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Thuthuka Research Grants

Thuthuka Research Grants

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

Between cyclesNational Research FoundationSouth Africa

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 β€” defined as Black (African, Indian, and Coloured), female, or persons with disabilities β€” who are employed at South African public universities or NRF-recognised public researc…

Early-career research grants for designated-group academics at South African public universities and research institutions across all scientific and humanities disciplines.

CycleiHow often this grant runs β€” e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.β€”
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.β€”
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.36–72 months
Award typeiThe form of funding β€” grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.100%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.β€”

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.nrf.ac.za