Pursuing an Honours degree in South Africa is an important academic step, but for many students, funding remains a major challenge. Tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and daily living costs can quickly become overwhelming. To support academically strong students who wish to study full-time, the National Research Foundation (NRF) continues to offer the NRF Honours Scholarships 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This NRF Honours Application and Funding Guide for 2026 is designed to help students clearly understand how the scholarship works, how to apply correctly, what rules must be followed, and which deadlines should never be missed. It simplifies the official funding framework and explains the process in student-friendly language, while still aligning with official NRF and institutional requirements.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this guide together with the official DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Application and Funding Framework for 2026, as both documents work hand in hand.
What Is the NRF Honours Scholarship?
The NRF Honours Scholarship is a financial support programme for full-time Honours students registered at public universities in South Africa. It forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) postgraduate funding strategy, which aims to develop research capacity, innovation skills, and future academic leaders in the country.
The scholarship primarily focuses on:
- Academic merit
- Supporting national research and skills priorities
- Strengthening the postgraduate pipeline
Although the funding is provided by the NRF, students do not apply directly to the NRF. All applications are processed through universities, making institutional procedures just as important as national rules.
Who Should Apply for NRF Honours Funding in 2026?
This funding opportunity is suitable for students who:
- Intend to study full-time for an Honours degree in 2026
- Are applying to or registered at a public South African university
- Have a strong academic record
- Meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the NRF funding framework
Part-time students and those studying at private institutions are generally not eligible for this funding.
Official Documents Every Applicant Must Read
Before starting an application, students should carefully review the following official documents available on the NRF website or through university postgraduate offices:
- DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Application and Funding Framework (2026)
- NRF Honours Scholarship Call Documents
- Institutional postgraduate funding rules and guidelines
These documents explain eligibility requirements, funding values, transformation priorities, and compliance expectations. Ignoring them is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected.
Understanding the NRF Honours Application Process for 2026
The NRF Honours application follows a two-stage evaluation system:
institutional screening first, followed by NRF review.
Step 1: Online Application via NRF Connect
All Honours funding applications must be submitted online using the official NRF platform:
NRF Connect:
https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
Key rules to remember:
- Applicants may submit only ONE application per funding cycle
- All sections must be completed accurately
- Supporting documents must be uploaded in the required format
Students are advised to apply as early as possible once the call opens.
Step 2: Institutional Screening and Review
After submission, the application is automatically routed to the institution where the applicant intends to study.
The university’s Research or Postgraduate Office will:
- Verify eligibility
- Review academic records
- Check compliance with institutional rules
- Decide whether to recommend the application to the NRF
Only applications approved at institutional level are forwarded to the NRF. If your university does not recommend your application, it will not reach the final evaluation stage.
Step 3: Final NRF Evaluation and Award Decisions
The NRF conducts a final review of all recommended applications. Funding decisions are based on:
- Academic performance
- Availability of funds
- Alignment with national priorities
- Equity and transformation considerations
Successful applicants are notified through official NRF and institutional communication channels.
Key NRF Honours Funding Deadlines for 2026
Meeting deadlines is critical. Missing even one date can result in automatic rejection.
Main Application Closing Date
21 November 2025
This is the final date for submitting NRF Honours applications to institutions.
ISFAP-Linked Applications
Students requiring ISFAP assessment must submit applications before the end of August 2025, as institutions must forward these by:
02 September 2025
Final Claim Deadline
31 March 2026
Awarded students must formally accept and claim their funding by this date. Failure to do so may lead to loss of the scholarship.
Applying Without Final Results: What You Need to Know
Students who have not yet received their final-year results are still allowed to apply.
However:
- Final results must be submitted to the university once released
- The institution is responsible for updating the NRF system
- Delays in submitting results may affect funding consideration
Applicants should stay in close contact with their postgraduate office during this period.
The Role of the NRF Designated Authority (DA)
Each public university has an NRF Designated Authority (DA) based in the Research or Postgraduate Office.
The DA is responsible for:
- Reviewing applications before NRF submission
- Requesting missing information or corrections
- Rejecting non-compliant applications at institutional level
Applicants must respond promptly to all communication from the DA. Ignoring requests often leads to rejection before NRF evaluation.
How to Submit a Strong NRF Honours Application
Application Platform
All applications must be submitted through:
https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
Best Practice Tips
- Apply early to avoid system congestion
- Complete every section carefully and truthfully
- Upload certified and clear documents
- Check institutional deadlines, which may be earlier than NRF deadlines
- Keep copies of all submissions
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Common Mistakes That Cause Application Rejection
Many rejections happen due to avoidable errors, such as:
- Missing institutional deadlines
- Submitting more than one application
- Incomplete academic records
- Choosing the wrong institution or programme
- Ignoring messages from the Designated Authority
Following official guidelines and institutional instructions greatly improves success chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for NRF Honours funding without university admission?
Yes. You may apply while awaiting admission, but your application must be processed through your proposed institution.
Can I apply to more than one university?
You may apply for admission to multiple universities, but you may submit only one NRF application.
Is NRF Honours funding guaranteed?
No. Funding is competitive and depends on academic merit and available resources.
Do I apply directly to the NRF?
No. Applications are submitted via NRF Connect and screened by your institution first.
When will I receive funding results?
Outcomes are communicated after institutional and NRF evaluations are completed, usually before the academic year begins.
Amina Sechaba is a passionate career writer and employment researcher dedicated to helping South Africans find better job opportunities and prepare for successful careers. With years of experience in content writing and career development, Amina creates informative articles, application guides, and interview tips that empower job seekers to reach their full potential. Through her work with Submit Your CV, she aims to simplify the job application process and provide reliable information on learnerships, internships, and career advice for both students and professionals.