South Africa DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2025 (Fully Funded)
The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme is a prestigious funding initiative that supports postgraduate training in South Africa, with a focus on areas of high relevance for national development. The programme aims to strengthen university staff development and meet the public sector demand for academically trained professionals. Jointly funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), this scholarship provides financial assistance for South African nationals and permanent residents pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree.
Degree Level
Master’s Degree
PhD Degree
Available Subjects
The programme supports studies in any field that has strong relevance to South Africa’s national development priorities. Specific disciplines are not restricted, but applicants must demonstrate the societal or developmental importance of their research area.
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
ZAR 80,000 per annum for Master’s students (up to two years).
ZAR 110,000 per annum for PhD students (up to three years).
These funds can be used to cover tuition fees, research expenses, and living costs, depending on the student’s budget plan and institutional policies.
Duration of Funding
Master’s: Up to 2 years
Eligible Nationalities
South African nationals
South African permanent residents
Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme, applicants must:
Be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency.
Be accepted or in the process of being accepted for Master’s or PhD studies at a recognized South African higher education institution.
Demonstrate that their field of study is aligned with national development needs.
Fulfil the NRF and DAAD application requirements, as outlined in the official call.
Apply through the NRF Online Submission System; applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.
Application Procedure
Check the Call for Applications: The annual call is published on the NRF website from June.
NRF website: www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls
DAAD South Africa: www.daad.org.za/nrf
Prepare Your Documents: Applicants should update their CV and prepare all supporting documentation according to NRF guidelines.
Submit Online: Applications must be submitted via the NRF Connect Online Submissions System: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
Applications submitted outside this system will not be considered.Institutional Screening: Applications are screened and validated by the applicant’s institution before submission to NRF.
Selection Process: A joint panel of university professors and representatives from NRF and DAAD will review applications.
Notification: Successful candidates will be informed directly by the NRF.
Selection Process
Final selection is competitive and based on academic excellence, research potential, and the relevance of the proposed study to South Africa’s development priorities.
