National Research Foundation (NRF) Bursary Applications

About National Research Foundation (NRF)

The NRF is an independent statutory body which funds research, development of high-end Human Capacity and critical research infrastructures for multi-disciplinary knowledge production. The NRF promotes South African research interests nationally and internationally.

National Research Foundation Bursaries

The National Research Foundation (NRF) bursaries are awarded to full-time students of Honours’ and final year B Tech studies at South African public universities. These bursaries are given to South African citizens and are released as Block Grants to South African public universities.

For more information about the bursary click .

Scorecard for the assessment of applications for NRF Honours and final year B -Tech Scholarships will consist of 40% academic merit or average percentage mark for the previous degree, 25% career path or the intention to continue with Master’s degree and 35% Priority Research Area.

Successful candidates who are offered the academic support with a National Research Foundation Bursary are required to sign and comply with the student agreement that will be forwarded at the time of the award. Bursary holders must obtain the degree for which the financial support was awarded which is within one year after the NRF funding has completed, otherwise, the funds will have to be returned with interest.

NRF Bursary Requirements and Eligibility

• Full time South African students at a South African public University
• Students in all areas of Science, Engineering/Technology and Social Sciences/Humanities

The following are not eligible for the bursary:

• Applicants that already hold an Honours’ or Final year B Tech degree
• Applicants pursuing an undergraduate degree irrespective of the degree that they are enrolled for
• Applicants’ intending to pursue Postgraduate diploma qualification

Bursary grants are based on academic merit however, priority will be given to financially needy applicants.

How to Apply and Submit your NRF Online Application

1. Submit an application on the NRF Online Application system at: https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za
2. Follow the application process set out in the application and funding guide.

The processing of applications takes approximately five months from the closing date of the application until the decisions are made.

Closing Date

31 December Annually

NRF Contact Details

Ms Zikhona Lose
Professional Officer
Telephone: 012 481 4365
E-mail: zikhona.lose@nrf.ac.za

Ms Thandeka Mthethwa
Liaison Officer
Telephone: 012 481 4121
E-mail: thandeka.mthethwa@nrf.ac.za

Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho
Professional Officer –Human and Infrastructure Capacity Development
Telephone: 012 481 4166
Email: fulufhelo.malamatsho@nrf.ac.za

Mr Mduduzi Tshabangu
Professional Officer – HICD
Telephone: 012 481 4148
Email: mduduzi.tshabangu@nrf.ac.za