NRF Postgraduate Funding Call and Application Process for Masters applicants in 2021 for funding in 2022 - For the sake of space and clarity: ...
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NRF Postgraduate Funding Call and Application Process for Masters applicants in 2021 for funding in 2022 Wits Research Office 21 April 2021 Dr Yolanda Davids For the sake of space and clarity: H=Honours, M=Masters’ and D=PhD students
Contents 1. Introduction ………………………………………………. 3 2. Eligibility criteria and demographic targets … 5 3. Funding levels ……………………………………………. 10 4. Grant-linked and Freestanding bursaries ……. 14 5. Extension to existing bursaries …………………… 16 6. Application Steps for M Applicants………………19 7. Wits process………………………………………………..41
1. Introduction
New NRF PG funding policy • NRF new Postgraduate Funding Policy wherein postgraduate funding allocations will be underpinned by the principles of equity of opportunity; representivity; prioritisation; enhanced access, success and throughput. • The following will be considered in the allocation of funding with transformation of the postgraduate cohort as the core objective: • Citizenship • Age • Gender • Disability • Financial need is now included as a criterion for determining the level of funding. • The NRF no longer places restrictions on the number of applications that can be submitted, but all applications must undergo an institutional review process.
2. Eligibility Criteria & Demographic Targets
Eligibility Criteria The NRF minimum academic requirements for postgraduate funding are as follows: • For H funding: A minimum average of 65% for major subjects in the final undergraduate year of study; • For M funding: A minimum average of 65% of all subjects at the H level OR a minimum average of 65% of all subjects at the postgraduate diploma level OR a minimum average of 65% of the final year subjects of a four-year degree; • For D funding*: A minimum of 65% at the M level. *Where universities classify M students’ results in the categories of “Pass” or “Pass with distinction”, the university must disclose to the NRF the numerical mark for making such classification.
Equity and Redress targets applied by the NRF All NRF postgraduate funding will be allocated as follows 95% South African citizens & 5% students from SADC countries permanent residents & the rest of the world 55% women 90% Black 1% Students living (African, Coloured 10% White with a disability and Indian)
Age • H funding: applicant must be 28 years of age or younger in the year of application. Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for H bursaries. • M funding: applicant must be 30 years of age or younger in the year of application. • D funding: applicant must be 32 years of age or younger in the year of application.
3. Funding Levels
Full Cost (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS) • Some will receive full cost funding and some only part cost funding • Criteria (over page) apply to all first-time applicants for H, M and D funding • FCS funding will be awarded to South African citizens and permanent residents only, who are either: • financially needy, • living with a disability, or • exceptional academic achievers. • PCS funding will be awarded to South African citizens, permanent residents (that do not meet criteria above) and to international students.
Funding levels: Partial (PCS) and Full cost of study (FCS)
Financial Means Test • Applicants for NRF postgraduate funding who were previously supported by National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) will not be subjected to a financial means test, however, they must attach proof in the form of an official university stamped financial statement or signed agreement with NSFAS or ISFAP. • All other applicants (including those who received Funza Lushaka, Department of Military Veterans, or Department of Social Development (DSD) bursaries for their undergraduate studies) need to undertake a financial means test and must provide the following information: • Completed NRF-ISFAP consent form certified by a commissioner of oath; and • Consent to the NRF-ISFAP, and/or such other person or entity that the NRF-ISFAP may designate, the absolute right and permission to conduct creditworthy checks, affordability assessments and to verify his/her combined household income in order to ascertain whether they qualify for NRF-ISFAP funding.
4. Grant-linked and Freestanding Bursaries
Who must apply using NRF Online (https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za/)? • Both potential NRF Grant-linked (linked to an NRF funded project) AND Freestanding (students not linked to a specific NRF funded project) students have to submit an application for funding. Grant-linked students • Postgraduate students (H, M or D) who have been recruited by a supervisor who holds an NRF grant (e.g., SARChI, CoEs, Thuthuka, Earth Systems Science Research Programme (ESSRP); Global Change Social Sciences Research Programme (GCSSRP); Risk and Vulnerability Science Centres (RVSCs); African Earth Observation Network (AEON); Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP) and South African Earth Observation Network (SAEON)). The student must provide the necessary NRF six-digit grant UID (unique identification number) or the NRF application reference number (TTH2019xxxxxx) assuming that the research project application has been submitted to the NRF for review Freestanding students • Postgraduate students (H, M or D) who have not been recruited by an NRF funded supervisor will not need to provide a UID or application reference number on the online application template
5. Extensions to Existing Bursaries
Extension principles • Extensions will only be granted under exceptional circumstances • Extensions will only be for either 6 months or 12 months as the NRF expects all postgraduate students to complete their qualifications within the NRF funding period • The amount of extension support will be at the same value as the awarded 2020 funding
Eligibility for Extension Support for full-time M and D studies • Must hold an NRF scholarship in 2021 • Applicants applying for extension support at the M level must have registered for their M degree in 2020 or no later than July 2019 • Applicants applying for extension support at the D level must have registered for their D degree in 2019 or no later than July 2018 • Only students pursuing full-time M or D studies in South Africa are eligible to apply • Please see read Application and Funding Framework for NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for information on the eligibility criteria for NRF-TWAS doctoral applicants and NRF-SARAO funding.
