The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the NRF (National Research Foundation of South Africa) have officially announced the call for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa. Click Here for Full DAAD Announcement.
This prestigious scholarship aims to support postgraduate training in fields with strong relevance for national development. This is a fantastic opportunity for qualified candidates to pursue Master’s or PhD studies with substantial financial support.
ATTENTION (Eligibility Warning): Please note that this specific scholarship is primarily intended for South African nationals or permanent residents. Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Focus and Value
Programs Supported by the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship 2026
The scholarship provides comprehensive support for postgraduate training across critical fields:
- Master’s Studies (Up to two years of funding).
- PhD Studies (Up to three years of funding).
Value of the Scholarship
The financial value of the scholarship is competitive and substantial:
- Master’s Candidates: ZAR 80,000,- per annum.
- PhD Candidates: ZAR 110,000,- per annum.
Application Procedure
Who Can Apply?
The primary target group for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship 2026 is clear:
- South African nationals or permanent residents.
- The objective is also aimed at university staff development and the public sector demand for academically trained personnel.
READ ALSO: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2026 (Apply)
Selection Process
- Application Submission: Applications must be submitted directly to the NRF. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered.
- Selection Panel: The final selection is made by a panel comprising university professors and representatives from both the NRF and DAAD.
- Call for Applications: The annual call is published on NRF’s official website from June onwards: www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls
For any further assistance, candidates are advised to contact their institutions’ financial aid or postgraduate office.
Conclusion
While this specific DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa is limited to South African nationals, it highlights the importance of keeping track of DAAD and NRF programs, as they offer many other funding opportunities for international students and researchers across Africa.
For those who are eligible, the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship 2026 is a premier opportunity to secure funding for your postgraduate research in a field relevant to national development.
Find the official call on NRF’s website from June on: www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls
