DSTI and NRF invite applications for 2027 Master’s and Doctoral funding. Scholarships cover Full or Partial Cost of Study for eligible students in science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Introduction
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have officially opened the call for applications for the 2027 Postgraduate Student Funding Programme. This initiative aims to support students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral qualifications across a wide range of academic disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
The funding opportunity is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen postgraduate research capacity and develop highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to national innovation and economic development.
Overview of the Funding Programme
The DSTI-NRF postgraduate funding programme is designed to provide financial support to academically deserving students. It targets individuals who intend to pursue postgraduate studies at accredited higher education institutions. The funding covers both new applicants and continuing students; however, continuing students are required to submit progress reports rather than new applications.
Funding will be awarded under two categories: Full Cost of Study (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS). These funding models are structured to ensure equitable distribution of financial assistance while supporting academic excellence.
Funding Categories
The Full Cost of Study (FCS) funding is reserved for South African citizens and permanent residents who meet one of the following criteria:
- Financially needy students with combined household income of R350 000 per annum or less
- Students living with disabilities
- Exceptional academic achievers
This category provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition and other associated study costs.
The Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding is allocated to a limited number of candidates who meet the academic requirements but may not qualify under FCS. Approximately 5% of PCS awards may be granted to international students, including South African citizens and permanent residents who were not funded under FCS.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the NRF minimum academic requirement of at least 65% in their previous degree. This threshold ensures that funded candidates demonstrate sufficient academic performance and readiness for postgraduate-level research.
The funding supports students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees in diverse fields such as:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
This broad scope reflects the programme’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and national development priorities.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the NRF Connect System. Manual or email submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are required to complete their profiles, upload supporting documentation, and follow the guidelines provided on the platform.
Students are encouraged to carefully review the application guide and funding framework documents before submitting their applications. These resources provide step-by-step instructions to help applicants avoid errors during submission.
Application Opening and Closing Dates
The application timeline differs depending on the level of study:
Honours (General)
- Opening Date: 7 July 2026
- Closing Date: 23 November 2026
NRF-SARAO Honours
- Opening Date: 1 June 2026
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026
First-time Master’s
- Opening Date: 16 April 2026
- Closing Date: 3 July 2026
First-time Doctoral
- Closing Date: 3 July 2026
Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Applicants should ensure they submit their applications before the respective deadlines to avoid disqualification.
Institutional Submission Deadlines
After student submissions, institutions must forward applications to the NRF. The designated authority submission deadlines are:
- Honours Applications: 29 January 2027
- First-time Master’s Applications: 4 September 2026
- First-time Doctoral Applications: 4 September 2026
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 30 September 2026
These deadlines are critical for ensuring timely processing of funding decisions.
Important Notes for Applicants
Honours General Scholarships will open in July 2026. Applicants requiring ISFAP assessment are advised to submit their applications by 24 August 2026. Candidates should also consult their university postgraduate or research offices for assistance during the application process.
Continuing students who are eligible for second or third year funding must submit progress reports rather than new applications.
Contact and Support Information
Applicants with queries related to funding opportunities may contact [email protected]. Emails should include the level of study, funding opportunity, and application reference number for proper routing.
For technical support, applicants can contact the NRF Support Desk via telephone or email. Additionally, dedicated contacts are available for SARAO-related queries.
The NRF also provides a fraud reporting hotline to ensure transparency and accountability in the funding process.
Final Thoughts
The DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding Programme for 2027 represents a major opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue advanced academic qualifications. With funding available across multiple disciplines and structured support for both Master’s and Doctoral studies, the programme aims to cultivate the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early, review the guidelines carefully, and submit their documents before the closing dates. This funding opportunity not only supports academic advancement but also contributes to strengthening South Africa’s research and development landscape.
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