The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports South Africa’s efforts to advance science, technology, and innovation.
Established over 20 years ago as an independent government agency, the NRF acts as the bridge between South Africa’s governmental strategies and its research institutions.
Its mission is to foster knowledge creation, facilitate research and innovation, and promote human resource development.
Through its programs, the NRF provides funding, research facilities, and other support to develop South Africa’s scientific and technological landscape.
The NRF offers the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding bursary to students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in various fields.
This initiative underscores the NRF’s commitment to developing the next generation of researchers and innovators, supporting South Africa’s long-term growth in science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
Key Details About the DSI-NRF Bursary
Recipients may receive either Partial Cost of Study (PCS) or Full Cost of Study (FCS) funding, depending on their eligibility.
This funding is meant to reduce the financial burden of postgraduate education so recipients can focus on their academic and research pursuits.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DSI-NRF scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Level of Study: You must be pursuing or planning to pursue postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, or Humanities in 2025.
- Age Restrictions:
- Honours applicants: 28 years or younger.
- Master’s applicants: 30 years or younger.
- Doctoral applicants: 32 years or younger.
- Academic Performance: A minimum academic result of 65% is required.
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) Eligibility: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident who meets at least one of the following conditions:
- Financial need (household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum).
- Living with a disability.
- Exceptional academic achievement.
How to Apply for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
All applications must be submitted online through the NRF’s official portal.
Note that if you are a continuing student eligible for further funding, you are not required to submit a new application.
Instead, you need to provide a Progress Report.
Required Documents
Applicants must include the following documents in their application:
- A certified copy of your ID document.
- A complete tertiary academic record (on your institution’s letterhead).
- Proof of university enrollment (on your institution’s letterhead).
- Proof of household income:
- Latest payslips (if employed).
- An affidavit (if unemployed).
- A SASSA grant letter (if applicable).
Ensure all documents are clear and submitted before the deadline.
Missing or incomplete submissions may lead to disqualification.
When asked how you heard about the bursary, please input: www.bursariesmzansi.co.za.
Deadlines
The closing date for the 2025 DSI-NRF bursary applications has not yet been announced.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the NRF’s official website for updates and ensure all requirements are met promptly.
Contact Information
For inquiries about the bursary or application process, students can contact their university’s Research or Postgraduate Office.
Alternatively, specific queries can be directed to the following NRF representatives:
General Honours-Related Queries:
- Contact: Mr. Lehlogonolo Phaahla
- Tel: 012 481 4315
- Email: LA.Phaahla@risa.nrf.ac.za
First-Time Master’s and Doctoral Queries:
- Contact: Ms. Kgaugelo Molepo
- Tel: 012 481 4148
- Email: KJ.Molepo@risa.nrf.ac.za
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support Queries:
- Contact: Ms. Nontokozo Kunene
- Tel: 012 481 4105
- Email: NS.Kunene@risa.nrf.ac.za
National Skills Fund and NRF-MINDS Queries:
- Contact: Ms. Busisiwe Sibiya
- Tel: 012 481 4166
- Email: BG.Sibiya@risa.nrf.ac.za
SARChI Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral Queries:
- Contact: Ms. Andisiwe Jukuda
- Tel: 012 481 4113
- Email: AH.Jukuda@risa.nrf.ac.za
CoEs Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral Queries:
- Contact: Ms. Malekgotla Finger
- Tel: 012 481 4003
- Email: MD.Finger@risa.nrf.ac.za