Call for applications for the Thuthuka Funding Instrument 2024 is now open.

Kindly consult the following documents for your information and convenience:

• NRF Research Grant Application Guide (for Thuthuka PhD Track, Thuthuka Post PhD Track and Thuthuka Rating Track) 
• ⁠Thuthuka Framework Document
• ⁠Institutional support for Thuthuka grant applications

UFS closing date is 9 May 2024.

The Thuthuka funding instrument aims to develop human capital and improve the research capacity of researchers and scholars. This funding instrument also supports the advancement of individuals from master’s to doctoral level in all fields of research; grants are awarded for well-structured research projects that demonstrate the prudent use of funds.

The objectives of the Thuthuka funding instrument are to

• promote the attainment of a doctoral qualification by early career researchers and scholars employed at South African public universities, science councils, and other research institutions as recognised by the NRF;
• promote the research development of early career researchers and scholars employed at South African public universities, science councils, and other research institutions as recognised by the NRF;
• promote the attainment of an NRF rating by early career researchers and scholars in the recent post-PhD phase, in particular black and female researchers and persons with disabilities; and
• promote the attainment of an NRF rating by researchers and scholars who have not been able to realise their potential or sustain their research ability by virtue of the lack of an enabling research environment or due to family responsibilities.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Only South African citizens and South African permanent residents with a valid South African identity document (ID) number may apply. Individuals who are in the process of obtaining permanent residence will not be considered.
• Applicants must be employed on a full-time permanent or full-time contractual basis. Support staff such as technicians and research assistants, part-time lecturers, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply for a Thuthuka grant.
• Female applicants who are appointed on a fixed-term half-day appointment to accommodate family responsibilities are eligible to apply.

Exclusion criteria

Please consult the attached funding guideline for your reference.

All submissions must be made electronically on https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/

For more information
E: mosoetsat@ufs.ac.za 
T: +27 51 401 7708