NRF DSTI Policy Fellowship 2027: Funding, Eligibility, Apply

DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship 2027: Funding, Eligibility, Apply

Facts checked: against the official notice at nrf.ac.za on 13 November 2026.

Quick Summary

Applications for the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 close on 17 November 2026, as per the official notification. The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers this fellowship to early- and mid-career researchers with a recent doctoral degree for policy placements. See details and submit your form through the official website.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027: Overview

The DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 is a policy placement fellowship run by the National Research Foundation (NRF) for researchers holding a recent doctorate.

As per the official notification, the annual fellowship funding is R240,000 to R320,000 for up to 24 months. The overview table below summarises the offering body, programme name and funding structure for quick reference. Readers should treat the funding as an annual range tied to the placement period, not a one-time payment.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Fellowship Benefits

The benefit under this programme is annual fellowship funding linked to the full placement period.

The benefits table below reflects the range stated in the official notification. The actual amount within that range is decided as per the official notification, so applicants should rely on the award letter for their confirmed value. Refer to the official notification for any disbursement schedule or additional support terms, as none are listed separately in the sources.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Only early- and mid-career researchers who meet the doctorate, citizenship and affiliation conditions can apply.

• Early- and mid-career individuals who obtained doctoral degree within past 10 years
• South African citizens or permanent residents; non-South Africans may be considered in exceptional cases up to 10% of recipients
• Registered or employed on permanent or fixed-term basis at NRF-recognised research institution, or able to secure such affiliation before taking up grant

As per the official notification, the doctorate must have been obtained within the past 10 years, which defines the early- and mid-career window. Citizenship is the main filter for Indian applicants: the fellowship is for South African citizens or permanent residents, while non-South Africans — including Indian citizens — may be considered only in exceptional cases up to 10% of recipients. On affiliation, applicants must already be registered or employed on a permanent or fixed-term basis at an NRF-recognised research institution, or be able to secure such affiliation before taking up the grant. Those without a doctorate or without a route to that affiliation cannot use this route.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Important Dates and Deadline

There is one confirmed date for this fellowship: the application closing date.

The Important Dates table below lists the last date to apply as announced on the NRF page. As per the official notification, no separate schedule covers results, interviews or placement start. Since only the closing date is confirmed, applicants should complete the Google Form submission through the channel noted under How to Apply and retain proof of submission.

How to Apply for NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027

Applications for Cohort 2 are submitted online through the NRF page that links to a Google Form.

What the application form on nrf.ac.za asks for

• Fields (* = required): s; Name *; Email Address *
• Limit: , and attach the required supporting documents in PDF format

1. Go to the NRF fellowship page and open the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme, Cohort 2 notice.
2. Read the eligibility and document notes on that page before starting the form.
3. Click the Apply Online link to open the Google Form.
4. Enter your Name in the required field exactly as on your ID or passport.
5. Enter your Email Address where correspondence can be received.
6. Attach the required supporting documents in PDF format in the upload section.
7. Check every entry against your documents, then submit the form.
8. Save or screenshot the submission confirmation for your records.

The checklist inserted below summarises these fields and uploads; refer to it while filling the form.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Documents Required

Three types of proof support the Cohort 2 application.

• ID/Passport copy
• Proof of doctoral qualification
• For currently employed applicants, written confirmation from employer or institution supporting participation

The required-documents list below shows what the NRF asks for to verify identity, doctoral status and institutional backing. The employer or institutional letter applies only to those currently employed, confirming support for participation rather than serving as a general recommendation. Use the format guidance noted under How to Apply when preparing scans, and ensure names match across your ID and qualification proof.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Selection Process

Selection is through a competitive merit review which may involve host institutions.

1. Competitive merit review process, which may include interviews with potential host institutions

As per the official notification, the review is merit-based and competitive, so meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee placement. Where used, interviews with potential host institutions help match fellows to placement needs. Refer to the official notification for the final placement decision and communication process.

NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027 Important Links

The NRF fellowship page and the application form are the only confirmed links for Cohort 2.

The Important Links table below provides the Apply Online form link as listed in the sources. For context, notices and any updates appear on the official NRF notification page, which should be treated as the reference point if the form link does not open. Do not use unofficial portals or social-media forwards to submit details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2?

The last date to submit the online application is 17 November 2026.

Who is eligible for the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme 2027?

Early- and mid-career individuals who earned a doctoral degree within the past 10 years and are South African citizens or permanent residents can apply. Applicants must be registered or employed at an NRF-recognised research institution or be able to secure such affiliation before taking up the grant.

What is the fellowship amount under the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme?

Selected fellows receive annual funding ranging from R240,000 to R320,000 for a placement of up to 24 months.

How to apply for the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2?

Eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the Apply Online form provided in the official notification.

How will candidates be selected for the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship?

Candidates are shortlisted through a competitive merit review process, which may include interviews with potential host institutions.

What documents are required to apply for the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship?

Applicants need to upload a copy of their ID or passport and proof of doctoral qualification, while those currently employed must also submit written confirmation from their employer or institution supporting participation.