NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2026 Excellent opportunity : Who can apply and how to apply

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Closing Date: 1 March 2026

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship (known as Public Policy and Good Governance) supports future leaders from developing countries (see list of countries), who want to promote democracy and social justice in their home countries. The program, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers the chance to acquire a Master’s degree in Master programs of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin. In the light of the principles of Good Governance, highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree are being educated in political science, law, economics and administration and prepared for future leading positions in their home countries.https://www.daad.org.za/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/?type=a&origin=1&subjectgroup=0&q=0&status=0&page=0&onlydaad=1&language=en&id=0&pg=1&detail_to_show=50026397

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship is the main DAAD scholarship opportunity for South African students. It is a joint initiative between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). TheNRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship funds full-time Master’s and PhD studies at any South African public university in all fields of study. It helps build research skills and supports national development by training academics and professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s growth.

Quick Summary Of the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

Bursary Name	NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Programme
Company / Organisation	DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) in partnership with NRF (National Research Foundation)
Fields Covered	All fields of study
Who Can Apply	South African citizens or permanent residents, full-time Master’s or PhD students at public South African universities
Closing Date	1 March 2026 (closed)
How to Apply	Online via NRF Connect portal

Bursary Overview
Who the Bursary is For
Fields of Study Covered
What the Bursary Covers
Eligibility Requirements
Required Documents
Step-by-Step How to Apply
Closing Date
Selection Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes & Warnings
Related Searches Section

NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Overview

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Programme funds full-time Master’s and PhD studies at South African universities. It is run together by DAAD and the NRF to train researchers and academics who can help South Africa grow. The scholarship supports students in any field of study who want to do research that makes a difference.

This programme is important because South Africa needs more highly qualified people in universities and the public sector. Many bursary holders also get the chance to do short research stays in Germany or attend summer schools. This gives them international experience while studying at home.

The scholarship covers living and study costs so you can focus on your research and degree. It is for students who are already registered or planning to register full-time at a public university. Past recipients have gone on to become lecturers, researchers, and leaders in their fields.

If you are a South African citizen or permanent resident with good marks and a strong research idea, this scholarship can help you complete your Master’s or PhD without money worries. It is one of the best government-supported options for postgraduate studies in South Africa.

Who the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship is For

This scholarship is for South African citizens or permanent residents who are registered or planning to register for full-time Master’s or PhD studies at a public South African university. It is perfect for students who want to do research and build an academic or professional career.

The programme especially encourages female applicants. It helps students who want to contribute to South Africa’s development through their studies. If you are serious about research and have strong academic results, this scholarship is designed for you.

Fields of Study Covered by the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

The scholarship is open to all fields of study. You can apply for any Master’s or PhD programme at a public South African university. There is no restriction on the subject – from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences.

What the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides:

Annual funding for Master’s or PhD studies
Support for short research stays in Germany (3–6 months)
Opportunity to attend interdisciplinary summer schools in Germany
Full-time study support at a South African university

Exact amounts are set by the NRF Postgraduate Scholarship Framework (typically ZAR 80,000 per year for Master’s and ZAR 110,000 per year for PhD, plus additional benefits for research stays).

Who Qualifies for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

To qualify:

South African citizen or permanent resident
Registered or planning to register for full-time Master’s or PhD at a public South African university
Minimum academic requirement of 65% (as per NRF rules)
Strong research proposal or academic record

Required Documents when applying for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

You will need:

Certified ID or proof of permanent residency
Full academic transcripts
Proof of university registration or acceptance
Research proposal (for PhD or research-focused Master’s)
Other documents required by the NRF Connect portal

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

Go to the NRF Connect portal (nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za)
Look for the “NRF Postgraduate Scholarships” call (usually opens in June/July)
Create an account and complete the online application
Upload all required documents
Submit before the deadline

Applications are made directly to the NRF – not to DAAD.

Closing Date for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

1 March 2026 (closed). The annual call usually opens in June/July the previous year.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the NRF and DAAD. A panel of professors and representatives from both organisations makes the final selection. Successful applicants are informed through the NRF.

Frequently Asked Questions When applying for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

Can I study any subject?

Yes – all fields of study are supported.

Is it only for PhD?

No – it covers both Master’s and PhD.

Do I need to study in Germany?

No – the main studies are in South Africa, but you can apply for short research stays in Germany.

What if I am already studying?

You can apply if you are registered full-time at a public South African university.

Contact for help?

DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg or your university’s postgraduate office.

Important Notes & Warnings when applying for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship

Applications are closed for 2026 funding.
Submit only through the official NRF Connect portal.
Minimum 65% academic requirement applies.
Female applicants are strongly encouraged.
Incomplete or late applications are not considered.
Always check the official NRF and DAAD South Africa websites for the latest call.