Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries for 2026/2027

Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with a strong interest in medical research, biomedical sciences, or health-related studies? The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering financial support to promising students who aspire to contribute to scientific research and the advancement of healthcare in South Africa. Established to support and promote research into poliomyelitis and related medical conditions, the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s health research capacity by investing in future researchers and clinicians.

The PRF Bursary is primarily aimed at postgraduate students pursuing Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in fields such as medicine, biomedical sciences, virology, immunology, public health, and other health-related disciplines. Funding may assist with tuition fees, research-related costs, and living expenses, allowing students to focus fully on high-quality research that addresses critical health challenges. Through this bursary, the Foundation supports academic excellence, innovation, and research that has the potential to improve disease prevention, treatment, and overall public health outcomes.

By applying for the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial assistance, they become part of a legacy dedicated to medical discovery, scientific progress, and improving lives through research.

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 learn more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study supported, application process, and closing date for the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2026/2027.

About Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF)

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) was established in the late 1940s as a non-governmental organisation dedicated to research into poliomyelitis (polio). Over the decades, the Foundation has expanded its mission to support the development and advancement of Medical Virology in South Africa.

PRF is governed by a distinguished body comprising senior virologists, representatives from industry and business sectors, and a Scientific Advisory Panel made up of university heads of virology departments across South Africa. This governance structure ensures that funding decisions uphold scientific integrity and national research priorities.

Between 1977 and 2016, PRF awarded over R144 million in research funding, including more than R44 million dedicated to bursary grants, making it one of the country’s most impactful supporters of virology research.

About the PRF Bursary Programmes 2026/2027

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation invites eligible students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at supporting postgraduate research in Virology.

Fields of Study Covered

PRF bursaries are awarded for research-based postgraduate qualifications, including:

BSc (Honours) in Virology
Master of Science (MSc) in Virology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Virology

Only students conducting virology-related research will be considered for funding.

PRF Bursary Coverage and Duration

The duration and value of the bursary depend on the level of study:

MSc students: Up to 2 years of bursary support
PhD students: Up to 3 years of bursary support (unless exceptional circumstances apply)

Scholarship recipients are required to remain on their approved research project, and any changes to the research topic must receive prior approval from PRF.

Eligibility Requirements for Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries Application for 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following minimum criteria to be considered:

Preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents
Must be registered for a postgraduate degree (BSc Honours, MSc, or PhD)
Research must be in the field of Virology
Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in the most recent qualification

Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

How to Apply for Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries 2026/2027

The PRF bursary application process consists of three compulsory steps.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Applicants must complete the relevant online application form:

Step 2: Submit Supporting Documentation

Applicants must upload clear copies of all required documents. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Documents for New Applicants

Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages, including publications)
Full academic record
Proof of degree registration
Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (PDF)
MSc applicants: Proof of BSc completion
PhD applicants: Proof of MSc completion
Any additional supporting information (graphs must be submitted as a PDF annex)

Documents for Renewal Applicants

MSc applicants: Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (PDF)
PhD applicants: Supervisor Progress Report
Any additional supporting information (graphs must be submitted as a PDF annex)

Step 3: Submit the Final Bursary Form

Applicants must download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form and submit it via email to:

Email: prf@nicd.ac.za

Email Subject Line:

PRF Bursary Application – BSc (Hons) / MSc / PhD

Closing Dates for Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries Application for 2026/2027

Applications close on the following dates:

15 September
28 February

Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the closing date.

Contact the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation

For further information or application queries, contact PRF directly:

Tel: 011 555 0395