DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African graduate with a strong passion for research, innovation, and academic excellence? The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering vital financial support to students who wish to pursue Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at accredited South African institutions. This prestigious scholarship is jointly funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF), whose mandate is to promote and support research, human capital development, and knowledge production in science, technology, and innovation for national development.
The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship provides comprehensive funding that may include tuition fees, a living allowance, and additional research-related support depending on the level of study. The programme is designed to nurture high-calibre researchers, strengthen South Africa’s research capacity, and develop future academics and scientists across a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, health sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It is especially aimed at students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to the country’s research and innovation landscape.
By applying for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial assistance; they gain access to opportunities that enhance their academic careers, research skills, and professional development, positioning them to become leaders in research, innovation, and knowledge creation in South Africa.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About National Research Foundation (NRF)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) is an independent government agency that has been in existence for over two decades. It serves as a critical link between the South African Government’s research policies and the country’s universities, research institutions, and innovation hubs.
The core mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research excellence through human resource development, funding support, and the provision of world-class research facilities. By doing so, the NRF plays a vital role in strengthening South Africa’s knowledge economy and advancing scientific and technological innovation.
The NRF operates through three major functions:
- Supporting research and innovation via the Research and Innovation Support and Advancement (RISA).
- Promoting public awareness and interest in science and technology through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
- Facilitating research activities by managing and supporting various National Research Facilities.
Together, these functions ensure that South Africa remains competitive in global research and development.
About the DSI-NRF Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
The DSI and NRF invite eligible students to apply for postgraduate funding for the 2025 academic year. The scholarship is available for studies at the following levels:
- Honours
- Master’s
- Doctoral (PhD)
Funding is provided across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
This broad coverage ensures that students from both scientific and non-scientific backgrounds can benefit from the programme, as long as their studies contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s research and development goals.
Benefits of the DSI-NRF Scholarship Programme
Successful applicants will receive either:
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) funding, or
- Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding.
The type of funding awarded depends on whether the applicant meets specific criteria set by the NRF. FCS funding is generally reserved for students who are financially needy, living with a disability, or who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This funding typically covers tuition fees and may include allowances for accommodation, books, and living expenses, making postgraduate studies more accessible to deserving students.
Eligibility Requirements for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- You must be studying or intend to study towards a postgraduate qualification (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in 2025 in one of the approved fields.
- Age limits:
-
- Honours: 28 years or younger
- Master’s: 30 years or younger
- Doctoral: 32 years or younger
- You must have achieved a minimum academic average of 65%.
- For Full Cost of Study (FCS) funding, you must be a South African citizen or Permanent Resident and fall into at least one of these categories:
- Financially needy (combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum)
- Living with a disability
- An exceptional academic achiever
Failure to meet all the eligibility requirements will result in your application not being considered.
How to Apply for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship application platform for 2025.
Important note for continuing students:
If you are already funded by the NRF and qualify for a second or third year of support, you must not submit a new application. Instead, you are required to submit a Progress Report only.
Required Supporting Documents
All applicants must upload clear and certified copies of the following documents. Missing documents may lead to disqualification:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Full academic transcript to date (on your institution’s official letterhead)
- Proof of university registration or enrolment (on institutional letterhead)
- Proof of household income for parents/guardians:
-
- Latest payslips if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- SASSA grant letter if applicable
Make sure all documents are accurate, up to date, and easy to read before submission.
Closing Dates for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2026/2027
The official closing dates are as follows:
- First-time Master’s: 5 July 2024
- First-time Doctoral: 5 July 2024
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 15 September 2024
- Honours (General): 22 November 2024
Please note that some universities may have earlier internal closing dates, so it is essential to confirm deadlines with your institution’s postgraduate or research office. Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details for Scholarship Enquiries
For general guidance, students are encouraged to contact their University Research or Postgraduate Office first. If further assistance is needed, you may contact the relevant NRF officials below:
Honours Enquiries
Contact Person: Mr Lehlogonolo Phaahla – Professional Officer (HICD)
Tel: 012 481 4315
Email: LA.Phaahla@risa.nrf.ac.za
First-time Master’s and Doctoral & NRF-DAAD
Contact Person: Ms Kgaugelo Molepo – Professional Officer (HICD)
Tel: 012 481 4148
Email: KJ.Molepo@risa.nrf.ac.za
Master’s & Doctoral Extension Support, NRF-SASAC, PDP & NRF-SASOL
Contact Person: Ms Nontokozo Kunene – Professional Officer (HICD)
Tel: 012 481 4105
Email: NS.Kunene@risa.nrf.ac.za
National Skills Fund & NRF-MINDS
Contact Person: Ms Busisiwe Sibiya – Professional Officer (HICD)
Tel: 012 481 4166
Email: BG.Sibiya@risa.nrf.ac.za
Global Knowledge Partnerships
Contact Person: Mr Nelson Komane – Professional Officer (HICD)
Tel: 012 481 4219
Email: SN.Komane@risa.nrf.ac.za
SARChI (Honours, Master’s & Doctoral)
Contact Person: Ms Andisiwe Jukuda – Professional Officer (RCCE)
Tel: 012 481 4113
Email: AH.Jukuda@risa.nrf.ac.za
CoEs (Honours, Master’s & Doctoral)
Contact Person: Ms Malekgotla Finger – Professional Officer (RCCE)
Tel: 012 481 4003
Email: MD.Finger@risa.nrf.ac.za
NRF-SARAO Postgraduate Scholarships
Contact Person: Annah Mashemola – Professional Officer, HCD, NRF-SARAO
Tel: 012 442 2434
Email: amashemola@ska.ac.za