NRF 2026 Call: Expanding Full Cost of Study for SSH Candidates

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the NRF have opened the call for 2026 postgraduate funding, bringing a wave of optimism for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) students. A key highlight of this cycle is the continued emphasis on Full Cost of Study (FCS) packages for high-achieving South African citizens DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2026 Academic Year | University Of Pretoria. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum academic average of 65% from their previous degree, a standard that aims to ensure research excellence across the board. For many SSH doctoral candidates, the availability of FCS is a game-changer, covering tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance, thereby reducing the financial barriers to advanced research. Additionally, the NRF has streamlined the process for continuing students, who must now focus on submitting detailed Progress Reports rather than entirely new applications DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2026 Academic Year. This shift toward sustained support reflects a policy commitment to seeing PhD candidates through to completion, particularly in disciplines that contribute to social cohesion and national policy development.