NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025: Funding Opportunities for South African Postgraduate Students
About
The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship, a collaborative initiative between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), offers South African citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to pursue full-time Master’s or PhD degrees at public South African universities. This scholarship aims to support academic excellence and foster international research collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident of South Africa.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 30 years of age or younger for Master’s degree applications, and 32 years of age or younger for PhD applications, in the year of application.
- Academic Performance: A minimum academic average of 65% is required for postgraduate funding.
Application Process
Applications for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship are submitted directly to the NRF. The application deadline for 2025 is July 4, 2025. Applicants should refer to the NRF Connect System for detailed application procedures and requirements.
Benefits of the Scholarship
In addition to funding for full-time Master’s or PhD studies in South Africa, scholarship holders are eligible for:
- Short-Term Research Stay in Germany: A 3 to 6-month research visit to Germany, allowing scholars to gain international research experience. Applications for this opportunity should be made at least 4 months before the intended research stay. After completing the research stay, the scholar must have a minimum of 4 months remaining before completing their degree to incorporate the research into their current project in South Africa. Benefits include a monthly living allowance (€992 for Master’s students and €1,300 for PhD candidates), health/accident/personal liability insurance, and a lump sum for travel expenses.
- Interdisciplinary Summer Schools in Germany: Scholarship holders may apply to participate in one of several interdisciplinary summer schools offered in Germany during their funding period. These programs provide opportunities for academic development and networking in various fields. For instance, in 2025, options include:
- Heidelberg University: Enhancing Academic Qualifications in Teaching and Research in Global Health (28 July – 22 August 2025)
- TH Köln, University of Applied Sciences: Coping with Climate Extremes (30 August – 21 September 2025)
- Leipzig University: Green IDEAS – Innovators, Doers, and Entrepreneurs at Summer School (20 August – 9 September 2025)
- Osnabrück University: GeoTraining 2025 – Environmental and Remote Sensing Data Analysis via Geospatial Technologies in Research and Teaching (7 September – 29 September 2025)
Additional Opportunities
Scholarship holders are also invited to participate in an annual networking conference in South Africa, hosted by the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg. This event offers a platform for scholars to connect, share research experiences, and build professional networks.
Contact Information
For more details and to begin your application, visit the official NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship page.
For assistance or inquiries, you may contact the 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: daadwits.ac.za
The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship represents a valuable opportunity for South African postgraduate students to advance their academic careers while fostering international research collaborations. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications in advance of the July 4, 2025 deadline.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
