Research Grants Management
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Research Grants Management Unit
The Research Grants Management Unit (RGMU) plays a pivotal role in supporting the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) research community by facilitating access to both internal and external funding opportunities. The unit is dedicated to empowering researchers, particularly early career, emerging, and established researchers through targeted financial support that advances research excellence and capacity development across the university.
RGMU provides internal funding to support a wide range of research activities, including:
- Participation in academic conferences.
- Development of collaborative research initiatives.
- Procurement of research materials and supplies.
- Completion of postgraduate qualifications (Master’s and Doctoral degrees) for CPUT staff members.
In addition to internal support, RGMU actively promotes and assists researchers in identifying and applying for prestigious national and international funding opportunities. These include, but are not limited to, grants offered by:
- National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
- Wellcome Trust and other global funding bodies
By aligning funding opportunities with the strategic research priorities of the university, RGMU ensures that researchers are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to scientific innovation, socio-economic development, and global research impact.
Internal funding opportunities
Open Calls
The following funding opportunities are available under the second call: Note: All applications must be submitted electronically through the Coveris Grants Management system.Second Call for Applications for the 2026 Academic Year
Funding Year
Funding Opportunity
Call Type
Applicant Submission Deadline
Faculty Research Coordinators Submission Deadline
2026
Conference Committee (ConfCom)
Second Call
20 April 2026
30 April 2026
2026
Consolidate Research Fund (CRF)
Second Call
24 April 2026
5 May 2026
2026
Improvement of Qualifications Programme (IQP)
Second Call
24 April 2026
5 May 2026
2026
Research Exchange Programme (REP)
Second Call
20 April 2026
30 April 2026
Closed Calls
The first call for the Consolidated Research Fund (CRF) is now open. The closing date for applicant submissions is 10 February 2026, and the deadline for Faculty Research Coordinators and Departmental Coordinators to submit applications to the Directorate Research Development (DRD) is 20 February 2026. The first call for the Improvement of Qualifications Programme (IQP) is now open. The closing date for applicant submissions is 10 February 2026, and the deadline for Faculty Research Coordinators and Departmental Coordinators to submit applications to the Directorate Research Development (DRD) is 20 February 2026. The Conference Committee (ConfCom) Call 1 for 2026 applications is now open. intending to participate in national or international conferences are invited to submit their applications online on the Converis Grants Management System by the stipulated deadlines (applicant closing date: 10 February 2026; Faculty Research Coordinators/Department Coordinators closing date to DRD: 20 February 2026). The first call for the Research Exchange Programme (REP) is now open. The closing date for applicant submissions is 10 February 2026, and the deadline for Faculty Research Coordinators and Departmental Coordinators to submit applications to the Directorate Research Development (DRD) is 20 February 2026.Consolidated Research Fund - First Call for Applications
Improvement of Qualifications Programme - First Call for Applications
Conference Committee (ConfCom) - First Call for Applications
Research Exchange Programme (REP) - First Call for Applications
Funding Documents
The Conference Vetting Form, Standard Operating Procedure (SoP), and Conference Abroad Policy apply to all researchers who receive financial support to participate in national or international conferences. This includes support provided by departments, faculties, subsidy research funds, and external funders such as the NRF, WRC, SAMRC, etc. These documents set out the required procedures, eligibility criteria, and compliance obligations for conference participation.Application Guidelines
Progress Report Guidelines
Checklists
Terms of Reference
Conference Participation
External funding opportunities
Open Calls
National Research Foundation (NRF) 2026/2027 funding opportunities Below is the list of available funding opportunities: The Wellcome Trust funding calls for 2026 are currently open for application submissions. Eligible researchers are encouraged to carefully review the call documentation before preparing and submitting their applications. All applications must be submitted online through the Wellcome Trust website. For further information regarding the funding calls, including eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and submission procedures, please visit: https://Wellcome trust.org.za The following Wellcome Trust funding opportunities are currently open for applications:
Category
Funding Year
Funding Opportunity
Institution Submission Deadlines
Link to Funding Frameworks
Concept Notes
2026
Concept Notes for Large Integrated Projects: Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP)
20 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Support for Y-Rated Researchers
10 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) – PhD Track
10 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) – Post PhD Track
10 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Thuthuka – PhD Track Thuthuka – Post-PhD Track Thuthuka – Rating Track
10 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Global Change Social Sciences Research Programme (GCSSRP)
15 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
Research Grants
2026
Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) – Small Grants
20 April 2026
Funding - National Research Foundation
2026 Wellcome Trust Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Internal Closing Date
Wellcome Career Development Awards
13 March 2026
Wellcome Discovery Awards
17 March 2026
Climate Impacts Awards: Unlocking urgent climate action by making the health effects of climate change visible
24 March 2026
Establishing infrastructure hubs to power evidence synthesis in low- and middle-income countries
15 April 2026
Wellcome Early-Career Awards
10 June 2026
Closed Calls
The Knowledge Interchange & Collaboration (KIC) Programme, Period Review 1, is now open for applications. Eligible applicants are invited to submit their applications on the NRF Connect system (https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) under the Travel, Training and Conference Grants category. Institutional Closing date for submissions: 26 February 2026 Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the framework document for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application requirements, and funding conditions prior to submission. The Equipment-related Travel and Training Grants (ERTTG), Period Review 1, call for applications is now open. Eligible applicants are required to submit their applications online through the NRF Connect system (https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) under the Travel, Training and Conference Grants category. Institutional closing date for submissions: 26 February 2026Knowledge Interchange & Collaboration (KIC) – Period Review 1
Equipment-related Travel and Training Grants (ERTTG) – Period Review 1
Framework Documents
Staff
For guidance and support related to funding opportunities, please contact the staff listed below. They are equipped to assist with identifying suitable opportunities, navigating application processes, and addressing any related queries.
Ms Pumza Makaula
Research Grants Manager
Ms Shafeeqa Hendricks
Research Grants Officer