NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 — Fund Your Master’s or PhD in South Africa & Experience Germany Too
Are you a passionate postgraduate student in South Africa with dreams of making a global impact through research? Here’s your golden opportunity! The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications — offering not only full funding for your Master’s or Doctoral studies in South Africa, but also exclusive international exposure in Germany.
This scholarship is a collaboration between the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) — one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world.
What is the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship?
The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship is designed to support South African citizens or permanent residents who are registered full-time for Master’s or PhD degrees at any accredited public university in South Africa. It’s part of DAAD’s broader In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, which strengthens academic capacities across Africa.
Fields of Study: All academic disciplines are eligible — from sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences for following 2 programs:
1# Short-Term Research Stay in Germany
Take your South African research global! Scholarship holders can apply for a 3 to 6-month research stay at a German institution.
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Must apply at least 4 months in advance via the DAAD Portal
- Upon return, at least 4 months of your degree must remain, ensuring the research can be integrated into your thesis
Benefits:
- €992/month for Master’s students
- €1,300/month for PhD candidates
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Lump sum for international travel costs.
2# Interdisciplinary Summer Schools in Germany (2025)
Scholarship holders can also apply to attend one of five interdisciplinary summer schools in Germany. These programs combine advanced training with cross-cultural networking and professional development. Here are the 2025 options:
| Summer School | Dates | Location | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | 28 July – 22 August 2025 | Heidelberg | Global Health: Teaching & Research |
| TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences | 30 August – 21 September 2025 | Cologne | Coping with Climate Extremes |
| Leipzig University | 20 August – 9 September 2025 | Leipzig | Green IDEAS: Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Osnabrück University | 7 September – 29 September 2025 | Osnabrück | GeoTraining: Remote Sensing & Environmental Analysis |
These experiences are designed to build global academic networks and boost your research and teaching profile.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible to apply if you meet the following:
- Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident
- Age Limit:
- Under 30 years for Master’s applicants
- Under 32 years for PhD applicants
- Academic Requirement: Minimum 65% average in prior degree
- Enrolled or accepted for full-time postgraduate study at a South African university.
Apply: https://www.daad.org.za/en/study-research-in-south-africa/nrf-daad-in-country-scholarship/.
