The mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research through funding and other passages. The NRF has three main functions: to support research and innovation, through its agency, Research and Innovation Support and Advancement (RISA), to encourage an interest in science and technology through its business unit, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) and to facilitate high-end research through its National Research Facilities.
The NRF has recently launched a new funding model for postgrad funding: Full Cost of Study and Partial Cost of Study.
What is the period and monetary value for funding support?
Maximum Period of Support
Honours: 1 year
Master's: 2 years
Doctoral: 3 years
Maximum Funding Values For Full Cost of Study Per Year
Honours: R149 000
Master's: R167 000
Doctoral: R175 000
Maximum Funding Values for Partial Cost of Study Per Year
Honours: R100 000
Master's: R100 000
Doctoral: R90 000
The NRF does not fund Part-time Master's and Doctoral studies as of right now. Part-time Honours is funded, but only through the Graduate Internship programme.
For more information on the National Research Fund and what they offer, click here
