Deadline: November 27, 2025
Are you a South African student looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree locally while benefiting from international academic collaboration? The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa 2026 offers a unique opportunity to advance your studies, strengthen research capabilities, and engage with global networks of excellence.
About the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa 2026
The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa 2026 is a prestigious collaboration between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.
The programme is part of DAAD’s In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, which aims to strengthen higher education systems in partner countries and foster connections between African scholars and German institutions.
This initiative supports full-time Master’s and PhD studies at recognised South African universities and research institutions. It provides financial assistance and opportunities for academic collaboration between South Africa and Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Intend to pursue full-time Master’s or PhD studies at a South African university.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.
- Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with DAAD and NRF’s commitment to gender equality in higher education.
- Applications must be submitted exclusively through the NRF online platform. Applications sent through any other channels will not be considered.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive generous financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs. The value of the scholarship is as follows:
- Master’s level: ZAR 80,000 per annum
- PhD level: ZAR 110,000 per annum
In addition to financial support, scholars will benefit from academic networking opportunities and potential collaboration with German institutions through the DAAD framework.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 27 November 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance.
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and highly competitive. Evaluation is conducted jointly by a panel comprising university professors, DAAD representatives, and officials from the National Research Foundation.
Applicants will be assessed on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with national and regional development priorities.
Programme Objectives
The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme seeks to:
- Strengthen the quality of postgraduate education and research in South Africa.
- Support the development of highly qualified academics and professionals.
- Encourage collaboration between South African and German higher education institutions.
- Build a sustainable network of researchers capable of addressing regional and global challenges.
How to Apply
Applications for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme South Africa must be submitted online via the NRF application platform.
Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and prepare your supporting documents according to the specified guidelines.
For more details about the programme, its objectives, and specific requirements, visit the official page:
👉 Read More About the Programme
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