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:
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 by the NRF 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 Application Details
- Submit an application on the NRF Online Application system at: https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za
- Follow the application process set out in the Framework Document and Application Guide
The processing of applications takes approximately five months from the closing date of the application until the decisions are made.
Please Note the following:
- The call will be accessible on the NRF Online Submission system at: https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za from 5 September 2018.
- The NRF deadline for submission of applications is 14 December 2018.
- Institutions will nominate students for a bursary award on the NRF Online Submission System, based on the Block Grant allocation to each institution and set equity targets. This nomination process will take place from 23 January 2019 to 28 February 2019.
- NRF will review the nominations and communicate the outcomes to the institutions. If the nomination is approved by the NRF, the institution will have to upload and submit the duly signed and initialed agreement form and all the relevant documentation no later than 22 March 2019.
- Unspent or unclaimed institutional funds under this allocation will automatically be cancelled by 28 June 2019.
- Institutions must report on student completion by 31 March 2020 on the NRF student completion database.
Closing Date
Friday, 14 December, 2018
Contact Details
Ms Zikhona Lose
Professional Officer
Telephone: 012 481 4365
E-mail: [email protected]
Ms Thandeka Mthethwa
Liaison Officer
Telephone: 012 481 4121
E-mail: [email protected]
Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho
Professional Officer –Human and Infrastructure Capacity Development
Telephone: 012 481 4166
Email: [email protected]
Mr Mduduzi Tshabangu
Professional Officer – HICD
Telephone: 012 481 4148
Email: [email protected]