The DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 is now accepting applications from early- and mid-career researchers who earned their doctoral degree within the past 10 years. This 24-month fellowship, run by the National Research Foundation (NRF) with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), places researchers inside host institutions to support policy development, analysis and implementation.
Complete guide to the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2, covering fellowship areas, eligibility, funding value, host institution selection, required documents, application steps, important dates and FAQs.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Position
Policy Fellow (Cohort 2)
Job Type
Fellowship, maximum 24 months
Location
Host institutions in South Africa (select up to three preferred hosts; regular physical attendance may be required)
Eligibility
Doctoral degree obtained within the past 10 years; South African citizen or permanent resident (with limited exceptions)
Experience Required
Early- and mid-career researchers
Sector
Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Preferred Applicants
South African citizens and permanent residents; non-South African applicants only in exceptional, well-justified cases (capped at 10% of all recipients)
The programme builds on the 2024 pilot and strengthens the link between research and policymaking by placing researchers in designated host institutions. Fellows gain hands-on policy experience while supporting the use of research evidence in decision-making on South Africa's socio-economic and developmental challenges. Cohort 2 combines a host institution placement with NRF-coordinated policy engagement, training, capacity development, international exposure and cross-sectoral networking.
Area
Details
Programme Name
DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme – Cohort 2
Coordinating Bodies
National Research Foundation (NRF) and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Predecessor
2024 pilot programme
Placement Model
Host institution placement plus NRF-coordinated policy engagement and capacity development
Fellowship Duration
Maximum 24 months
Annual Award Value
R240,000 to R320,000
Obligations
Agree to defined responsibilities, deliverables, participation requirements and reporting obligations
Host Selection
Applicants select up to three potential host institutions during the application process
Location Consideration
Applicants should consider host location, as regular physical attendance may be required
Fellowship Areas of Support
Thematic Area
Focus
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
STI policy and governance
Energy and Climate
Energy, climate change and just transition
Digital Transformation
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Urban Development
Local government and spatial planning
Health
Public health and health systems
Agriculture
Food systems and rural development
Environment
Sustainability and natural resources
Social Development
Education and human capital
Public Administration
Governance and institutional reform
International Relations
Science diplomacy and partnerships
Fellowship Duration and Funding
Detail
Information
Maximum Duration
24 months
Annual Award Value
R240,000 to R320,000
Components
Host institution placement; NRF-coordinated policy engagement and capacity development programme; international exposure opportunities; cross-sectoral networking
Conditions
Fellows must agree to defined responsibilities, deliverables, participation requirements and reporting obligations
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Requirement
Details
Career Stage
Early- and mid-career individuals
Doctoral Degree
Obtained within the past 10 years
Citizenship
South African citizen or permanent resident
Exception Route
Non-South African applicants may be considered in exceptional, well-justified cases, limited to no more than 10% of all Fellowship recipients
Institutional Affiliation
Registered or employed on a permanent or fixed-term basis at an NRF-recognised research institution, or able to secure such affiliation before taking up the grant
Eligible Institutions
Public universities, science councils, museums and national facilities in South Africa
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Early-career researcher with a doctorate earned within the past 10 years
Yes
Mid-career researcher with a doctorate earned within the past 10 years
Yes
South African citizen
Priority consideration
South African permanent resident
Priority consideration
Non-South African applicant with exceptional, well-justified case
Limited consideration (maximum 10% of all recipients)
Researcher employed or registered at an NRF-recognised research institution
Yes
Documents Required
Document
Details
ID/Passport Copy
Compulsory attachment
Proof of Doctoral Qualification
Compulsory attachment
Employer/Institution Confirmation
Compulsory for currently employed applicants; written confirmation supporting participation and availability for placement, training, policy engagement and travel commitments
File Format
All supporting documents must be attached in PDF format
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Review the fellowship details on the official NRF webpage
2
Select up to three potential host institutions from the options provided in the application process
Attach the compulsory supporting documents in PDF format: ID/Passport copy, proof of doctoral qualification and employer/institution confirmation (if employed)
5
Submit the application before the deadline of 17 November 2026
Q1. What is the DSTI-NRF Policy Fellowship Programme Cohort 2?
It is the second cohort of a fellowship that places early- and mid-career researchers in host institutions to support policy development, analysis and implementation.
Q2. Who runs the fellowship?
The National Research Foundation (NRF), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
Q3. What is the application deadline?
17 November 2026.
Q4. How long is the fellowship?
A maximum of 24 months.
Q5. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
An annual award value ranging from R240,000 to R320,000.
Q6. Who is eligible to apply?
Early- and mid-career individuals who obtained their doctoral degree within the past 10 years and are South African citizens or permanent residents, with limited exceptions for non-South African applicants.
Q7. Do I need an institutional affiliation?
Yes. Applicants must be registered or employed at an NRF-recognised research institution, or be able to secure such affiliation before taking up the grant.
Q8. How many host institutions can I choose?
Up to three potential host institutions from the options provided in the application process.
Q9. What documents must I attach?
An ID/Passport copy, proof of doctoral qualification, and written employer/institution confirmation if currently employed, all in PDF format.
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