NRF Closing Date for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Postgraduate Funding
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) are excited to announce their call for new applications for the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2024 academic year. This funding opportunity is a golden ticket for aspiring postgraduate students in South Africa, so let’s dive into the details you need to know to take advantage of this chance.
Who’s Eligible?
- Continuing Students: If you’re eligible for a second or third year of funding, you need to submit a Progress Report instead of a new application.
- New Applicants: Must meet the minimum academic requirement of 65% and fall within the specified age range (28 for Honours, 30 for Master’s, and 32 for Doctoral studies).
What’s on Offer?
- Full Cost of Study (FCS): Available to South African citizens and Permanent Residents who are financially needy, living with a disability, or exceptional academic achievers.
- Partial Cost of Study (PCS): Available to 5% of international students and those who don’t qualify for FCS but meet other NRF scholarship funding criteria.
Fields of Study
The scholarships support a wide range of fields in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Application Process
- Where to Apply: All applications must be submitted online via the NRF Connect System at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/.
- No Manual Applications: Remember, they won’t accept any manual applications, so make sure you’re comfortable with the online process.
Important Documents
Be sure to refer to various guides and frameworks available for 2024, including:
- DSI-NRF Honours/Master’s/Doctoral Application and Funding Guides
- NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Framework
- Frequently Asked Questions_Postgraduate Funding
Closing Dates for Students’ Applications
- Honours: 24 November 2023
- First-time Master’s/Doctoral: 11 July 2023
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support: 18 August 2023
Designated Authority (DA) Submission to NRF Closing Dates
- Honours Applications: 22 December 2023
- First-time Master’s/Doctoral Applications: 04 September 2023
- Master’s and Doctoral Extension Support Applications: 29 September 2023
Need Help?
For any queries, you’re encouraged to contact the Research or Postgraduate offices at your university. The NRF also provides specific contact persons for various enquiries, ranging from general honors related queries to specific scholarship programs.
Wrapping It Up
The NRF’s funding call for 2024 is an exceptional opportunity for postgraduate students in South Africa to gain financial support for their studies. Be sure to follow the application guidelines carefully and keep an eye on those important dates. Good luck, and here’s to a bright academic future ahead!