Thuthuka Research Grants

Thuthuka Research Grants

Offers South African researchers support focused on inclusion and early innovation career development.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Thuthuka Research Grants programme, administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through its Next Generation and Emerging Researchers (NGER) directorate, supports early-career academics from designated groups — defined as Black (African, Indian, and Coloured), female, or persons with disabilities — who are employed at South African public universities or NRF-recognised public research institutions. The 2027 cycle targets at least 80% Black grantholders and at least 55% female recipients across all three tracks. Awards fund research activities rather than salaries; the NRF contributes up to approximately R290,000 per year across expense categories including equipment (R50,000), international conference attendance (R50,000), materials and supplies (R100,000), visiting scientists (R50,000), and science engagement (R10,000). The institution must match all NRF-approved running expenses at a 1:1 ratio — this co-funding commitment is a hard eligibility prerequisite.

Three tracks are available. The PhD Track is for applicants holding a Master's degree (or completing one by 31 December 2026) who will register for a doctoral degree at grant commencement. The Post-PhD Track targets researchers who obtained their PhD no more than five years before first application (PhDs awarded before February 2021 are ineligible). The NRF Rating Track is for researchers who received their PhD no more than eight years prior, are not yet NRF-rated, and can demonstrate limited research opportunities. Awards run for three years, renewable once for a maximum of six years per track. The Thuthuka grant cannot be held concurrently with ten other NRF instruments including SARChI, Centre of Excellence Director grants, and YAAP awards.

Applications are submitted annually through the NRF Connect portal at nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za. The 2027 cycle deadline was approximately 15 April 2026 and is now closed. The next cycle (Thuthuka 2028) is expected to open for applications in the first quarter of 2027. Review is single-stage competitive merit review; scoring weights differ by track, with Scientific Merit (30–35%) and Project Management and Feasibility (20–30%) carrying the greatest weight. Contact Ms Thandeka Mthethwa (T.Mthethwa@risa.nrf.ac.za, 012 481-4163) for programme queries.