DSTI NRF Honours Student Funding for 2027

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Research Foundation have opened the general honours student funding call for the 2027 academic year. The programme is intended to support eligible candidates who want to continue from an undergraduate qualification into honours study in science, engineering, technology, social sciences or humanities. The NRF states a minimum average of 65 percent for major subjects in the final undergraduate year and limits eligibility to South African citizens and permanent residents.

The programme has two funding routes. Full Cost of Study support is intended for eligible financially needy students whose combined household income is no more than R350 000 per year, exceptional academic achievers with an average of at least 75 percent and students living with a disability. Partial Cost of Study support may be available to other applicants who meet the applicable minimum criteria but do not qualify for full cost funding. The final award is subject to the current application and funding framework.

The NRF lists 23 November 2026 as the applicant closing date for the general honours call. Some institutions may impose an earlier internal deadline, especially where an institutional assessment is required. Applicants must review the current guide and complete the application on NRF Connect. This record remains unpublished because Bursela currently allows only one funding category while the official call includes both full and partial cost awards.