The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is inviting students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year. The bursaries are aimed at supporting postgraduate studies in Virology research at Honours (BSc Hons), Masters (MSc), and Doctoral (PhD) levels.
Bursary Application Closing Dates:
- 15 September 2025
- 28 February 2026
Fields Covered
- BSc Honours (Virology)
- MSc in Virology
- PhD in Virology
The bursary is exclusively for research into Virology.
Bursary Coverage and Duration
- MSc students: up to 2 years of bursary support
- PhD students: up to 3 years (longer only in exceptional cases)
Note: Scholars are not allowed to change their research project without prior approval from PRF.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:
- Preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents
- Must be registered for a BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD in Virology research
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in the most recent studies
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the online PRF bursary application form:
Choose the correct application link below:
- PRF Bursary Application: BSc (Hons)
- PRF Bursary Application: MSc (NEW applications)
- PRF Bursary Application: MSc (RENEWAL)
- PRF Bursary Application: PhD (NEW applications)
- PRF Bursary Application: PhD (RENEWAL)
Step 2: Upload the following documents
New applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Academic Record
- Proof of Registration
- Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
- MSc applicants: Proof of BSc completion
- PhD applicants: Proof of MSc completion
- Any additional supporting information (include graphs in PDF format if applicable)
Renewal applicants must submit:
- MSc: Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
- PhD: Supervisor Progress Report
- Any additional supporting info in PDF format
Step 3: Submit PRF Final Bursary Form
Download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form and email it to: prf@nicd.ac.za
Use the following format in the email subject line:
“PRF Bursary Application – [BSc (Hons)/MSc/PhD]”
Important Notes
- All supporting documents must be submitted in full
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
- The PRF Committee reserves the right to accept or reject applications
Click here to apply for the PRF Bursaries 2026:
Visit PRF Bursary Application Portal
For queries, email: prf@nicd.ac.za