The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation has opened applications for its postgraduate bursary programmes for the 2026 academic year. These bursaries support research focused on virology and are aimed at building scientific capacity within South Africa. Funding is available for honours, masters, and doctoral level studies linked to virology research.
The bursary programme targets postgraduate students who are committed to research careers in medical virology and related disciplines. The Foundation has a long standing role in supporting virology research and postgraduate training in South Africa.
Programme Overview
- Bursary provider: Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
- Programme: PRF Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026
- Study level: BSc Honours, MSc, PhD
- Field of study: Virology research
- Location: South Africa
- Target group: Postgraduate research students
- Preference: South African citizens or permanent residents
- Closing dates: 15 September 2025 and 28 February 2026
About the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation was established in the late 1940s as a non governmental organisation focused on research into poliomyelitis. Over time, the Foundation expanded its focus to support broader medical virology research within South Africa.
The Foundation is governed by senior virologists, industry representatives, business leaders, and a scientific advisory panel made up of university virology heads of department. This governance structure ensures that funded research aligns with national scientific priorities and academic standards.
Since 1977, the Foundation has awarded more than R144 million in research funding. Over R44 million of this funding has been allocated specifically to bursary grants supporting postgraduate students.
About the PRF Bursary Programme
The PRF Bursary Programme supports postgraduate research training in virology. The bursary is designed to strengthen research capacity and support the development of skilled scientists who can contribute to public health, disease surveillance, and medical research.
Funding is awarded for honours, masters, and doctoral studies where the research focus is directly linked to virology. The bursary supports both new applicants and renewal applicants who are continuing their postgraduate studies.
Fields of Study Supported
Bursaries are awarded for postgraduate research in:
- Medical virology
- Virology related research fields
The research focus must be clearly aligned with virology for the application to be considered.
Bursary Duration and Support Period
The duration of funding depends on the level of qualification.
- Honours level funding is subject to the approved study period
- Masters students may receive funding for up to two years
- PhD students may receive funding for up to three years
Extensions are only considered in exceptional circumstances and are not guaranteed.
Who Can Apply
The bursary programme is open to postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria and who are registered for research degrees focused on virology.
Preference is given to applicants who are South African citizens or permanent residents. International applicants may be considered, subject to Foundation priorities and available funding.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements before applying.
- Preference given to South African citizens or permanent residents
- Registered for a postgraduate degree at honours, masters, or doctoral level
- Research focus must be in virology
- Minimum overall academic average of 60 percent in the most recent studies
Applications that do not meet all requirements are not considered.
Application Process Overview
The application process consists of multiple steps and requires careful attention to documentation.
Applicants must complete an online application, upload all required supporting documents, and submit a final bursary form by email.
Step One, Online Application
Applicants must complete the correct online application based on their level of study.
- PRF Bursary Application for BSc Honours
- PRF Bursary Application for MSc new applications
- PRF Bursary Application for MSc renewal applications
- PRF Bursary Application for PhD new applications
- PRF Bursary Application for PhD renewal applications
Step Two, Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload clear copies of all required supporting documents. Missing documentation may result in disqualification.
Supporting Documents for New Applicants
- Curriculum Vitae including publications, maximum two pages
- Academic record
- Proof of degree registration
- Completed Grants Application Signatory Form
- Proof of BSc completion for MSc applicants
- Proof of MSc completion for PhD applicants
- Additional supporting information where applicable
Any graphs must be submitted as a PDF annexure.
Supporting Documents for Renewal Applicants
- Completed Grants Application Signatory Form for MSc renewals
- Supervisor Progress Report for PhD renewals
- Additional supporting information where applicable
Step Three, Final Bursary Form Submission
Applicants must download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form and submit it by email.
Email submissions must be sent to: prf@nicd.ac.za
The email subject line must include:
PRF Bursary Application followed by BSc Honours, MSc, or PhD
Important Application Notes
- All documents must be clear and complete
- Incomplete applications may be disqualified
- Applications submitted after the closing date are not accepted
Applicants are advised to apply well before the closing date.
Closing Dates
Applications close on the following dates.
- 15 September 2025
- 28 February 2026
Contact Details
For bursary related enquiries, contact the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation directly.
- Telephone: 011 555 0395
- Email: prf@nicd.ac.za
Applicants should not contact the Foundation if the bursary has already closed.
