Are you pursuing postgraduate studies in South Africa and seeking financial assistance? The DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship offers funding opportunities for students aiming to advance their education in various fields. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship for the 2025 academic year.
About the Scholarship Provider – National Research Foundation (NRF)
The National Research Foundation (NRF) was established over 20 years ago as an independent government agency. The NRF acts as the intermediary between the policies and strategies of the South African Government and the country’s research institutions. Its mandate is to promote and support research through human resource development, funding, and providing research facilities to assist various aspects of the science and technology sectors.
The NRF operates through three major functions:
- Supporting research and innovation via the Research and Innovation Support and Advancement (RISA).
- Encouraging interest in science and technology through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
- Facilitating research via its various National Research Facilities.
About the DSI-NRF Scholarship Programme – Fields Covered
The DSI and NRF are inviting students to apply for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2025 academic year. The scholarship supports Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies in the following fields:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
More About the DSI-NRF Scholarship Programme
Recipients will receive either Partial Cost of Study (PCS) or Full Cost Study (FCS) funding, depending on their eligibility and needs.
Eligibility Requirements for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria before applying:
- Must be studying or intend to study towards a Postgraduate qualification (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in the fields of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, or Humanities in 2025.
- Must be 28 years or younger for Honours funding.
- Must be 30 years or younger for Master’s funding.
- Must be 32 years or younger for Doctoral funding.
- Must have achieved a minimum result of 65%.
- For FCS funding, applicants must be South African citizens or Permanent Residents, who are either financially needy (combined household income not exceeding R350 000 per annum), living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers.
How to Apply for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
Applications must be submitted online at: DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Application 2025
Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DSI-NRF Scholarship.
Note: Continuing students eligible for a second or third year of funding should not submit a new application but only a Progress Report.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – missing items may disqualify your application):
- ID document (certified copy).
- Full tertiary academic record to date (on institution’s letterhead).
- Proof of University enrollment (on institution’s letterhead).
- Parents/ guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter if applicable).
Closing Dates for the DSI-NRF Scholarship
- First-time Master’s: 5 July 2024.
- First-time Doctoral: 5 July 2024.
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 15 September 2024.
- Honours (General): 22 November 2024.
Note: Closing dates may differ by institution, so check the specific closing dates with your institution.
Applications submitted after these dates will not be accepted. Ensure your application is completed and submitted on time to be considered for this prestigious scholarship.
Empower your future with the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship. Apply today and take a significant step towards achieving your academic and career goals.
