Funding Opportunities

Applications are open for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Freestanding Honours Scholarships for 2027.

The scholarship supports eligible students who intend to study towards a BSc Honours degree in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or Computer Science and Mathematics at a South African university.

The 2027 SARAO Honours Scholarship is valued at R190 000 for one year. Successful applicants may also qualify for a once-off laptop grant of R15 000.

Applicants must meet the nationality, qualification and minimum academic requirements set out in the SARAO application guide. Applications must be submitted online via NRF Connect.

CPUT internal deadline: Friday, 21 August 2026
SARAO closing date: Monday, 31 August 2026

Students are encouraged to submit by the CPUT internal deadline to allow time for institutional checking and validation on the NRF system.

Applicants must upload all required supporting documents and arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to SARAO by the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Students should read the attached SARAO application guide carefully before applying.

Apply via NRF Connect: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za

SARAO enquiries:

Mkhululi Jodwana
Tel: (011) 268 3412
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Bongani Mayosi National Health Scholars Programme (BM-NHSP), administered through the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), has opened its 2026 call for PhD scholarship applications.

The programme supports full-time doctoral study in health and clinical research at South African universities and aims to strengthen national research capacity in priority health research areas.

The call is aimed at eligible health professionals and researchers conducting PhD research in areas such as:

• Health systems strengthening
• Early detection of non-communicable diseases
• Public health innovation and disease prevention

Applicants must already hold a master’s degree and have an approved PhD proposal at the time of application.

Closing date for student applications: 9 July 2026

Please consult the attached call document for full eligibility criteria, application requirements and submission details.

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.

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..