National Research Foundation Bursary 2025/2026

The National Research Foundation Bursary Application for 2025/2026. Find below How to Apply for National Research Foundation Bursary 2025/2026.

Our Bursaries pages seek to provide readers (Students) and applicants with:

Universities in South Africa Bursaries 2025/2026

2025/2026 Bursaries In South Africa Closing In All Fields

Government Departments Bursaries 2025/2026

About the National Research Foundation: The National Research Foundation (NRF) was established as an independent government agency and statutory body, through the National Research Foundation Act (Act No 23 of 1998). The purpose of the NRF is to promote and support research by way of funding, human resource development and necessary research facilities in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge, and thereby contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all South Africans.

Before you proceed to know How to Apply for National Research Foundation Bursary 2025/2026 take a quick look at the topics below if you are interested:

Learnerships in South Africa 2025/2026

NSFAS Application 2025/2026

Student Loans in South Africa 2025/2026

Details of National Research Foundation Bursary Application 2025/2026

Field of Study

Engineering
Humanities
Science
Social Sciences
Technology

National Research Foundation Bursary Application Requirements 2025/2026

Full Cost Study scholarship: must be a South African citizen and permanent resident
Full Cost Study scholarship: must be financially needy (with a combined household family income of NO more than R350 000 per year) OR have a disability OR are an exceptional academic achiever
Partial Cost of Study scholarship: international student (5% of funding) OR South African citizens and permanent resident
Partial Cost of Study scholarship: do NOT meet the requirements of the FCS scholarship but DO meet the other scholarship requirements below
Achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
Honours students: NOT older than 28 years old in 2020
Masters students: NOT older than 30 years old in 2020
Doctoral students: NOT older than 32 years old in 2020

National Research Foundation Bursary Application Procedures 2025/2026

South African Identity Document, if a South African citizen and permanent resident (certified copy)
Passport, if a foreign national (certified copy)
Official academic record (on university letterhead)
An official letter from the university confirming 1st year of registration for the degree and indicating any outstanding fees owed, if applicable
A medical certificate, if you have a disability
If previously supported by NSFAS or ISFAP, attach proof in the way of an official university stamped financial statement showing that funds coming from these funders/ statement from the funder or a letter from NSFAS, ISFAP or the university stating that the applicant received funding from them

Closing Date: 18 December

Contact National Research Foundation for more details about the Bursary and also check your status.

Please contact the NRF directly: