DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2025 (Fully Funded)
The South Africa DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2025 is a prestigious initiative jointly funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). This scholarship aims to strengthen postgraduate training in South Africa, particularly in fields that contribute to the country’s development goals.
The programme supports high-achieving students pursuing Master’s or PhD studies at recognized South African higher education institutions, with a focus on research areas that address national development priorities.
Degree Levels
Supported Fields of Study
The scholarship covers all academic disciplines, provided the proposed research is relevant to South Africa’s national development needs. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the developmental or societal impact of their field of study.
Scholarship Benefits
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Master’s Students: ZAR 80,000 per annum (up to 2 years)
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PhD Students: ZAR 110,000 per annum (up to 3 years)
Funding may be used to cover tuition fees, research expenses, and living costs, depending on institutional guidelines and the student’s budget plan.
Duration of Funding
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
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Be accepted, or in the process of being accepted, for a Master’s or PhD programme at a recognized South African higher education institution.
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Demonstrate that their field of study aligns with South Africa’s national development priorities.
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Fulfil all NRF and DAAD application requirements.
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Submit their application through the NRF Connect Online Submission System.
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Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Step 1 – Review the Call for Applications
The annual call is published on the NRF website in June.
Step 2 – Prepare Required Documents
Update your CV and prepare all necessary documents according to NRF guidelines.
Step 3 – Submit Online Application
Apply via the NRF Connect Online Submission System.
Applications submitted outside this platform will not be considered.
Step 4 – Institutional Screening
Your application will be reviewed and validated by your institution before submission to the NRF.
Step 5 – Selection Process
A joint selection panel, including university professors and representatives from NRF and DAAD, will assess applications based on academic merit, research potential, and national relevance.
Step 6 – Notification
Successful candidates will be informed directly by the NRF.
Selection Criteria
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2025?
South African citizens and permanent residents accepted into a Master’s or PhD programme at a recognized South African university.
2. Does the scholarship cover all subjects?
Yes, it supports all academic fields, provided the research is relevant to South Africa’s national development needs.
3. How much financial support will I receive?
Master’s students receive ZAR 80,000 annually (up to 2 years), and PhD students receive ZAR 110,000 annually (up to 3 years).
4. Can I apply if I have not yet been accepted into a university programme?
Yes, but you must be in the process of gaining admission and meet all other eligibility requirements.
5. Is the scholarship open to international students?
No, it is only open to South African nationals and permanent residents.
6. How do I submit my application?
Through the NRF Connect Online Submission System. Applications sent via email or other channels will not be accepted.
7. When is the application period?
The call for applications is typically published in June each year.
8. What documents are required?
A CV, proof of acceptance or application to a programme, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents as specified by the NRF.
9. How are candidates selected?
A joint panel evaluates applications based on academic performance, research potential, and the relevance of the proposed study to national development.
10. Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes, female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the programme’s commitment to diversity.
