One of the most prominent postgraduate funding options in South Africa is the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme, which aims to promote academic achievement and directly support the nation’s development objectives. This program, which combines national capacity-building goals with international academic cooperation, is jointly supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The program’s specific goals are to fulfil the public sector’s need for highly skilled, research-trained professionals and to enhance university staff development by providing present and future academics with advanced knowledge and research capabilities. For qualified South African citizens and permanent residents who want to enrol in accredited South African universities to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree, it offers full financial support.
This scholarship’s versatility in terms of research disciplines is one of its main advantages. Although there are no restrictions on particular subjects of study, candidates must make it evident how their chosen topic of study relates to South Africa’s national development priorities and how it will benefit society. Critical sectors like infrastructure, energy, health, education, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation are frequently included in these objectives.
The program offers assistance to cover living expenses, academic materials, and research-related fees in addition to tuition and research support, allowing scholars to fully concentrate on earning their degree.The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Program is essential in generating the next generation of leaders, scholars, and policymakers who can propel innovation and sustainable development in South Africa by providing top-notch postgraduate training.
Host Country: South Africa
University: Africa Universities
Opportunity Type: PhD, Masters
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- must be a citizen or a long-term resident of South Africa.
- must have been accepted into, or be in the process of being accepted into, a Master’s or PhD program at an accredited university in South Africa.
- must demonstrate how the topic of study directly relates to the national development priorities of South Africa.
- must fulfil all requirements outlined in the official call for applications, which are issued by the DAAD and the NRF.
- Applications submitted through any other route will not be accepted; the NRF Online Submission System is the only way to submit an application.
Benefits:
- Funding for master’s degree: ZAR 80,000 annually for a maximum of two years.
- Funding for a PhD: ZAR 110,000 annually for a maximum of three years.
- Depending on the student’s financial plan and the institution’s rules, funding may be used for living expenses, tuition, and research-related charges.
- Support period: Master’s: up to two years; PhD: up to three years.
Deadline: Open
