DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding (Master\'s & Doctoral) 2026
Government-funded postgraduate research bursaries for South African Master\'s and Doctoral students across science, engineering and technology fields, awarded at Full or Partial Cost of Study.
Apply for the DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding (Master\'s & Doctoral) 2026
Overview
Requirements
- ✓Minimum 65% average in the previous/qualifying degree
- ✓Registering for a full research Master's or Doctoral degree at a SA public institution
- ✓FCS (Full Cost of Study) limited to SA citizens/permanent residents who are financially needy (household income <= R350,000/yr), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers
- ✓PCS (Partial Cost of Study) available, with up to 5% allocated to SADC/international students
- ✓Apply online via NRF Connect (nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za); certified ID/academic record and a referee response required by the closing date
⚠️ Good to Know
Verified via NRF official site and search corroboration (UCT, NWU, Nelson Mandela, Stellenbosch mirrors). Real, official, correctly categorised as a bursary/scholarship (NRF lists it under "Bursaries & Scholarships"). Not a duplicate of existing site bursaries (NSFAS, Sasol, SAICA Thuthuka, Funza…
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Ready to apply?
Head to the official National Research Foundation (NRF) / Department of Science, Technology & Innovation (DSTI) portal to submit your application.
Apply for this bursary →