NRF Bursary Programme

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NRF Bursary Programme: Complete Guide for South African Students

Free government funding for Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies

Last updated: December 2025

🎓 Quick Facts

  • 100% FREE to apply – never pay any fees
  • Covers tuition, accommodation, living costs, and more
  • For Honours, Masters, and Doctoral students
  • Minimum 65% academic average required
  • Apply online at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za

1. What is the NRF Bursary?

The NRF Bursary is free money from the government to help you study further. NRF stands for National Research Foundation. It was started in 1999 to support research in South Africa.

This bursary is for postgraduate studies. That means Honours, Masters, or Doctoral (PhD) degrees. It is NOT for undergraduate degrees like a first degree or diploma.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) works with the NRF. Together they fund about 6,000 students every year. The full name is DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding.

📚 Fields You Can Study:
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.)
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems

2. Who Can Apply?

You must meet certain requirements to apply. Read these carefully before you start.

Basic Requirements:

Requirement What This Means
Citizenship South African citizen or permanent resident (for full funding)
Academic Average Minimum 65% in your previous degree
Study Mode Full-time study only (not part-time)
Institution Must study at a South African public university

Age Limits:

Level of Study Maximum Age
Honours 28 years or younger
Masters 30 years or younger
Doctoral (PhD) 32 years or younger
⚠️ Important:

Your age is checked in the year you apply. Not when you start studying. If you turn 29 this year, you cannot apply for Honours funding.

✅ 3. Types of Funding (FCS vs PCS)

There are two types of NRF funding. The type you get depends on your situation.

💚 Full Cost of Study (FCS)

This pays for EVERYTHING.

You qualify if:

  • SA citizen or permanent resident
  • Household income under R350,000/year
  • OR you have a disability
  • OR you are an exceptional achiever

🟡 Partial Cost of Study (PCS)

This pays for SOME costs only.

You qualify if:

  • SA citizen who doesn’t qualify for FCS
  • International student (only 5% of funding)
  • SADC country citizens at Masters/PhD level
💡 What is “Household Income”?

This is the total money your whole family earns in one year. It includes your parents, guardians, or anyone who supports you. All salaries, grants, and other income count.

4. What Does the Bursary Cover?

The amount you get depends on whether you have FCS or PCS funding.

Full Cost of Study (FCS) Covers:

What’s Covered Details
✅ Tuition Fees Full registration and course fees
✅ Accommodation University residence or private rental
✅ Living Allowance Monthly stipend around R2,250
✅ Food Allowance For meals and groceries
✅ Transport Travel to and from university
✅ Study Device Once-off allowance for laptop/computer
✅ Study Materials Books and academic resources

Partial Cost of Study (PCS) Covers:

  • ✅ Tuition fees
  • ✅ Accommodation (if in university or private rental)
  • ✅ Living and transport allowance (if not in university housing)
  • ❌ Does NOT cover everything FCS covers
🧑‍🦽 Extra Support for Students with Disabilities:

You can apply for up to R20,000 extra for assistive technology. This includes wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, and other devices you need for your studies.

📝 5. How to Apply Step-by-Step

All applications are done online. No paper applications are accepted. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Create an ORCID Account

ORCID is like an ID number for researchers. You need one to apply.

  1. Go to orcid.org
  2. Click “Register”
  3. Fill in your details
  4. Verify your email
  5. Remember your login details!

Step 2: Register on NRF Connect

NRF Connect is where you apply.

  1. Go to nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
  2. Click “Sign In” using your ORCID
  3. Complete your profile
  4. Upload a certified copy of your ID

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You will need these documents in PDF format:

  • ✅ Certified copy of your ID (green book or smart card)
  • ✅ Latest academic transcript (from your university)
  • ✅ ISFAP consent form (for financial means test)
  • ✅ Medical certificate (if you have a disability)
  • ✅ Research proposal (for Masters/PhD)

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

  1. Log into NRF Connect
  2. Go to “My Applications”
  3. Click on “NRF Postgraduate Scholarships”
  4. Choose your level (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral)
  5. Click “Create” to start a new application
  6. Fill in ALL sections marked with a red asterisk (*)
  7. Upload all required documents

Step 5: Add Your Supervisor (Masters/PhD only)

For Masters and Doctoral applications:

  • You must have a supervisor already
  • Add their details in the application
  • The system will email them to confirm
  • They must respond before the deadline

Step 6: Submit Your Application

  1. Review all your information
  2. Make sure all sections have a green tick ✓
  3. Click “Submit”
  4. Your application goes to your university first
  5. The university checks it and sends it to NRF
⚠️ Very Important:
  • You can only submit ONE application
  • Check your university’s internal deadline (it’s earlier than the NRF deadline!)
  • Late applications are NOT accepted
  • Applications without supervisor response are rejected

📅 6. Important Closing Dates for 2026 Funding

These are the main NRF closing dates. Your university may have earlier deadlines!

Level Opens Closes (Students)
Honours July 2025 November 2025
First-time Masters May 2025 July 2025
First-time Doctoral May 2025 July 2025
🚨 Don’t Miss Your University’s Internal Deadline!

