National Research Foundation funding_call

NRF Call for Proposals for Funding in 2025 and 2026

Researchers can submit proposals for funding in various scientific disciplines supported by the NRF for the 2025–2026 period.

Who it is for

researchers at South African institutions

How to act on it

Submit a proposal via the NRF’s online system following the guidelines provided

Closes

Closing date not stated in the source

Human Frontier Science Program Organization: Funding And Engagement Opportunities

International funding opportunities are available through the Human Frontier Science Program for collaborative research projects involving South African scientists.

Who it is for

South African researchers engaged in international collaborations

How to act on it

Apply through the HFSP website with guidance from the NRF

NRF-FIRST RAND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION (FREF) BLACK ACADEMICS ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMME (BAAP) 2026

This programme offers support to black academics through funding and capacity-building opportunities to advance their research and careers in South Africa.

Who it is for

black academics seeking career advancement through research funding

How to act on it

Submit an application through the NRF's official portal with required documentation

DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2026 Academic Year

This opportunity provides financial support to postgraduate students in South Africa conducting research in priority areas identified by the Department of Science and Innovation and the NRF.

Who it is for

postgraduate students in science, engineering, and technology fields

How to act on it

Apply via the NRF website using the standard application process and required forms

Call for Applications for Evaluation and Rating 2026

Researchers are invited to apply for evaluation and rating by the NRF to assess their research performance and qualify for future funding opportunities.

Who it is for

researchers employed by South African institutions

How to act on it

Submit application through the NRF’s online portal with full CV and publication record

DSTI-NRF Honours Funding for the 2026 Academic Year

This funding supports honours students in South African universities who are pursuing research in science, engineering, or technology disciplines under the DSTI-NRF partnership.

Who it is for

honours students in science, engineering, and technology fields

How to act on it

Apply through the NRF’s open call system using the official application form

NRF Postgraduate Scholarships – SARAO Honours Student Application

This opportunity provides funding for honours students to pursue studies in fields related to radio astronomy through the SARAO programme. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria set by the NRF and SARAO.

Who it is for

honours students applying for research in radio astronomy

How to act on it

Apply via the NRF online portal using the designated application form and submit required documents

Closes

Closing date not stated in the source

Strengthening Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation between Europe and South Africa

This initiative supports joint research and innovation projects between South African and European institutions, fostering international collaboration.

Who it is for

researchers and institutions in South Africa and Europe

How to act on it

Apply via the NRF portal or through designated European partners