Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2026

General Eligibility Criteria for all Postdoctoral Fellowships:

·        Applicants must intend to undertake research at one of the South African public research institution that form part of the CoE-MaSS network.

·        Applicants’ research must fall within the focus areas supported by the CoE-MaSS.

·        Applicants must have graduated with their doctoral degree within five (5) years of applying (applicants who graduated before February 2021 are therefore NOT ELIGIBLE)

·        Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to South African citizens, South African permanent residents as well as international candidates.

However, the CoE-MaSS will only accept international applicants if they are hosted by one of the Historically Disadvantaged or Emerging Institutions.

Documentation that you will be required to Upload:

1.     ?Copy of your ID or Passport

2.      Copy of your highest qualification

3.      If you are still completing your PhD, a letter of confirmation stating that your doctoral qualification will be completed by December 2025 

4.      Full academic transcripts of all previous degrees

5.      Letter of support from your proposed host

6.      Research project proposal

For further details please review the Framework Document here.

All applications will be reviewed by the CoE-MaSS Review Committee according to the “Scorecard for the Assessment of Proposals” (contained in the Framework Document) and then sent to the NRF for final adjudication. 
 
The value of the Postdoctoral Fellowship is R320,000 per year.  Fellowships may be awarded for two years dependent on the progress of the research.

Applications close on 21 November 2025.  No late applications will be accepted.
Decisions will be announced at the beginning of February 2026. 
 
To apply, complete the application form here.