Your university has its own deadline. This is usually 2-4 weeks BEFORE the NRF deadline. Contact your university’s Postgraduate Office or Research Office for their exact dates.

🚨 7. Scam Warnings – Protect Yourself!

The NRF bursary is 100% FREE. You should NEVER pay any money to apply!

🔴 Red Flags – Signs of a Scam:

  • ❌ Someone asks you to pay a “processing fee” or “admin fee”
  • ❌ They promise guaranteed approval
  • ❌ They ask for your banking details or PIN
  • ❌ They contact you on WhatsApp claiming to be NRF
  • ❌ They use a Gmail or Yahoo email (not @nrf.ac.za)
  • ❌ They ask you to pay with vouchers or e-wallet
  • ❌ They pressure you to decide quickly

🛡️ How to Stay Safe:

  • ✅ Only apply at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
  • ✅ Only use emails ending in @nrf.ac.za
  • ✅ Contact your university’s Postgraduate Office directly
  • ✅ Never share your banking PIN or OTP
  • ✅ If something seems wrong, report it
📞 Report Fraud:

NRF Fraud Hotline: 0800 701 701
SMS: 39772
SAFPS Scam Hotline: 083 123 7226

📊 8. What Happens After You Apply?

  1. University Review: Your university checks your application first
  2. Submit to NRF: University sends approved applications to NRF
  3. NRF Screening: NRF checks if you meet all requirements
  4. Evaluation: Expert reviewers assess your application
  5. Results: Published on NRF website and NRF Connect
  6. Award Letter: Successful applicants receive an award letter

If You’re Awarded the Bursary:

  • ✅ You must submit progress reports twice a year
  • ✅ Reports are due in mid-February and end of August
  • ✅ Your supervisor must also submit reports
  • ✅ If you don’t submit reports, your funding will be cancelled
📈 Funding Duration:
  • Honours: Maximum 1 year
  • Masters: Maximum 2 years
  • Doctoral: Maximum 3 years

Extensions are only granted in exceptional cases.

📞 9. Contact Information

Always contact your university’s Postgraduate Office first. They can help you with most questions.

🖥️ NRF Technical Support

Email: supportdesk@nrf.ac.za

Hours: Mon-Fri, 08:00-16:30

For login problems and technical issues

🌐 Official Websites

Apply: nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za

Information: www.nrf.ac.za

Download all guides and framework documents

🚨 Report Fraud

NRF Fraud Line: 0800 701 701

SMS: 39772

Report scams and suspicious activity

🛡️ Consumer Protection

SAFPS: 083 123 7226

Website: www.safps.org.za

South African Fraud Prevention Service

💡 Pro Tips for a Successful Application

✅ Start Early

Don’t wait until the deadline. Start gathering documents weeks in advance.

✅ Certify Your ID

Get your ID certified at a police station or commissioner of oaths.

✅ Write a Strong Proposal

Explain your research clearly. Show why it matters to South Africa.

✅ Find a Good Supervisor

Research supervisors in your field. Contact them before applying.

✅ Check Everything Twice

Review your application before submitting. Small mistakes can cause rejection.

✅ Ask for Help

Your university’s Postgraduate Office can guide you through the process.

📚 10. Other Funding Options

If you don’t qualify for NRF or want extra funding, consider these options:

  • NSFAS: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (for undergraduate)
  • ISFAP: Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme
  • University Bursaries: Each university has its own funding
  • Private Bursaries: Companies like Sasol, Anglo American, etc.
  • Research Chairs: Linked to specific professors’ funding

You can receive NRF funding AND top-up funding from other sources. Just make sure to declare all funding in your application.

✨ Our Final Recommendations

  1. Start your application early – don’t wait for the deadline
  2. Contact your university’s Postgraduate Office – they are there to help you
  3. Read all the NRF framework documents – available on nrf.ac.za
  4. Never pay anyone – the NRF application is 100% free
  5. Keep copies of everything – save your application and all documents

The NRF bursary is one of the best funding options for postgraduate study in South Africa. It has helped thousands of students achieve their academic dreams. With proper preparation, you can be one of them!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply if I’m already studying?

Yes! You can apply if you’re currently registered or planning to register for Honours, Masters, or Doctoral studies.

Q: What if I don’t have my final results yet?

You can apply with your latest available results. Your final results can be submitted later through your university’s NRF Designated Authority.

Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

No, you can only submit ONE NRF application. Choose the correct level and type of scholarship carefully.

Q: Can I study part-time?

No, NRF funding is only for full-time study. Part-time students are not eligible.

Q: How will I know if I’m successful?

Results are published on the NRF website. You can also check the status of your application by logging into NRF Connect.

Q: Can international students apply?

International students can only apply for Masters and Doctoral funding under PCS (Partial Cost of Study). Only 5% of funding goes to international students. SADC country citizens may be treated as home students for tuition purposes.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in December 2025. Application dates, requirements, and funding amounts may change. Always verify current information on the official NRF website (www.nrf.ac.za) and contact your university’s Postgraduate Office before making decisions.

The NRF bursary application is FREE. Never pay anyone claiming to help you apply.

Report Fraud: NRF Fraud Hotline 0800 701 701 | SMS 39772 | SAFPS 083 123 7226

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