National Research
Foundation
NRF — Advancing Science & Research in South Africa
What is NRF?
NRF means the National Research Foundation. NRF is among the main organizations that contribute to the development of scientific research and academic programs in South Africa. This organization works closely with public universities, scientists, research councils, and postgraduates in many fields.
Most of the South African students learn about NRF when planning for postgraduate programs. On exposure to NRF, most students view it as a complex organization since there are different types of grants, ratings, scholarships, research chairs, application processes, and others. When explained about the NRF, its operations become quite simple.
NRF does not only concern research in natural sciences but in other areas of study too:
Conducting research is expensive — students face challenges balancing tuition fees, cost of study materials, research costs, and personal expenses. Scholarships play an important role in research and learning.
Researchers rely on NRF grants to continue long-term academic projects. Some projects take years to complete and require proper funding for equipment, fieldwork, assistants, or collaboration with other institutions.
Two Core Funding Pillars
🔬 Researcher Grants
The funding is available for lecturers and researchers who work in public universities and science councils. The money will go to laboratory expenses, equipment purchases, students, travel, and research.
The funding programs vary based on the type of researcher:
In order to apply, you fill up a form through NRF Connect and have it endorsed by your institution’s Designated Authority.
🎓 Postgraduate Scholarships
These scholarships are for Honours, Masters, and PhD students in South Africa. Funding comes in two types: Full Cost or Partial Cost.
Covers everything — tuition, accommodation, books, and living allowance. Given to students with household income under R350,000 per year, students with disabilities, or top performers.
For students who don’t meet the Full Cost criteria — covers a portion of study expenses.
There are 2 ways to get the scholarship:
Apply Directly
As a freestanding student, you fill the form on NRF Connect and submit it yourself.
Join Through a Professor
If a professor who already has NRF funding selects you for their research team, you get the scholarship as grant holder-linked.
🧩 Key Researcher Funding Instrument
The NRF gives different types of funding for researchers. What you can apply for depends on your career stage. Each funding type has its own rules.
For New Researchers
This grant helps researchers who are just starting their careers. It benefits primarily individuals in designated categories, although it is open to everyone.
For Black Academics
BAAP stands for Black Academics Advancement Programme. It is for black South African academics. The goal is to help them grow their research careers faster and get an NRF rating.
For Top Research Leaders
SARChI stands for South African Research Chairs Initiative, which provides eminent and seasoned academics a “research chair” position at universities. Its primary objective is to keep the best researchers in South Africa and assist with large-scale research in national fields of the country.
Funding includes not only for the whole research program but also graduate and postgraduate students involved in the research.
For Rated Researchers
CPRR is a Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers. This programme is designed for those who are already rated by NRF. Your research proposal will be considered if you are already rated and your research project seems promising.
CPRR helps in the development of basic research of any kind – humanities, social science or natural science. It aims at helping rated researchers to continue doing research.
For Unrated Researcher
This is Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers (CSUR). CSUR is meant for scientists without any NRF ratings but who have excellent potential.
It assists in developing your research career and offers funds for your research projects.
For Young Researcher
This category of support assists the best young researcher, who possess a high prospect of future research activities, to persist in developing an independent research profile during the early career stage.
Full Cost of Study vs Partial Cost of Study
Covers tuition, accommodation, books, and living allowance. It’s for SA citizens and permanent residents who have financial need, a disability, or top marks.
For students who meet requirements but don’t qualify for FCS.
NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Requirements
“`html| Study Level | Minimum Academic Requirement | Maximum Age | Funding Type | Citizenship Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honours | Meets Honours admission requirements | 28 years | FCS or PCS | South African citizens/Permanent Residents (FCS); up to 5% International students (PCS) |
| Master’s | Minimum 65% in previous degree | 32 years | FCS or PCS | South African citizens/Permanent Residents (FCS); up to 5% International students (PCS) |
| Doctoral | Minimum 65% in previous degree | 32 years | FCS or PCS | South African citizens/Permanent Residents (FCS); up to 5% International students (PCS) |
| Postdoctoral | Completed PhD | Varies | Fellowship | South African and International applicants (Freestanding, Innovation, and Scarce Skills categories) |
How to Apply
Register on NRF Connect
Make your profile at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. All applications are online only. Both researchers and students use this.
Consult Your Research Office
Always talk to your university’s Research or Postgraduate office first. They set internal deadlines before NRF’s date, check your application, and submit it for you.
Complete Your Application
Choose the right funding type. Fill in your research details, supervisor info for students, referee names, and upload all documents.
Institutional Review & Application Submission
The DA evaluates and rates the application. Applications recommended by the DA only proceed to NRF. Any application that is disapproved receives feedback.
NRF Evaluation & Award Process
NRF evaluates all applications received. If successful, a provision award letter will be issued in NRF Connect. The applicant accepts the award and satisfies all terms before receiving funding.
The awards are either FCS or PCS depending on financial condition.
Points to Remember
🏛 Institutional Co-Funding Requirement
In the case of grants such as Thuthuka, your institution needs to pay 50% of the overall amount. Your institution is also expected to give you time off teaching, if required.
Your contract must be ongoing for the duration of the 3 year funding if you have a fixed term contract.
⏰ Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable
NRF deadlines are strict. Your university sets even earlier internal deadlines to review everything. Missing their deadline means your application won’t be sent to NRF.
🔗 Grantholder-Linked Scholarships
If an NRF-funded professor recruits you for their project, apply under the “grantholder-linked scholarship” category. Add their NRF Grant UID or Application Reference Number.
This is for students linked to Thuthuka, BAAP, SARChI, CPRR, and other NRF research grants. You can also get extra support from the supervisor’s project funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Official Links & Resources
Disclaimer: We are not NRF’s official site. Check NRF website for latest rules. Eligibility and deadlines may change yearly.