NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship 2025, Germany

NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Programme 2025 (Fully Funded)

Study in South Africa & Germany | Master’s & PhD | All Subjects

The NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship Programme 2025 provides full funding for postgraduate study at accredited South African universities, along with exclusive international research opportunities in Germany.

Jointly offered by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship supports academic excellence and international collaboration.

Degree Levels

• Master’s (full-time)

• PhD (full-time)

Eligible Fields of Study

• All academic disciplines are eligible under this scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

The NRF-DAAD Scholarship offers comprehensive financial and academic support:

• Full tuition coverage at a South African university

• Monthly living stipend

• DAAD-funded international opportunities in Germany, including:

  1. Short-Term Research Stays

  • Duration: 3–6 months in Germany

  • Monthly stipend: €992 (Master’s) / €1,300 (PhD)

  • Includes health insurance and travel allowance

  • Applications must be submitted 4 months in advance via the DAAD Portal

  2. Interdisciplinary Summer Schools in Germany (2025 Sessions)

  • Heidelberg University: Global Health (July 28 – August 22)

  • TH Köln: Coping with Climate Extremes (August 30 – September 21)

  • Leipzig University: Green IDEAS for Entrepreneurs (August 20 – September 9)

  • Osnabrück University: GeoTraining for Environmental Data (September 7 – 29)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency

• Be 30 years or younger for Master’s / 32 years or younger for PhD

• Be enrolled in a full-time postgraduate program at a recognized South African university

• Have a minimum academic average of 65%

How to Apply

• Application Deadline: July 4, 2025

• Apply via: NRF Online Submission Portal

• Note: After selection, scholarship recipients may apply separately for the Germany-based summer schools and research stays.

Why Apply for the NRF-DAAD Scholarship?

This is more than just a scholarship — it’s a pathway to international research excellence. As a recipient, you’ll:

• Receive full financial support for your studies

• Join a network of top researchers and academics

• Gain access to Germany’s world-class universities and labs

• Build a global academic and professional profile

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a globally connected scholar.