National funding
National Research Foundation (NRF)
Scope: All disciplines
Funding: Competitive research grants, postgraduate bursaries, infrastructure support
Who Can Apply: University researchers, postdocs, students (eligibility depends on the specific call)
Notes: Annual calls for proposals
Water Research Commission (WRC)
Scope: Water science, sanitation, and water resource management
Funding: Competitive research projects, student bursaries
Who Can Apply: University researchers
Notes: Annual open calls; focus on applied water research and innovation
South African Medical Research Council
Scope: Health & biomedical sciences
Funding: Investigator-initiated grants, strategic programs, flagship programs
Who Can Apply: Researchers in health sciences
Notes: Flagship programs target TB, HIV, and maternal & child health
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
Scope: Innovation and technology commercialization
Funding: Seed funding, technology development grants, commercialisation support
Who Can Apply: Researchers with innovations ready for prototypes or commercialisation
Notes: Often requires university TTO/IP office involvement
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
Scope: Cancer research
Funding: Annual competitive research grants
Who Can Apply: University-based researchers in cancer-related fields
Notes: Supports both project funding and postgraduate bursaries