PRF Virology Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 15 September 2026
Provider: PRF
Field of study: Medical
Study level: Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

Bursary applications for the 2027 academic year close on 15 September 2026; if you miss it, watch prf.ac.za from mid-2027 for the next call.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) was set up in 1957 to fund polio research and is now South Africa’s main private funder of virology research and training. Based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg, it awards bursaries each year to honours, Master’s and doctoral students in virology alongside its research grants.

About the PRF Bursary

Levels: BSc Honours (one year), MSc (up to two years) and PhD (up to three years) in virology.
Covers a living bursary and study costs, with the amount set by the foundation each year according to level.
Renewals for Master’s and doctoral students depend on annual progress reports from the supervisor.
Research must be in virology, broadly defined, at a recognised South African institution.

PRF Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen or permanent resident (preferred).
Registered, or registering, for an honours, Master’s or doctoral qualification in virology.
At least a 60% average in previous studies.
A supervisor at the institution who signs the application and reports on progress.

How to apply for the PRF Bursary

Go to the grant information page at prf.ac.za and open the online form for your level: BSc Honours, MSc (new or renewal) or PhD (new or renewal).
Upload your CV, academic record, proof of registration or acceptance, previous qualifications and the signed signatory forms from your supervisor and institution.
Email the completed PRF final bursary form to prf@nicd.ac.za before the closing date of the current call.

PRF Bursary closing date

15 September 2026 for bursaries; 28 February each year for research grants.

Contact details

Email: prf@nicd.ac.za
Telephone: 011 555 0395
Website: prf.ac.za

Life science postgraduates should also apply to the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship and the SAMRC scholarship, and see our postgraduate bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the PRF bursary close for 2027? +

15 September 2026 for the current call. The foundation also takes research grant applications by 28 February each year, and bursary renewals follow the same cycle.

2. What is the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation? +

A foundation established in 1957 to fund polio research, now the main private funder of virology research and training in South Africa, based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg.

3. What does the bursary fund? +

BSc Honours, MSc and PhD study in virology at South African universities: one year for honours, up to two years for a Master's and up to three years for a doctorate, with renewals depending on progress reports.

4. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens or permanent residents registered, or registering, for a postgraduate qualification in virology with at least a 60% average in their previous studies and a supervisor who supports the application.

5. How do I apply? +

Complete the online form for your level on prf.ac.za (separate forms for honours, new and renewal MSc, and new and renewal PhD), upload your CV, academic record, proof of registration, previous qualifications and the signed signatory forms, then email the final PRF bursary form to prf@nicd.ac.za.

6. Who do I contact? +

The PRF office at prf@nicd.ac.za or 011 555 0395.

Update note (checked September 2026): bursary applications for the 2027 academic year close on 15 September 2026; if you miss it, watch prf.ac.za from mid-2027 for the next call. Research grant applications close on 28 February each year. Late applications are not considered.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About PRF

Non-profit association (virology research funding)

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is South Africa's major funder of virology research. The PRF is an incorporated association not for gain, governed by an honorary board of trustees from business, industry and senior virology, and advised by…

Read the full PRF profile →

Address: 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg, 2131
Phone: +27 11 555 0395
Email: prf@nicd.ac.za
Website: prf.ac.za

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.