The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa provides essential funding for researchers in various fields. If you are seeking NRF funding for 2025, this guide will inform you of the NRF online application opening date and help you through the application process.
Established over 20 years ago, the NRF is an independent government agency that connects the policies and strategies of the South African Government with the country’s research institutions. Its mandate is to promote and support research through human resource development, funding, and providing research facilities for the science and technology sectors.
The NRF has three main functions:
- Supporting research and innovation through the Research and Innovation Support and Advancement (RISA).
- Promoting interest in science and technology via the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
- Facilitating research through various National Research Facilities.
When Is The NRF Online Application 2025 Opening Date?
The National Research Foundation (NRF) hasn’t yet announced the exact opening dates for the 2025 funding applications. However, the application process usually begins in the second half of the year, around October or November 2024. This announcement will give an overview of available funding opportunities and a timeline.
Following the announcement, detailed information for each funding instrument, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, will be provided in separate call documents, typically released in late 2024 or early 2025.
NRF 2025 Online Application Process
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the NRF application process:
- Check for Updates: Regularly visit the NRF website (https://www.nrf.ac.za/) and subscribe to their mailing list for updates. Also, monitor your university’s research office for program-specific updates.
- Review Call for Proposals: Once the NRF One Call for Proposals is announced, carefully read the document. It provides a general overview of funding opportunities and a tentative timeline.
- Identify Funding Instruments: Choose the appropriate funding instrument that aligns with your research project. Each has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.
- Read Call Documents: When the specific call documents are released, read them thoroughly. They detail the program’s objectives, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and application deadlines.
- Prepare Your Application: Start working on your application early. Gather all necessary documents, such as a research proposal, CV, budget, and letters of support.
- Meet Internal Deadlines: Adhere to your university’s internal deadlines for submitting NRF applications. Additional approvals or documents may be required before forwarding your application to the NRF.
- Submit Electronically: Once completed and approved by your institution, submit your application electronically through NRF Connect (https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/) before the deadline.
How to Create a New NRF Application
- Visit NRF Connect: Go to https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/. You can log in with an existing ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) or create a new one.
- Complete Registration: Follow the prompts to register on NRF Connect.
- Fill Out Profile: Provide your details, academic qualifications, and research interests on your NRF Connect profile.
- Find Funding Opportunities: Search for the specific funding opportunity that interests you by browsing categories or using keywords.
- Read Call Documents: Ensure your research project aligns with the program’s goals by reading the call documents.
- Prepare Proposal: Based on the requirements, prepare your proposal, including a research plan, budget, and supporting documents.
- Submit Proposal: Submit your proposal electronically through NRF Connect before the program’s deadline.
What is the Minimum Requirement for NRF?
The minimum academic requirements for NRF postgraduate funding typically include:
- Honors Funding: Minimum average of 65% in major subjects in the final undergraduate year.
- Masters Funding: Minimum average of 65% at the honors level or final year of a four-year degree.
- Doctoral Funding: Minimum average of 65% at the master’s level for first-time doctoral funding.
What Is Application Status in NRF?
Possible application statuses in NRF Connect include:
- In Progress: You’ve started an application but haven’t submitted it yet.
- Submitted to Institution: You’ve completed and submitted your application to your institution for review.
- Under Designated Authority Review: Your institution’s designated authority is reviewing your application.
- Designated Authority Submitted to NRF: Your institution has approved your application and sent it to the NRF for evaluation.
- Open for Amendment: The designated authority may request additional information or edits.
- Rejected by DA: Your application has been rejected by your institution’s designated authority.
- Call Closed: The application window for the specific funding opportunity has closed.
How Much Does NRF Pay For Honours?
NRF pays R1,000 per month to Honours students, totaling R12,000 per year. The duration of the stipend might vary slightly depending on the university’s academic calendar.
Eligibility Requirements for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Studying or intending to study for a Postgraduate qualification (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral) in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities in 2025.
- Age Limits:
- Honours funding: 28 years or younger
- Masters funding: 30 years or younger
- Doctoral funding: 32 years or younger
- Minimum result of 65%
- FCS funding: Must be a South African citizen or Permanent Resident who is financially needy (combined household income not more than R350,000 per year), living with a disability, or an exceptional academic achiever.
How to Apply for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
Submit your application online at DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2025. Indicate “www.zabursaries.co.za” when asked how you heard about the scholarship. Continuing students eligible for second or third-year funding should not submit a new application but only a Progress Report.
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Full tertiary academic record to date (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of university enrollment (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Parents/guardians’ proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant letter if applicable)