Apply for a PhD scholarship in science, technology and innovation policy

The National Advisory Council on Innovation, through the National Research Foundation (NRF), is offering two scholarships to full-time PhD candidates in science, technology and innovation policy for the 2025 academic year.

The scholarships will cover the full cost of study, including annual tuition fees, an accommodation allowance (university-owned or privately rented accommodation), and transport and food allowances.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• They must be full-time students who are registered, or intend to register, for a PhD at any South African public university in 2025.
• They must be South African citizens or have permanent resident status.
• They must hold a relevant master's qualification from a university in South Africa or abroad. If the latter, the master's must be recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority.
• They must have achieved a minimum of 65% at master's level.
• They must be 32 years old or younger in the year of application.
• They must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• They may not be in full-time employment while they are studying.

To apply, please send a CV of no more than five pages to Prof. Anastassios Pouris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 16 September 2024. The CV should include a proposed PhD topic or area of interest.

Shortlisted candidates will be linked to the NRF Connect system (https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) to submit an application for funding. They will receive an NRF application reference number and their application will be sent to their chosen university for screening and review. If the university recommends an application for funding, the NRF will continue with the process.

For more information, visit the NRF's "Call for proposals for funding" page