KIC Bursary 2027 Students: How to Apply

The Knowledge, Interchange and Collaboration (KIC) funding instrument is offered by the National Research Foundation to support research development and international collaboration.

It is not a traditional undergraduate bursary but a research funding grant mainly for postgraduate students and researchers.

The programme focuses on funding travel, collaboration, and participation in academic events rather than full tuition.

It supports activities such as conferences, research visits, and collaboration projects.

The goal is to improve research quality through international exposure and networking.

Who qualifies for the KIC bursary 2027?

Eligibility is strict and focused on research-level applicants.

1. You must be a postgraduate student or researcher linked to a South African institution.
2. You must be registered at a public university or recognised research institution.
3. You must hold at least a Master’s or PhD depending on the category.
4. PhD students must apply through their supervisors.
5. You must not already be receiving similar NRF travel funding.
6. Postdoctoral fellows are usually not eligible under this programme.
7. Private institution applicants are not eligible.

What does the KIC bursary cover?

The funding is focused on research-related activities rather than full study costs.

1. Travel costs for conferences and research visits.
2. Accommodation and visa expenses.
3. Conference registration fees.
4. Hosting international researchers in South Africa.
5. Funding for African collaboration visits.
6. Support for organising scientific events.

Funding amounts vary by category and may go up to about R150,000 for events.

What types of KIC funding categories are available?

There are four main funding categories.

1. Travel grants for individual researchers.
2. Visiting foreign researcher funding.
3. Africa collaboration and interaction funding.
4. Support for local scientific events.

Each category has different funding limits and requirements.

How do you apply for the KIC bursary 2027?

Applications are submitted online through the NRF system. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Register or log in using your ID on the NRF system.
2. Go to “My Applications” and create a new application.
3. Select the correct KIC funding call.
4. Complete all required sections in the application form.
5. Upload all supporting documents in PDF format.
6. Submit before the official deadline.

Incomplete applications are not considered.

What documents are required for the KIC application?

You must submit a complete academic and research profile.

1. Completed online application form.
2. Academic qualifications and transcripts.
3. Research proposal or travel motivation.
4. Supervisor endorsement for students.
5. Institutional support letter.
6. Event or collaboration details.

Missing documents will result in automatic disqualification.

When does the KIC 2027 application open and close?

The KIC call is usually released once per year and sometimes twice depending on funding.

There is no fixed universal date for 2027 yet.

Past calls have opened mid-year and closed within a few months.

You must check the NRF portal regularly for the official 2027 call announcement.

How can you contact the KIC bursary office?

You can contact the NRF directly for support.

1. Email: info@nrf.ac.za
2. Phone: +27 12 481 4000
3. NRF website: National Research Foundation