NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2026

Omran Aburayya
Jun 1
2 min read

If you're a South African citizen or permanent resident aspiring to pursue a Master's or PhD at a public university in South Africa, the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity to advance your academic career. Jointly administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship not only supports your studies locally but also provides avenues for international research experiences in Germany.

🎓NRF-DAAD Scholarship Summary

Location: South Africa (with opportunities for research stays in Germany)
Host Institutions: Public South African universities
Study Level: Master's and PhD
Target Group: South African citizens and permanent residents
Fields of Study: All disciplines
Value & Coverage: Full tuition support, monthly stipends, travel allowances, insurance, and more
Duration: Up to 2 years for Master's; up to 3 years for PhD
Application line: 4 July 2025
Start Date: 2026 academic year
Eligible To: South African citizens or permanent residents meeting academic and age criteria

📘 Scholarship Overview

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship is designed to support full-time postgraduate students enrolled at public South African universities. Beyond financial assistance, the program offers recipients the chance to engage in international research collaborations and academic exchanges, enhancing their scholarly experience and professional networks.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Tuition Support: Full coverage for Master's or PhD studies at any public South African university.
Monthly Stipend: Financial support for living expenses during the study period.
Short-Term Research Stay in Germany: Opportunity for a 3–6 month research visit to a German institution, including:
- Monthly stipend: €992 (Master's) or €1,300 (PhD)
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
Interdisciplinary Summer Schools in Germany: Participation in specialized programs such as:
- Heidelberg University: Global Health (28 July – 22 August 2025)
- TH Köln: Coping with Climate Extremes (30 August – 21 September 2025)
- Leipzig University: Green IDEAS (20 August – 9 September 2025)
- Osnabrück University: GeoTraining 2025 (7 September – 29 September 2025)
Networking Opportunities: Annual conferences and events to connect with fellow scholars and professionals.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency.
Age Limit: 30 years or younger for Master's applicants; 32 years or younger for PhD applicants.
Academic Performance: Minimum average of 65% in previous postgraduate studies.
Enrollment: Must be registered or intend to register for full-time studies at a public South African university.

📝 Application Procedure

Application Portal: Submit applications through the NRF Connect System under the call titled "NRF Postgraduate Scholarships."
Deadline: 04 July 2025.
Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Research proposal or study plan
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)

ℹ️ Additional Information

An information session has been made available to assist applicants:

Presentation Materials: Available online for detailed guidance.
Contact Information:
- DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg
  - Address: Jorissen Street SM3151, Third Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 269, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
  - Telephone: +27 (0) 11 717 9334
  - Email: daad@wits.ac.za