The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who exemplify the highest standards of research, as well as those demonstrating strong potential as researchers, are identified by an extensive network of South African and international peer reviewers. Ratings are based on the quality and impact of recent research outputs (over an eight-year period).

Apart from research output, the quality and impact of research at tertiary institutions in South Africa are also reflected in the number of rated scientists, identified through the NRF rating system. Awards are valid for a period of six years.

The most distinguished categories are:

• A - for researchers regarded as world leaders in their fields
• B - for researchers who enjoy considerable international recognition by their peers
• C - for researchers regarded as established in their field
• P - for young researchers with exceptional potential who are likely to become future international leaders in their fields
• Y - for promising young researchers (typically under 40) who have demonstrated the potential to become leading scholars in their field.

Please see latest list of UFS NRF-rated researchers (31 May 2026)

NRF-rated scientists in the news:

• Qwaqwa Campus NRF-rated researchers recognised for transdisciplinary research outputs
• UFS implements interventions to increase diversity of researchers
• Dr Matteo Grilli achieves top NRF rating
• Three from UFS selected for prestigious future-professors programme
• NRF-rated researchers increase substantially
• Prof Melanie Walker elected as HDCA president: a first for the Global South
• UFS made steady progress in its research performance over the past five years
• The superpowers of women scientists at the UFS
• Prof Maxim Finkelstein receives SA’s first A1 rating in Probability, Statistics and Operations Research
• B1 NRF-rating for Willem Boshoff is an ode to academics in the Arts
• A first for art in South Africa

Contact us

Thabi Mosoetsa
Officer: Research Grants Management
T: +27 51 401 7708
E: MosoetsaT@ufs.ac.za

Johannes Brill Building, First Floor, Bloemfontein Campus