NSFAS Postgraduate

NSFAS Postgraduate

If you’re planning to do postgraduate studies in South Africa, it’s important to know how funding works with NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. NSFAS has helped many students cover the costs of their university education, but it mainly focuses on funding undergraduate courses. This means that since 2021, NSFAS no longer provides financial support for postgraduate studies like honours, master’s, or doctoral degrees. For students who want to study beyond their undergraduate degree, such as pursuing a master’s or PhD, it’s necessary to look for other funding opportunities.

One great alternative is the National Research Foundation (NRF), which offers bursaries and scholarships specifically for postgraduate students. Many universities also have their own scholarships or funding options for postgraduate studies, so it’s a good idea to check those out as well. It’s worth noting that if you were already receiving NSFAS funding for postgraduate studies before 2021, you can usually continue to receive support until you finish your qualification.

However, new postgraduate students after this time will need to explore other funding sources. Knowing this will help you plan and avoid surprises when it comes to paying for your studies. Doing some research early on about available scholarships and bursaries can make your postgraduate journey much smoother and less stressful. Being prepared is key to successfully funding your postgraduate education.

Learn more: NSFAS For Postgraduate 2026

NRF Postgraduate Scholarships

• Extension Support for Masters and Doctoral Studies
• First-time Doctoral Scholarships (Including NRF-Sarao, NRF-DAAD, NRF-MINDS and NRF-SASOL
  foundation Scholarships )
• First-time Masters Scholarships (Including NRF-SARAO, NRF-DAAD and NRF-SASOL foundation Scholarships)
• Honours Scholarships (Including NRF-SASOL & NRF-SARAO Scholarships))

Postgraduate NRF Cut-off Dates

The NRF only accepts applications up to the deadline set by your institution’s Designated Authority (DA). After this date, you can’t start or submit an application. If you’ve already submitted, changes can only be made if your DA reopens it. Each institution may also have its own earlier deadline, so check and follow that. Late applications won’t be accepted.

Simple Instructions for Applicants

• Go to https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za.
• Log in using your ORCiD details. If you don’t have an ORCiD account, you’ll need to register for one first.
• If you already have an NRF Online Submission CV, make sure to sync it with your current CV.

How to Apply for Postgraduate NRF

• Go to the NRF Connect system: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
• All applications must be submitted online unless stated otherwise.

Before applying:

• Check if you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Read all documents related to the funding opportunity.

Get the guides you need:

• Visit https://www.nrf.ac.za/funding to find the Framework and Application Guides.

For Bilateral and Multilateral Research Grants:

• The Framework documents will be uploaded to the NRF website once available.

Learn more: NSFAS Coinvest

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS ensures that financial constraints are not hindering your academic and career goals by providing financial assistance in the form of grants and interest-free loans. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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