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The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa Is Now Open to South Africans

AfricanBy Updated:4 Comments5 Mins Read
The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa Is Now Open to South Africans
The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa Is Now Open to South Africans

DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa to both Domestic and International Scholars

The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa 2025 (also widely known as the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship) is a prestigious, fully funded postgraduate funding initiative jointly administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). This program supports talented South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing full-time Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) degrees at any accredited public university in South Africa, across all academic disciplines.
As part of DAAD’s broader In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, the DAAD-NRF partnership focuses on building national academic capacity, strengthening university teaching and research staff, and addressing public sector needs for highly qualified professionals. It emphasizes fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities while providing unique international exposure through optional research stays and networking opportunities in Germany.
Note: The main annual call for the 2026 funding year (often referred to in sources as “2025” application cycle) typically opens in mid-year (around June/July) with a deadline in July (e.g., 11 July 2025 for some cycles, though recent patterns show variations like November for related calls). As of early 2026, the primary 2025/2026 cycle is closed, but check for any late or supplementary opportunities. Future cycles (e.g., for 2027 funding) follow similar timelines.

Fully Funded Benefits

Fully funded Scholarships help students focus on their studies and achieve strong results. The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa provides comprehensive financial support to allow recipients to focus exclusively on research and studies:
  • Annual Stipend — Tax-free living allowance:
    • Master’s: Approximately ZAR 80,000–100,000 per year (varies slightly by year and source; some references cite equivalent to ~€992/month).
    • PhD: Approximately ZAR 110,000–150,000 per year (equivalent to ~€1,300/month in some conversions).
  • Tuition and Fees — Full coverage or significant offset for registration, tuition, and research-related costs.
  • Additional Funding — Support for academic materials, research expenses, and conference participation.
  • International Opportunities — Eligibility for short-term research stays (3–6 months) in Germany, interdisciplinary summer schools (e.g., at Heidelberg University on global health or other topics), and networking events to enhance global perspectives.
  • Duration — Up to 2 years for Master’s; up to 3 years for PhD (renewable based on satisfactory progress).
The total package often makes this one of the most generous local postgraduate scholarships in South Africa, with added value from DAAD’s German collaboration. The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme in South Africa is a strong scholarship to rely on.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is merit-based and inclusive, with emphasis on equity:
  • Nationality/Residency — South African citizens or permanent residents only.
  • Age Preference — Often prioritized for applicants under 30 (Master’s) or 35 (PhD), though not always strict.
  • Academic Requirements — Minimum average of 65% in previous qualification (NRF standard); strong research proposal and academic record.
  • Enrollment — Full-time registration (or acceptance) for a Master’s or PhD at a recognized South African public university.
  • Field of Study — All disciplines eligible, with preference for areas aligned with national development needs (e.g., STEM, social sciences, health, education).
  • Other — Female applicants and those from designated groups are especially encouraged. No concurrent equivalent funding allowed.

Application Process

Applications are submitted directly to the NRF (not DAAD) via their online portal:
  1. Portal — Use the NRF Connect System (nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) under the call titled “NRF Postgraduate Scholarships” or similar (annual call published June/July).
  2. Required Documents — Academic transcripts/certificates, proof of citizenship/residency, CV, research proposal, supervisor endorsement, motivation letter, and ID/passport copy.
  3. Deadline — Typically mid-July (e.g., 11 July 2025 for prior cycle; check for 2026 updates). Late submissions are not accepted.
  4. Selection — Competitive review by a joint panel of university professors, NRF, and DAAD representatives. Shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews or additional assessments.
  5. Notification — Successful applicants informed directly by NRF (usually late in the year for funding starting the following academic year).
Applications submitted elsewhere (e.g., directly to DAAD) are not considered.

Why The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa Stands Out

  • Combines local funding stability with international exposure (research in Germany, summer schools).
  • Supports capacity building for the South African academia and public sector.
  • High success rate for strong candidates, especially women and underrepresented groups.
  • Pathways to global networks, publications, and future leadership roles.
If you’re a South African postgraduate student passionate about research with national impact, the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship is a transformative opportunity.
For the latest calls, exact deadlines, stipend updates, application guidelines, and portal access, visit:

Contacts and Conclusion on DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa

Enquiries: Contact NRF funding offices or DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg (email: daad@wits.ac.za or phone: +27 11 717 9334). Prepare early—strong proposals and supervisor support are key to success! Good luck with your application.

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