NRF Mobility Grants and DAAD-SA Scholarships for South African Students 2026
The honest guide to NRF and DAAD funding for South African students and researchers: who each is mainly for, and where to check current details.
The short answer: NRF mobility support is primarily for postgraduate researchers, not undergraduate interns. DAAD offers scholarships mainly for postgraduate study and research, with current amounts published on DAAD's own website. For most SA undergraduates, the more realistic routes to a funded European internship are Erasmus+ ICM partnerships and university mobility grants (the UK Turing Scheme only funds students at UK institutions). This guide covers what NRF and DAAD offer and who realistically qualifies.
The National Research Foundation (NRF)
What the NRF is and does
The NRF (nrf.ac.za) is South Africa's government agency for supporting research, including funding for postgraduate students and researchers. Unlike NSFAS, which funds students at public universities and TVET colleges, NRF funding is mainly aimed at postgraduates and researchers.
NRF postgraduate funding
The NRF publishes calls for postgraduate bursaries and scholarships. Whether any call covers a short research visit abroad depends on that call, so read the current documents on nrf.ac.za.
Who qualifies: Usually South African postgraduate students (Honours, Master's, PhD) at a South African university. Any international component normally needs supervisor support, so start there.
Amounts:
- Published per call on nrf.ac.za
- Check the current call before budgeting
- Your postgraduate office can confirm what applies to you
- Do not rely on figures quoted by third-party sites
NRF Free-Standing and Rated Researcher Grants
NRF-rated researchers (those who have passed the NRF peer review process and hold an A, B, C, or Y rating) have access to funding that can support international collaboration, including short-term visits to partner institutions. This is relevant for academics rather than students, but it matters if your supervisor is NRF-rated because their grant can sometimes fund a student's international research visit as part of a joint project.
Other NRF awards
The NRF publishes calls for specific awards on its own website. Many have narrow eligibility windows and close with limited notice, so check nrf.ac.za regularly.
DAAD: Germany-focused study and research funding
DAAD's presence in South Africa
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service) has an office in South Africa and offers programmes for South African students, researchers and academics, mainly for postgraduate study and research.
Types of DAAD programmes to look for
Research stays for academics
For South African academics and researchers with a PhD who want a research stay in Germany. Current rates, what is covered and deadlines are on DAAD's own website.
Doctoral study in Germany
Scholarships for South Africans doing a PhD in Germany. These are competitive; check DAAD's website for current rates, benefits and deadlines.
In-country and in-region programmes
Support for postgraduate study at African universities, including in South Africa. Check DAAD's website for the current programmes and who can apply.
Master's study in Germany
Scholarships for a master's degree in Germany. Check DAAD's website for current rates, what is covered, entry requirements and deadlines.
NRF vs DAAD vs Erasmus+ ICM: which fits you?
| Factor | NRF (mobility component) | DAAD-SA | Erasmus+ ICM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (Honours, Master's, PhD) | Honours and above; best for PhD/postdoc | Undergrad, Master's, PhD |
| Destination | Depends on the call | Germany | EU destinations with an ICM partnership |
| Monthly support | See nrf.ac.za | See DAAD's website | Ask your university |
| Duration | Depends on the call | Depends on the programme | Depends on the partnership |
| For interns (corporate) | Not typically | Not primarily | Only if the partnership includes traineeships |
| Competitiveness | Competitive | Competitive | Via your university |
Practical routes for South African undergraduate students
If you are an undergraduate student looking for funded international internship placements, the most practical routes in 2026 are:
- Erasmus+ ICM: Check if your university has an ICM agreement with a European university that includes internship (traineeship) mobility, and ask what it pays. See our full guide.
- DHET Bursaries and University Mobility Grants: Some universities have outgoing mobility budgets. Ask your International Office about "outgoing student grants" explicitly.
- Visa for Germany: Check the German Federal Foreign Office and German mission websites for the visa that applies to South African citizens doing an internship; do not assume a working holiday route exists.
- Direct employer stipend: Some German companies pay interns a stipend or salary. Pay depends on the company and the German rules for internships, so check each offer.
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