Are you completing your undergraduate degree and planning to continue with Honours studies in 2027? The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and National Research Foundation (NRF) are inviting applications for the 2027 Honours Student Funding Programme.
The funding supports eligible students pursuing Honours qualifications in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities.
Applications must be submitted online through the NRF Connect System. The student application closing date is 23 November 2026.
NRF/DSTI Honours Funding 2027 – Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding providers | Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and National Research Foundation (NRF) |
| Funding programme | DSTI-NRF Honours Student Funding |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Study level | Honours |
| Fields of study | Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities |
| Eligible citizenship | South African citizens and permanent residents |
| Minimum academic requirement | 65% average for major subjects in final undergraduate year |
| Application method | Online through NRF Connect |
| Student closing date | 23 November 2026 |
| Institutional submission deadline | 29 January 2027 |
Fields of Study
The DSTI-NRF Honours funding programme supports students pursuing Honours studies in the following broad areas:
Science
Engineering
Technology
Social Sciences
Humanities
Students should consult the official 2027 funding framework and application guide to confirm whether their specific qualification and research area are eligible.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the DSTI-NRF Honours Funding 2027, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Be applying for an eligible Honours qualification for the 2027 academic year.
Have achieved a minimum average of 65% for major subjects in the final year of undergraduate study.
Meet the additional requirements outlined in the NRF Postgraduate Funding Framework and application guide.
Meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee funding. Applications are assessed according to the NRF funding criteria and available budget.
Full Cost of Study (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS)
Successful applicants may be funded under one of two funding categories.
1. Full Cost of Study (FCS)
Full Cost of Study funding is intended for eligible South African citizens and permanent residents who fall into one or more of the following categories:
Financially needy students: Combined household family income of R350,000 or less per year.
Exceptional academic achievers: Students who achieve an average of 75% or higher.
Students living with a disability.
2. Partial Cost of Study (PCS)
Partial Cost of Study funding may be awarded to applicants who:
Meet the minimum NRF scholarship requirements.
Could not be funded under the Full Cost of Study category.
Meet the other applicable funding criteria.
The final funding category and award amount are determined through the NRF’s assessment and allocation process.
How to Apply for NRF/DSTI Honours Funding 2027
Applications must be completed online through the official NRF Connect System.
Follow these steps:
Visit the NRF Connect website: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/
Register for an account or log in if you already have one.
Find the relevant DSTI-NRF Honours funding opportunity.
Read the 2027 Application and Funding Guide and Postgraduate Funding Framework.
Complete all required sections of the online application.
Upload the supporting documents requested by the system.
Review your application carefully before submitting.
Submit your application and keep your application reference number.
Important: Manual applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to contact their university’s Research Office or Postgraduate Office for assistance and institution-specific submission requirements.
Important Application Dates
| Application stage | Closing date |
|---|---|
| Student applications | 23 November 2026 |
| Designated Authority (institutional) submission | 29 January 2027 |
The 29 January 2027 deadline is for the institution’s Designated Authority process. It is not an extension of the student application deadline.
Some universities may set their own internal deadlines. Applicants should confirm their university’s deadline and submit early.
Required Documents
The official announcement directs applicants to the 2027 Application and Funding Guide and Framework for the full document requirements.
Applicants should prepare their academic records, identification and other supporting information requested by the NRF Connect application.
Do not assume that uploading an application alone completes every institutional requirement. Check whether your university requires additional documents or verification through its Research or Postgraduate Office.
Important Funding Information
The NRF does not automatically award the same funding category or amount to every applicant.
Funding decisions depend on eligibility, academic performance, financial need, disability status where applicable, the funding category and the available budget.
Applicants should read the official funding framework carefully to understand the conditions attached to an award.
Contact Details
For enquiries about the DSTI-NRF Honours Funding Programme:
Funding-related enquiries: postgraduatequeries@risa.nrf.ac.za
Technical support: supportdesk@nrf.ac.za
Technical support telephone: 012 481 4202
Official website: https://www.nrf.ac.za/
Application portal: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/
Applicants should also contact their university’s Research or Postgraduate Office for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for NRF Honours Funding 2027?
South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the academic and other requirements for the 2027 Honours funding programme.
2. What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants must have achieved an average of at least 65% for major subjects in the final year of their undergraduate studies.
3. What is the household income requirement for Full Cost of Study funding?
The financial-need category for FCS funding applies to applicants whose combined household family income is R350,000 or less per annum. Exceptional academic achievers and students living with disabilities are also considered under the FCS criteria.
4. What is the difference between FCS and PCS?
Full Cost of Study funding is intended for qualifying financially needy students, exceptional academic achievers and students living with disabilities. Partial Cost of Study funding is available to eligible applicants who meet the other minimum requirements but do not receive FCS funding.
5. Which fields of study are supported?
The programme supports Honours studies in Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities.
6. When do applications close?
The student application deadline is 23 November 2026. The institutional Designated Authority deadline is 29 January 2027.
7. Where can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online through the NRF Connect System at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/.
Final Reminder
The DSTI-NRF Honours Funding Programme 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible graduates to continue their studies and develop their academic and research careers.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your supporting documents, consult your university’s postgraduate office and submit your online application before 23 November 2026.
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