The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) invites South African postgraduate students to apply for the PRF Bursary Programme 2026 / 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Dates:
- 15 September 2026
Location: South Africa (Postgraduate studies at recognised institutions)
About the PRF Bursary Programme
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) offers bursaries to support postgraduate research in Virology, contributing to scientific advancement in infectious diseases and public health.
This is a highly specialised bursary aimed at students pursuing careers in:
- Medical research
- Virology and microbiology
- Infectious disease science
- Laboratory-based research fields
Fields of Study Covered
The PRF Bursary supports postgraduate qualifications only, including:
- BSc Honours (BSc Hons)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Focus Area:
- Virology research
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary duration depends on your level of study:
- MSc: Up to 2 years funding
- PhD: Up to 3 years funding
Note: Continued funding depends on academic progress and approval by PRF.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PRF Bursary, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident (preferred)
- Be registered for a postgraduate qualification in Virology
- Have a minimum academic average of 60% in previous studies
Required Documents
Step 1: complete an online application:
Academic record evaluation
- 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 clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
NEW applicants:
- Curriculum Vitae, including publications (maximum 2 pages)
- Academic Record
- Proof of Degree Registration
- Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
- MSc applicants: Proof of BSc completion
- PhD applicants: Proof of MSc completion
- Any other additional information to support your application (graphs must be submitted in a PDF doc as an annex)
RENEWAL:
- MSc applicants: completed Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
- PhD applicants: Supervisor Progress Report
- Any other additional information to support your application (graphs must be submitted in a PDF doc as an annex)
Step 3: download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form and submit it via email to: prf@nicd.ac.za
(Insert the words “PRF Bursary Application”, followed by “BSc (Hons)” or “MSc” or “PhD” in the email subject line).
New Applicants must submit:
- CV (maximum 2 pages, including publications if any)
- Academic record
- Proof of registration
- Completed Grants Application Signatory Form
- Proof of previous qualification:
- BSc for MSc applicants
- MSc for PhD applicants
- Supporting research documents (if applicable)
Renewal Applicants must submit:
- Grants Application Signatory Form
- Supervisor progress report (PhD)
- Additional supporting documents
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the online application for your qualification level:
- BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form
- Email the completed form to:
prf@nicd.ac.za
Email Subject Line Format:
“PRF Bursary Application – BSc (Hons) / MSc / PhD”
Important Notes
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered
- Ensure all documents are clear and complete
- Research focus must remain unchanged unless approved
Why You Should Apply
- Gain funding for advanced scientific research
- Contribute to public health and virology advancements
- Build a career in medical and research sciences
- Access support for postgraduate academic growth