6. Application Steps for M Applicants
Application Steps for M Applicants - Logging in and Registering: NRF Online System (http://nrfonline.nrf.ac.za )
Step 2: All Applicants - Completing My CV Attach copy ID/Passport under Registration details in CV section
Ensure that the Career Profile and Qualifications sections are completed and up-to-date
Step 3: All Applicants - My Application
Create an application
Step 4: All Applicants - Completing the Application Form All the sections marked with a red asterisk (*) are compulsory. These sections must be completed in order for the final Submit button to be activated .
Step 5: All Applicants - ORCID If you don’t have an ORCID ID, please click on Create or Connect your ORCID iD, and you will be redirected to the ORCID website where you will have to register to obtain an ORCID ID.
Step 6: All Applicants - Application Category Master’s scholarships: • General Scholarship • SARAO • SASAC • DAAD • Grantholder-linked Scholarship
Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships • Step 7: Master’s and Doctoral – Person History Section
Step 8: Master’s and Doctoral – Financial Need Section Applicants who give the NRF and ISFAP consent to conduct the financial means test, a Household Contributor section will pop- up
Step 9. Master’s and Doctoral – Degree to be Funded Section Enter name of School and not Department https://www.wits.ac.za/faculties-and-schools/
Step 10: Master’s and Doctoral - Research Project Information Section Abstract should summarise: • the significance (need) of the work, • the hypothesis and major objectives of the project, • the procedures to be followed to accomplish the objectives, and the potential impact of the work.
Step 11: Master’s and Doctoral - Academic Achievements Section Hurdle Min of 65% must be obtained Score criteria Completion time for previous degree
Step 12: Master’s and Doctoral - Details of Research Section Concise overview of the proposed research • The research topic (ie. the subject area) • Background and rationale for this topic (ie. why is it important?) • Methodological approach that you think you might take (eg. qualitative or quantitative?) Appropriate citations must also be included in this section. Aligned to National Imperatives Outline how your research will contribute/is aligned to one or more national priorities/strategies/imperatives. 1. Classification of NRF Broad categories 2. Alignment to National Priorities 3. Strategic alignment 4. Sustainable Development Goals
Websites to find source documents Department of Science and Technology: Webpage with strategies https://www.dst.gov.za/index.php/resource- center/strategies-and-reports NRF strategy https://www.nrf.ac.za/about-nrf/vision Integrated Manufacturing Strategy some brief articles https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/page/this-week National Development https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/Executive%20Summary-NDP%202030%20- %20Our%20future%20-%20make%20it%20work.pdf An ‘unpacked’ version (http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/national-development-plan-unpacked) When you cannot find a strategy that speaks to your work then Google the government department most closely related to your work.
Step 13: Master’s and Doctoral - National Infrastructure Platform Section • Plan to access any equipment or collect data from any platform outside the proposed institution If there is no such planned, please click on “No plan to access platforms” (See blue arrow on screen shot), and the click save.
Step 14: Master’s and Doctoral - Science Engagement Section The Science Engagement section is a compulsory section Should applicants not be running any science engagement activities, they must click on “add” and select “N/A” under “activity” and category”.
Step 15: Master’s and Doctoral - Attachments Section • An official academic record on the university letterhead. • Applicants with outstanding fees are required to attach an official letter from the university confirming their first year of registration for the degree and indicating that the student still has outstanding fees owed to the university. (attach fee statement - highlight fees owed) • Applicants with disabilities must upload a medical certificate, in support of the disability. Document must be attached under the Disability section only. • First time master’s and doctoral applicants who were previously supported by NSFAS or ISFAP must attach proof in the form of an official university stamped financial statement clearly showing that the funds are coming from these funders, a statement from the funder or a letter form NSFAS, ISFAP or the university stating that the applicant received funding from them
Step 16: Master’s and Doctoral – Reference Section References for Grantholder-linked students • Applicants who are linked to supervisors with NRF Research Grants e.g. SARChI, Thuthuka, CoE etc. must list either the application reference number or the UID (grant number) of the supervisor in this section. In the case of a student being linked to a CoE, the CoE grantholder may not be the supervisor but must be listed together with the UID (grant number). References for Master’s-level Applicants • At master’s level, an applicant is expected to have identified a supervisor at the time of application. If not yet identified, the applicant is expected to capture the information of the Head of School/Department who will guarantee that the applicant will be allocated a supervisor in case their application is successful. The NB Head of School/Department should respond to the link sent by the NRF by the due date provided on the link, or the application will be rejected.
Step 16: Master’s and Doctoral – Reference Section Types of references required are listed below: Applicants must ensure that the contact details for the referee are correct. • Master’s supervisor (Reference role = Proposed master’s supervisor or Current master’s supervisor) • HoD if a supervisor has not been allocated (Reference role = Head of Department) Submission of Completed Application The final submit button will only be activated when all compulsory sections are complete If final submit button is greyed out Resave the Project Information section to refresh the application. The final submit button should then become active
Tracking the application
7. The Wits Process
Application process in 2021 for funding in 2022 • Applications must be submitted using the name of the university where students intends to register for postgraduate studies • All applications must be submitted via the NRF online submission system: https://nrfsubmission.nrf.ac.za/ • The Wits internal deadline will be 25 June 2020
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