Researchers, academic institutions, and research organizations now have the opportunity to apply for funding through the National Research Foundation (NRF) Call for Proposals for Funding in 2026 and 2027. The call supports a wide range of research activities, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration programs designed to strengthen the research ecosystem and promote scientific innovation.

The NRF, a key research funding agency in South Africa, provides financial support for projects that advance knowledge, build research capacity, and support emerging scholars across multiple disciplines. Through this funding call, the foundation aims to support researchers at different career stages while promoting international collaboration and research excellence.

Applicants are encouraged to review the relevant funding guides and submit proposals through the NRF’s online application system.

About the NRF Funding Calls

The NRF funding calls provide a structured platform for researchers and institutions to access funding across a variety of programs. These programs support different types of research activities including basic research, capacity development, international collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

The 2026–2027 call includes multiple funding instruments designed to support researchers at various career stages, from emerging scholars to established researchers. Applicants can access detailed application and funding guides that explain eligibility requirements, funding conditions, and evaluation criteria.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the NRF Connect system, which is the official platform used to manage submissions and evaluate proposals.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Research funding plays a critical role in supporting scientific discovery and innovation. By providing financial support for research projects, training programs, and international collaborations, the NRF helps strengthen the research ecosystem while enabling scholars to pursue new ideas and solutions.

Funding programs such as those included in the 2026–2027 call contribute to building research capacity, promoting academic collaboration, and addressing complex societal challenges through scientific research.

For researchers seeking funding to advance their projects or develop new research initiatives, the NRF call represents an important opportunity to secure support and expand their academic impact.

Types of Funding Opportunities Available

The NRF call includes several funding categories that support research development and academic collaboration. These opportunities are designed to strengthen the national and international research landscape while supporting both established and emerging researchers.

Research Grants

Research grants are available to support academic projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and innovation. These grants often fund research activities such as fieldwork, data collection, laboratory research, and collaborative research initiatives.

Several targeted programs are included in this category, including initiatives that support emerging researchers and promote research development.

Targeted Grants

Targeted grants focus on supporting specific groups or priority areas within the research community. One example is funding designed to support scholars participating in national academic development initiatives.

These grants help strengthen research capacity and promote the development of researchers who are advancing their academic careers.

Postdoctoral Grants

The NRF also offers funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, enabling recent PhD graduates to continue developing their research expertise. These grants support postdoctoral fellows who want to conduct independent research projects or collaborate with established research groups.

Postdoctoral funding is an important component of the NRF’s strategy to strengthen the pipeline of future academic leaders.

Travel, Training, and Conference Grants

Researchers can also apply for funding that supports international collaboration, training opportunities, and participation in academic conferences.

These grants may support activities such as:

Travel to international research institutions
Training programs or workshops
Participation in scientific conferences
Collaborative knowledge exchange initiatives

These opportunities help researchers expand their professional networks while sharing knowledge across institutions and countries.

Application Process

Applicants interested in the NRF funding opportunities must submit their proposals through the NRF Connect online system. The platform allows researchers to upload proposals, supporting documents, and institutional approvals required for submission.

Researchers are advised to review the General Application Guide and the relevant funding frameworks before submitting their proposals. These documents outline important information such as:

Eligibility criteria
Application requirements
Evaluation and review processes
Funding conditions and reporting requirements

Institutions may also set internal submission deadlines that occur before the official NRF closing dates, so applicants should coordinate with their institutional research offices when preparing their applications.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 15 April 2025

Applicants should carefully review the relevant funding guides and submit their proposals before the official deadline listed in the NRF application portal.

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NRF Call for Researchers Proposals for Funding in 2026–2027 – Now Open! @2027 – Now Open!