Funding Opportunities

CPUT postgraduate students and prospective applicants are invited to apply for the DSI–NRF Postgraduate Funding for the 2027 academic year. This funding supports Honours, Master’s and Doctoral studies and represents a key opportunity to advance postgraduate study and research.

Who should apply

• New Honours, Master’s and Doctoral applicants planning to register in 2027
• Continuing Master’s and Doctoral students currently funded through NRF

Continuing students must submit a progress report via NRF Connect and should not submit a new application.

Minimum academic requirement

• A minimum average of 65% for the previous degree

Key application periods

Funding categories

• Full Cost of Study (FCS): South African citizens and permanent residents
• Partial Cost of Study (PCS): Limited awards, including some international applicants

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via NRF Connect:

Application resources

Please download the following documents for detailed guidance:

• DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Application and Funding Framework for the 2027 Academic Year
• Application and Funding Guide for DSTI-NRF Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships 2027
• Application and Funding Guide for Extension Support for Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships 2027

Important note

Applications must be submitted by the CPUT internal deadlines indicated above to allow for institutional screening and academic review prior to submission to the NRF. Late submissions cannot be accommodated.

Enquiries

Mr Cyrano Arries
Financial Coordinator: Centre for Postgraduate Studies
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

These awards are made to 14 young women who are currently involved in full-time study or research leading to master's or PhD degrees. The fellowships recognise the awardees' outstanding ability and potential in research, enhance their research experience and output, and encourage more young women to complete research degrees. Postgraduate fellowships will be awarded to seven master's and seven PhD students, with, at each level, 2 in natural science, 1 in engineering science, 1 in the humanities and social sciences, 1 in marine science, 1 in astronomy and 1 in public engagement with science.

Application criteria

Applicants must be full-time students studying towards a master's or PhD degree, registered at public South African universities, under the age of 35, and strong academic performers in their current and previous degrees.

Deadline:

31 May 2026

For a list of under- and postgraduate bursary opportunities, please click here.

For all bursary-related queries, contact Mr Cyrano Arries at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For a list of under- and postgraduate bursary opportunities, please click here.

For all bursary-related queries, contact Mr Cyrano Arries at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..