Opportunities Path Ultimate Guide to a Brighter Future
If you’re a South African student pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree and looking for world-class academic and research support, the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 could be your golden opportunity. Jointly funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship empowers full-time postgraduates at South African universities across all academic fields.
Beyond tuition support, the scholarship opens doors to exciting international research collaborations and interdisciplinary summer schools in Germany — giving you exposure to global innovation, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
About NRF and DAAD Partnership
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for international academic exchange. Together with the NRF, they aim to strengthen South Africa’s research capacity by funding promising scholars through a dynamic In-Country/In-Region model. This initiative supports high-performing Master’s and PhD students at South African public universities, giving them global research exposure without leaving their national context.
Overview of NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 |
| Host Institutions | All South African Public Universities |
| Funded By | DAAD (Germany) & NRF (South Africa) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s & PhD |
| Eligibility | South African citizens / Permanent residents with ≥ 65% academic record |
| Additional Opportunities | Research stay in Germany; Interdisciplinary Summer Schools |
| Monthly Stipend (Germany) | €992 (Master’s), €1300 (PhD) |
| Deadline | 04 July 2025 |
Scholarship Benefits
- Covers all expenses for Master’s and PhD programs at public universities in South Africa
- Access to DAAD-funded short-term research opportunities in Germany (3–6 months)
- Monthly living stipend for research in Germany:
• €992/month (Master’s)
• €1300/month (PhD) - Travel allowance to and from Germany
- Health, accident, and liability insurance during your stay
- Optional participation in five interdisciplinary summer schools in Germany (2025)
- Networking with researchers and students from around the world
- Chance to publish research, join conferences, and strengthen your academic CV
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens or permanent South African residents
- Hold admission or be registered in a full-time Master’s or PhD program at a South African university
- Have a minimum academic average of 65%
- Show strong motivation for research and future academic contribution
- Commit to staying enrolled for at least 4 months after returning from Germany (if selected for research mobility)
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025::
- Check Your Eligibility
• You must be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency
• Confirm your university enrollment for Master’s or PhD - Gather Required Documents
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of registration or admission
• Motivation letter
• Research proposal (PhD applicants)
• ID/passport and proof of residence - Register on the NRF Connect Portal
• Go to the official NRF application portal
• Create your account and start a new application for the scholarship - Complete Application Details
• Upload academic and supporting documents
• Indicate your interest in the DAAD add-on options if applicable - Submit Before Deadline
• Final deadline: 04 July 2025
• Make sure to submit your application exclusively via the NRF online portal
DAAD Add-On Opportunities (Optional but Powerful)
- Short-Term Research Stay in Germany
• Duration: 3 to 6 months
• Submit your application through the DAAD Portal no later than 4 months before your planned start date
• Requirement: 4+ months of degree study must remain after return to South Africa
• Includes monthly stipend, travel, and insurance - Summer Schools in Germany (2025)
Scholarship holders can apply to join one of the following DAAD-funded summer schools:
- Heidelberg University – Global Health (28 July to 22 August 2025)
- TH Köln – Coping with Climate Extremes (30 August to 21 September 2025)
- Leipzig University: Green IDEAS (20 Aug – 9 Sep 2025)
- Osnabrück University: GeoTraining (7 Sep – 29 Sep 2025)
These programs include fieldwork, seminars, and intercultural exchange — all fully funded.
Comparison with Other Scholarships
| Feature | NRF-DAAD In-Country | DAAD Helmut Schmidt | Mandela Rhodes Scholarship |
| Degree Levels | Master’s & PhD | Master’s only | Honours & Master’s |
| Host Country | South Africa | Germany | South Africa |
| Stipend Amount | €992–€1300 in Germany | €934/month | R7500–R10,000/month |
| Research in Germany | Yes (short-term) | Yes (full program) | No |
| Open to International Students | No (South Africans only) | Yes | No (Africans only) |
| Application Deadline | 04 July 2025 | July 2025 | April 2025 |
FAQs About NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025
- Is this South African Scholarship 2025 fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition, living allowance (in Germany), insurance, and travel support. - Can I apply if I’m already studying?
Yes, you must be currently enrolled full-time in a postgraduate program. - What is the minimum academic requirement?
A minimum of 65% academic average. - Can I do my entire degree in Germany under this program?
No, the program supports studies in South Africa with optional short-term stays in Germany. - How long can I stay in Germany for research?
From 3 to 6 months during your Master’s or PhD study. - Do I need to know German?
Not necessarily. Research work and summer schools are conducted in English. - Are travel and visa costs covered?
Yes, travel expenses to and from Germany are included. - Is there an age limit for NRF DAAD Scholarship 2025?
There is no specific age limit, but applicants must be enrolled in a valid postgraduate program. - Where do I apply?
All applications must be submitted via the NRF Connect Portal.
If you’re ready to elevate your research career with both national and international exposure, the NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025 offers an exceptional platform. It’s more than just financial support — it’s an invitation to a global academic network. APPLY NOW before July 4, 2025, and unlock opportunities across South Africa and Germany. For official details, please visit the website.
