NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027 for emerging South African Researchers.

Purpose of the NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships

The framework establishes funding guidelines for three fellowship categories designed to strengthen research capacity and innovation in South Africa.

The fellowships include:

• Freestanding Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Scarce Skills Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Freestanding and Innovation Fellowships are funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, while the Scarce Skills Fellowships are financed through the National Skills Fund under the Department of Higher Education and Training.

These fellowships aim to support early-career researchers who are pursuing advanced research training while contributing to knowledge production and innovation across South Africa’s research institutions.

Areas of Research Support

Postdoctoral fellows are supported across a broad range of academic disciplines. The programme prioritizes research aligned with national priority areas outlined in the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan (2022–2032).

Key thematic research areas include:

• Circular Economy
• Education for the Future
• Sustainable Energy
• The Future of Society
• Health Innovation
• High-Tech Industrialisation
• ICTs and Smart Systems
• Nutrition Security
• Water Security

The fellowships support research in numerous disciplines, including:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
• Chemistry and Physics
• Climate Change and Environmental Sciences
• Computer Science and Data Science
• Engineering and Materials Science
• Health Sciences and Medical Research
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Law and Social Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Renewable Energy
• Space Science

The NRF aims to maintain a disciplinary balance, with approximately:

• 80% of funded fellows from STEM disciplines
• 20% from Social Sciences and Humanities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the fellowship programme.

General eligibility criteria include:

• Applicants must undertake research at a public research institution in South Africa, including universities, science councils, or national research facilities
• Candidates must have obtained their doctoral degree within the past five years
• Applicants who are completing their doctoral dissertation may apply but must finish their degree by 31 December 2026
• Awards must be taken up by 30 June 2027
• Full-time employees may apply only if they intend to take unpaid leave during the fellowship period
• Applicants seeking a second NRF postdoctoral fellowship must pursue a new research project
• Applications for a third NRF postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible

Citizenship Eligibility

Eligibility varies depending on the fellowship category.

• Freestanding and Innovation Fellowships are open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants
• Scarce Skills Fellowships are limited to South African citizens and permanent residents

Funding Value and Duration

Successful applicants will receive funding for up to two years.

The funding package includes:

• Annual stipend: R320,000 (non-taxable)
• Research costs contribution: R50,000 per year
• Institutional support contribution: Minimum of R15,000 from the host institution

Female postdoctoral fellows who take maternity leave during the fellowship may receive an additional four months of support beyond the standard fellowship period.

Application Process

Applications are now open.

Deadline

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026