Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) Bursary
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) funds postgraduate students conducting research into virology. Bursaries support BSc (Hons), MSc and PhD candidates who are already registered for the degree, for up to 2 years (MSc) or 3 years (PhD), and applications are submitted to the PRF at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). The PRF lists 28 February and 15 September as its annual bursary closing dates.
- Amount
- Value not published on the PRF website; bursaries fund postgraduate virology research at BSc (Hons), MSc and PhD level
- Deadline
- 28 February 2027
- Duration
- Up to 2 years for MSc and up to 3 years for PhD, other than in exceptional circumstances
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Poliomyelitis Research Foundation supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Preference for South African citizens and permanent residents; a limited number of bursaries may go to non-South African applicants
- ✓ Registered for the BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD you are applying for
- ✓ Minimum pass of 60% in your previous studies (attach your latest academic record)
- ✓ Research focused on virology
- ✓ Registered at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Full-time salaried employees are not supported
- ✓ Written support from your supervisor; once awarded, the research project cannot be changed without PRF approval
What's Included
- ✓ Postgraduate research funding for virology projects
- ✓ Support for up to 2 years (MSc) or 3 years (PhD), with a renewal application for each continuing year
- ✓ Association with the virology research community
- ✓ Research capacity development
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Poliomyelitis Research Foundation bursary application
- 1
Register for the BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD you are applying for and agree your virology project with your supervisor
- 2
Complete the online bursary application form for your level on the PRF website (prf.ac.za), or use the Word application form on the bursary application page
- 3
Download the Grants Application Signatory Form, have it completed and signed, and upload it with your application
- 4
Attach your latest academic record, proof of degree registration, proof of completion of your previous degree and your supervisor's support
- 5
Make sure your application reaches the PRF at the NICD by the closing date (28 February or 15 September); late applications are not considered
- 6
Continuing students submit a renewal application; after completing the degree, send the Final Bursary Form to prf@nicd.ac.za
Required Documents
- 📄 Completed PRF bursary application form for your level (online or Word version)
- 📄 Signed Grants Application Signatory Form
- 📄 Latest academic record
- 📄 Proof of registration for the degree
- 📄 Proof of completion of your previous degree
- 📄 Project details: abstract, literature review, rationale, objectives, methodology and timelines
- 📄 Supervisor's details and written support
- 📄 Short CV (2 pages maximum, including publications)
- 📄 Ethics approval for human or animal research, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the PRF bursary closing dates?
- The PRF lists 28 February and 15 September each year as its bursary closing dates; its MSc and PhD application pages give 28 February, and the Honours page gives both dates. The 15 September 2026 round has closed, so the next closing date is 28 February 2027. Applications must reach the NICD by the deadline.
- What research does the PRF fund?
- Funding is specifically for postgraduate research into virology at BSc (Hons), MSc and PhD level.
- How long does the bursary run?
- Other than in exceptional circumstances, the PRF supports Masters students for up to 2 years and PhD students for up to 3 years. Continuing students must submit a renewal application.
- How do I submit my application?
- Complete the online application form for your level (BSc Hons, MSc or PhD) on the PRF website, or the Word form, and upload the signed Grants Application Signatory Form, your academic record, proof of registration and your supervisor's support. Queries go to prf@nicd.ac.za. The Final Bursary Form is only submitted after you complete your degree.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 28 February 2027
Apply on Poliomyelitis Research Foundation's official siteInformation verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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