International Scholarship Β· South Africa

NRF South Africa Research Fellowships

The National Research Foundation of South Africa promotes and supports research through funding, human resource development, and the provision of research facilities.

Check Official WebsiteTypically opens: Varies - confirm on official siteOfficial Portal β†’

Quick Facts

Status

Funding

Full / Partial

Deadline

Varies - confirm on official site

Country

ZA flagSouth Africa
Official Website β†’
πŸ“–

About the NRF South Africa Research Fellowships

πŸ• 2 min read

The National Research Foundation was established as an independent government agency through the National Research Foundation Act, Act No. 23 of 1998.

2

The mandate of the organization comes directly from the National Research Foundation Act as amended, specifying that its object is to contribute to national development.

3

The institution supports various national research facilities, including the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, the South African Astronomical Observatory, and the South African Environmental Observation Network.

4

Additional national research platforms supported by the organization include the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, which incorporates instruments such as the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes.

5

The organization also drives science engagement programs through NRF SAASTA, aiming to embed engagement in science within its core missions and support human resource development.

Eligible Levels

ResearcherPostgraduate

Eligible Fields

Particle and Nuclear ResearchOptical and Infrared AstronomyEnvironmental ChangeMarine, Estuarine, and Freshwater EcosystemsRadio Astronomy
⭐

Why Choose This Scholarship?

✦

Access to Africa's leading research facility for accelerator-based science

✦

Opportunities to utilize national centres for optical and infrared astronomy

✦

Engagement with platforms detecting, translating, and predicting environmental change

✦

Involvement with globally competitive discovery science and research infrastructure

🎁

What the Scholarship Covers

Access to leading-edge research infrastructure platforms
Support for human resource development and training for researchers
Funding for research and facilities
Access to national research facilities such as iThemba LABS, SAAO, SAEON, SAIAB, and SARAO
ZA flag

Studying in South Africa

South Africa's National Research Foundation provides infrastructure and funding governed by national legislation and the Supply Chain Management Policy.

πŸ“‹

Eligibility Requirements

2 requirements

Must apply in accordance with the National Research Foundation Act and specific facility guidelines
Must conduct research aligning with the national facilities and NRF mandate
πŸ“„

Documents Checklist

1 document required

1Varies - confirm on official site
πŸš€

How to Apply - Step by Step

1

Visit the official National Research Foundation website at nrf.ac.za

2

Navigate to the funding or relevant national facility portal

3

Submit applications according to the specific guidelines of the chosen research facility or funding instrument

πŸ’‘

Insider Tips & Pro Tips

TIP 1

Review the specific national facility websites such as iThemba LABS, SAAO, SAEON, SAIAB, or SARAO before applying

TIP 2

Consult the information portal on the NRF website for datasets and institutional data

TIP 3

Monitor the news and events section for annual NRF awards and recognition opportunities

❓

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions - click any to expand

A

The National Research Foundation is an independent government agency established through the National Research Foundation Act of 1998 to promote and support research in South Africa.

A

Associated facilities include iThemba LABS, the South African Astronomical Observatory, SAEON, SAIAB, and SARAO.

A

Procurement is conducted in accordance with the Supply Chain Management Policy and section 217 of the South African Constitution to ensure fairness, equity, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness.

Check the Official Website

This scholarship typically opens around Varies - confirm on official site. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.

πŸŽ“

More Scholarships to Explore

Other opportunities you may qualify for

ZA flag
InternationalTBC

TWAS-NRF Doctoral Fellowship (South Africa)

South Africa Β· The World Academy of Sciences

A fellowship for scientists from developing countries to pursue up to three years of PhD research in the natural sciences at South African research institutions, jointly funded by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF).

πŸ“…Deadline: Varies by call - check TWAS and NRF websit…

PartialPhD
CN flag
InternationalTBC

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

China Β· China Scholarship Council

Fully funded scholarship by the China Scholarship Council - covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance for international students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels. Two application routes available: bilateral government track and direct university route.

πŸ“…Deadline: Type A (HEC Route): December-January | Typ…

Fully FundedBachelor's Β· Master's
CN flag
InternationalTBC

Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)

China Β· Shanghai Municipal Government - administered through individual Shanghai universities

Shanghai Municipal Government scholarship for international students at 30+ top universities in Shanghai. Two funding tiers: Type A (fully funded - tuition, housing, insurance, and monthly stipend) and Type B (partial - tuition and insurance only). Available for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD. Rolling deadlines from January to May across participating institutions.

πŸ“…Deadline: January-May (varies by university - check …

Full / PartialBachelor's Β· Master's
Closed

Reopens: Varies - confirm on official site

Apply Now β†’