NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Study in South Africa with Research Opportunities in Germany

NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Study in South Africa with Research Opportunities in Germany

Are you a South African citizen or permanent resident pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree? The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Programme 2025 offers a unique opportunity to study at a South African university with the added benefit of gaining international research experience in Germany.

This prestigious scholarship, jointly awarded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), provides full funding to support your postgraduate education while opening doors to interdisciplinary summer schools and short-term research stays in Germany.

Degree Level

The NRF-DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supports full-time Master’s and PhD students in any field of study who are enrolled at a recognized university in South Africa. This scholarship is part of the DAAD’s broader mission to strengthen academic networks between South Africa and Germany.

Available Subjects

All subjects are available under this scholarship.

Benefits

This fully funded scholarship provides:

1. Tuition fee coverage for full-time Master’s or PhD studies at any accredited South African university.
2. Monthly stipend to support living expenses.
3. Access to additional DAAD-funded research opportunities in Germany, including:

Short-term Research Scholarships (3–6 months)

Interdisciplinary Summer Schools at top German universities

Optional Opportunities in Germany for Scholarship Holders

1. Short-Term Research Stay in Germany

1. Duration: 3 to 6 months
2. Monthly stipend: €992 (Master’s) or €1,300 (PhD)
3. Includes health insurance and travel allowance
4. Apply at least 4 months in advance via the DAAD Portal

2. Interdisciplinary Summer Schools (2025 Dates)

1. Heidelberg University: Global Health (28 July – 22 August)
2. TH Köln: Coping with Climate Extremes (30 August – 21 September)
3. Leipzig University: Green IDEAS for Entrepreneurs (20 August – 9 September)
4. Osnabrück University: GeoTraining for Environmental Data (7 – 29 September)

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to students from South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship, you must:

1. Be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency.
2. Be 30 years old or younger (Master’s applicants) or 32 years or younger (PhD applicants) in the year of application.
3. Be a full-time postgraduate student at a South African university.
4. Have a minimum academic average of 65% in your previous studies.

Application Procedure

Application Deadline & Process

1. Call Name: NRF Postgraduate Scholarships
2. Application Deadline: 04 July 2025
3. Where to Apply: Submit your application through the NRF portal.
4. Important Note: Selected scholarship holders will later apply for the optional Germany-based research or summer school programs.

Why Apply?

This scholarship isn’t just financial aid — it's a gateway to global collaboration. As an NRF-DAAD scholar, you’ll join a vibrant academic network, access Germany’s leading research facilities, and build international experience that can shape your academic and professional career.

Start your application today and be part of the next generation of South African scholars making a global impact.