Announcement of NRF Calls for Proposals 2025/2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce the opening of the NRF Calls for Proposals for the 2025/2026 funding cycle.

The first set of calls has opened today, and additional calls will open according to the dates specified in Appendix 1 of the attached General Application Guide 2026.

Categories of Calls Opening in 2025

• Concept Notes
• Global Knowledge Partnerships
• Infrastructure grants
• Institutional Grants
• Non-Funding Opportunities
• NRF Postgraduate Scholarships
• Postdoctoral Grants
• Research Grants
• SARAO Diploma and Undergraduate Scholarships
• Targeted Grants
• Travel, Training and Conference Grants

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted electronically on the NRF Connect System at NRF Connect unless otherwise stated in the General Application Guide 2026.

Call Documents and Contact Information

• All Framework and Funding Guides, Application Guides, and the General Application Guide 2026 will be available on the NRF website: www.nrf.ac.za.
• For specific queries regarding each Funding Instrument, please refer to the relevant contact person(s) listed in the call documents.
• Additionally, an NRF Funding Opportunity Contact List is attached for further guidance.
• Any information not currently included in the General Application Guide will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Institutional Cut-Off Dates

• Applications must reach the NRF by the deadlines specified in Appendix 1 of the General Application Guide 2026.
• Institutions may set earlier internal closing dates for submission to their respective Research Offices (or equivalent).
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to first consult their institutional authorities, such as the Research/Postgraduate Office, for guidance on submissions.

For Queries:

• Funding Instrument-related queries: Contact the designated contact person(s) as indicated in the Framework and Funding and Application Guides.
• Technical Support: Contact the NRF Support Desk at supportdesk@nrf.ac.za.

We encourage all prospective applicants to carefully review the call documents and consult the relevant contacts for guidance.

Thank you for your interest in the NRF funding opportunities.

Regards
NRF Support Desk