Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries South Africa 2026

ABOUT THE COMPANY – PRF

Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursaries South Africa | The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) was founded in the late 1940s, as a non-governmental organization to research poliomyelitis (polio) disease. The incorporated association is committed to supporting research initiatives aimed at developing Medical Virology within South Africa.

The Foundation is governed by senior virologists, members of the industrial sector, members of the business sector, and a Scientific Advisory Panel from university virology heads of departments across South Africa.

Each year the PRF provides funding for deserving students, in the form of bursaries, research grants, travel grants, and fellowships. From the years 1977 to 2016, the Foundation has granted over R144 million in research funds, of which over R44 million has been for bursary grants.

ABOUT THE PRF BURSARY PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Postgraduate studies (BSc (Hons), MSc, and PhD), for Research into Virology.

MORE ABOUT THE PRF BURSARY PROGRAMMES – COVERAGE VALUE

The duration of the bursary award will depend on the level of the qualification being pursued: Masters students will receive up to 2 years of bursary support and PhD students will receive up to 3 years of bursary support (unless an exceptional circumstance).

Zabusaries.com is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all the details about the PRF Bursary.

Scholars may not change their research project unless approved by the PRF.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLIOMYELITIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION (PRF) BURSARIES

1. Citizenship or Residency: Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Level of Study: Must be registered (or accepted) for a postgraduate qualification (BSc Hons, MSc, or PhD) specifically in Virology.
3. Academic Performance: A minimum overall academic average of 60% in the most recent qualification.
4. Employment Status: Not employed full-time (i.e. full-salary workers are not eligible).
5. Research Project Consistency: Once a project is approved, you cannot change the research project without prior approval from the PRF.
6. Renewal Applicants: If you are renewing a bursary, you must provide progress reports / supervisor reports as required.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PRF BURSARIES

Applications must be submitted by following these steps:
Step 1: complete an online application:

Enter “Zabusaries.com” in the field asking how you heard about the PRF bursary.
Step 2: upload clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
NEW applicants:

Curriculum Vitae, including publications (maximum 2 pages)
Academic Record
Proof of Degree Registration
Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
MSc applicants: Proof of BSc completion
PhD applicants: Proof of MSc completion
Any other additional information to support your application (graphs must be submitted in a PDF doc as an annex)

RENEWAL:

MSc applicants: completed Grants Application Signatory Form (.pdf)
Ph.D. applicants: Supervisor Progress Report
Any other additional information to support your application (graphs must be submitted in a PDF doc as an annex)

Step 3: Download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form and submit it via email to: prf@nicd.ac.za
(Insert the words “PRF Bursary Application”, followed by “BSc (Hons)” or “MSc” or “Ph.D.” in the email subject line).

Deadline / Closing Dates

For new applications, the closing date is 15 September 2025.
For renewal applications, the closing date is 28 February 2026.

Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Contact Information & Additional Notes

Contact: PRF can be contacted via email at prf@nicd.ac.za or by telephone: 011 555 0395.
The PRF is governed by a Board of Trustees, senior virologists, and industrial/business sector members.
The PRF focuses specifically on virology research and does not support full-time employees.

Why Apply for the PRF Bursary?

Helps you pursue specialised research in virology with financial backing.
Multi-year support (especially for MSc and PhD) removes financial burden for extended research studies.
Opportunity to contribute to health and scientific capacity in South Africa.
Recognition and networking with the scientific/virology research community.

Summary & Reminder

If you are a postgraduate student (or will be for the 2026 academic year) wanting to pursue virology research (Honours / MSc / PhD) and meet the eligibility criteria, the PRF bursary is a valuable opportunity. Don’t miss the closing date of 15 September 2025 for new applications. Ensure your application is complete, on time, and meets all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I apply if I’m not a South African citizen?
A: Limited exceptions may be made, but preference is given to South African citizens and permanent residents.

Q2. Can I change my research topic after submission?
A: No – once approved, changes require prior PRF approval.

Q3. Do I need to have completed my previous degree before applying?
A: Yes – for example, MSc applicants need proof of BSc completion; PhD applicants need proof of MSc completion.

Q4. What happens if I’m renewing?
A: You’ll need to provide supervisor’s progress report and any other required documentation; renewal applications have a separate deadline (28 February 2026)

Please do NOT contact Canon Collins if this scholarship has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here

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