About this bursary
The National Research Foundation funds postgraduate research at Honours, Masters and PhD level across a wide range of academic disciplines, often tied to a specific research project or supervisor.
It's one of the primary funding routes for students pursuing an academic or research career in South Africa, and funding is usually applied for alongside registering for a specific research degree rather than as a stand-alone application.
Because NRF funding is closely linked to a university's research output and specific supervisors, prospective applicants are generally expected to have already identified a research topic and academic supervisor before applying.
Eligibility snapshot
Eligibility criteria, funding amounts and application deadlines are set by the provider and change from year to year — always check the official site below before applying.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official NRF Bursary page for eligibility criteria and how to apply.