The DSTI-NRF Professional Development Program (PDP) Postdoctoral Fellowships support research and research capacity development across all knowledge fields, with priority given to Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) disciplines. Administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the programme offers postdoctoral fellowship awards to South African citizens and permanent residents who intend to conduct research at eligible South African public research entities.

Overview

The DSTI-NRF Professional Development Program Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to strengthen the research enterprise by supporting early-career researchers in advancing their work within South Africa's public research system. Fellowships are tenable only at South African Public Research entities, including Science Councils, National Facilities, Museums, and other NRF-recognised research institutions as declared by the DSTI.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents.
• Fellowships are open to candidates who intend to undertake research at a South African Public Research entity only.
• Eligible host institutions include Science Councils, National Facilities, Museums, and other NRF-recognised research institutions as declared by the DSTI.
• Applicants who were completing their doctoral dissertation at the time of application were required to complete their doctoral degree by 31 December 2025. Proof of completion must be submitted at the time of commencement of the fellowship.

Research Areas

The programme supports research in all knowledge fields, with priority given to Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) disciplines.

Application Process and Timeline

• Successful candidates may view and download their award letters in May 2026 via NRF Connect.
• All required documentation must be uploaded to the awardee’s NRF Connect profile within one month of receipt of the award letter.
• Awards not taken up within this period will be cancelled by the NRF.
• For applicants who were completing their doctoral degree, awards not taken up by 30 June 2026 will be cancelled; no exemptions will be made if the completion letter or doctoral certificate has not been issued by that time.
• Unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback on the review of their applications between May and June 2026.
• The NRF reserves the right to withdraw or cancel a fellowship if the applicant fails to meet all conditions and requirements stated in the PDP Communique, the NRF Postdoctoral Fellowship Call for 2025 Framework document, and the Conditions of Grant.

Further information and guidelines on accepting an award are available through the NRF. Awardees are encouraged to review the Conditions of Grant letter and award letter documents carefully before accepting the award.