Financial barriers often hamper deserving learners from pursuing their academic and career goals in the escalating South African educational sector. The NRF bursary, which was initiated over 20 years ago in 1999, supports promising candidates by offering essential financial aid. The NRF, or National Research Foundation acts as an independent organisation that supports postgraduate education and research by bridging the gap between government policies and research institutions based on human resource development, funding and other facilities. Over time, the range has expanded to include different areas, showing South Africa’s commitment to academic excellence.
In this article, we will discuss the strategic partnership NRF has with educational institutions and how it supports educational finance aid through its bursary programmes for aspiring students in South Africa.
Table of Contents
NRF Bursary 2024 – Allowance & Benefits
The NRF Bursary 2024 accommodates students intending to pursue postgraduate studies but lacking the financial means to do so. Students can apply for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the academic year 2024 by checking the eligibility criteria and application process. This bursary covers Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies in fields like Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Students can be awarded either Partial Cost of Study (PCS) or Full Cost of Study (FCS), depending on their specific requirements.
FCS, or Full Cost of Study, is intended for learners who are economically challenged (family income amounts to less than R350,000 per year), students with disabilities or those with excellent academic achievements. However, due to financial constraints, some students who qualify for full course subsidy (FCS) may receive only partial course subsidy (PCS). The NRF Bursary allowance covers expenses such as tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, food, and academic materials. This financial support aids students to focus mainly on their academic advancement without the stress of financial burdens. The NRF makes sure students have the resources essential to successfully complete their studies and make progress in their chosen field.
You can check out more post-graduate bursaries here.
NRF Bursary Requirements & Eligibility Criteria
Before beginning the NRF Bursary application process, make sure that you are eligible for the allowance and meet the requirements completely. Failure to meet the criteria may lead to disqualification or rejection of the application. Listed below are the NRF Bursary requirements that aspirants must adhere to:
NRF Bursary Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements before their application can be submitted:
- You should either already be registered or getting ready to enrol in a postgraduate course (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in the areas of Science, Engineering, Social Sciences or Humanities.
- The age limitations for applying for this bursary are: Individuals who are aged 29 or below are qualified for Honours funding. Candidates who are 30 years or younger can receive financial support for a Master’s degree programme. To receive financial assistance for their Doctoral studies, candidates must be no older than 32 years.
- You must have achieved at least 65% in the previous academic certificate.
- You must show either a financial need (with a household income below R350,000 per year), have a disability, or perform well academically.
- Candidates must be citizens of South Africa or hold permanent residency to receive financial support for FCS.
- For PCS funds disbursement, you can be a South African citizen or have a permanent residency. International candidates who do not meet all the NRF bursary requirements are eligible for PCS funds.
NRF Bursary Application & Documentation
When you submit your application, make sure to include clear copies of the following necessary documents. Submitting unreadable documents or failing to provide even one of the documents may result in the application being rejected.
- Verified copy of Identity Proof
- Certificates from all previous academic records from tertiary education up to the current date (on official letterhead from the institution).
- Confirmation of enrolment at the university for the year of application.
- Parents or guardians must provide proof of household income, whether through their latest payslips if they have a job, an affidavit if they are not employed, or a SASSA grant letter if relevant.
How To Apply For NRF Bursary?
Candidates can follow the steps listed below to apply for the NRF Bursary 2024.
- Review the criteria and instructions provided by the NRF to make sure you meet the eligibility.
- Understand the various funding choices made available by the NRF in order to discover the ideal match for your research interests.
- Accumulate essential documents like academic transcripts, identification cards, letters of recommendation, and a detailed research proposal.
- Submit your application through the NRF Online Submission System, following the guidelines provided in the application.
Following the submission, always make sure to check your email or texts for updates regarding confirmation mail.
Conclusion
In summary, the NRF Bursary 2024 programme offers hope to aspirants who wish to advance their academic careers but are held back by the financial barriers they face. They can pursue education in various fields like Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities. With the sole dedication of encouraging academic excellence, the NRF offers financial assistance through its DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding programme, including Partial Cost of Study (PCS) and Full Cost of Study (FCS) provided as per the specific needs of each student. The NRF eases financial burdens for students, allowing them to focus on their studies and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s dedication to cultivating a knowledgeable and skilled next generation.
To receive personalised bursary quotes and academic advice, get in touch with Regenesys for customised help from career advisors.
NRF Bursary 2024 – FAQs
Who can I contact for more information regarding the NRF Bursary 2024?
If you have any questions related to the NRF Bursary Programme, please contact your University’s Research or Postgraduate office. If you need to contact the NRF directly, please reach out to the relevant person mentioned on the official NRF website.
Are there any specific deadlines for applying to the NRF Bursary?
The NRF Bursary Programme announces its application deadlines annually. For updated details, visit the NRF website or speak to your University’s Research or Postgraduate office.
How competitive is the NRF Bursary?
Competition for the NRF Bursary is fierce. Selection is determined by academic achievement, financial need, and other qualifications. Numerous applications are received every year, and financial aid is awarded to individuals who show outstanding academic performance and legitimate financial need.
What is the age limit for applying for the NRF Bursary?
To be eligible for the NRF Bursary, Honours applicants must not exceed the age of 29, and Master’s degree applicants must be 30 or under. In order to receive funding for their Doctoral studies, candidates must be under the age of 32. These age limits are in place to make sure that the NRF Bursary assists students at different points in their academic journeys, ranging from undergraduates to postgraduates, encouraging the growth of future leaders in South Africa in fields like science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
Can I apply for the NRF Bursary if I am already receiving funding from another source?
Yes, applicants can still apply for the NRF Bursary if they are receiving funding from another source. However, it is important to disclose this information in your application. Transparency about all sources of funding ensures that the NRF can make informed decisions and allocate resources appropriately.
