NRF-DHET-DSI Partnership on International Scholarships

Effective coordination within the National System of Innovation (NSI) is key to ensuring that available resources are used for optimal impact to benefit the sector. Acknowledging this need, the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) have signed an agreement aimed at increasing coordination between the entities to effectively foster regional and international scholarships and mobility opportunities. Among others, this partnership will optimise alignment, coordination and resources within the NSI.

As part of the agreement, the NRF will among others, play an increasing role in supporting the DHET programmes through its grant management and administration processes, working closely with DHET, DSI, universities and other international partners. Underpinning the partnership is a collective networking platform aimed at stimulating partnerships and increasing the flow of knowledge among academia, industry and other partners in South Africa and globally. This MoU is based on the fundamental premise to:

• Accelerate the career pathways of postgraduate students to become internationally recognised and leading researchers with strengthened academic rigour and competitiveness through increased international exposure, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities.
• Strengthen South Africa’s capacity to identify and sustain partnerships that enhance international opportunities for postgraduate students, working in close collaboration with higher education/ research institutions; and international opportunities for postgraduate students, working in close collaboration with higher education / research institutions; and
• Creating physical and virtual platforms that increase regional and international networking opportunities for a globally engaged cohort of exceptional students.

This collaboration will leverage new and existing funding opportunities from partners, and is guided by the NRF’s Global Knowledge Partnerships (GKP) programme, and other programmes supported by international partners.

At the NRF, the agreement is coordinated and implemented by Strategic Partnerships (SP), and Human and Infrastructure Capacity Development (HICD).