get your application form. Remember, manual applications are not accepted.
The application process involves creating a profile on NRF Connect, submitting the required documents, and completing the online form. Important documents they will ask for include:
- Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A research proposal aligned with national priorities and research areas outlined in the STI Decadal Plan 2022
- Letters of support from your supervisor and academic head
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Requirements
To qualify for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate scholarship, all applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Meet the NRF minimum academic requirements:
- Honours: 65% average for final year subjects of a four-year degree.
- Master’s: 65% average for your honours degree and be 30 years or younger in the year of application.
- Doctoral studies: 65% average for your master’s degree and be 32 years or younger in the year of application.
- Pursue full-time postgraduate studies at a South African public university.
- Demonstrate research potential aligned with South Africa’s national priorities and thematic focus areas outlined in the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan 2022.
Additional requirements may apply based on specific funding categories. Consult the official guidelines for detailed information.
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Closing Date
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship scheme always has different closing dates for all the various levels of bursaries they offer every year.
Here is a list of all the closing dates for the 2024 academic year applications.
- For Honours studies: 24 November 2023
- For Master’s studies (first-time): 18 July 2023 (extension)
- For Doctoral studies (first-time): 18 July 2023 (extension)
- For Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support studies: 18 August 2023
Designated Authority (DA) closing dates:
- For Honours applications: 22 December 2023
- For Master’s applications (first-time): 4 September 2023
- For Doctoral applications (first-time): 4 September 2023
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support applications: 29 September 2023
If you have any questions about the scholarship, you can contact Mr Lehlogonolo Phaahla (Professional Officer – HICD) via phone on 012 481 4315 or through email: [email protected].
O you can also reach Ms Kgaugelo Molepo (Professional Officer – HICD) through phone call at 012 481 4148 or Email: [email protected].
There are many other contact people you can reach out to but to make it easier for you, simply visit their contact page on their website for any further inquiries.