Molapo Qhobela PhD National Research Foundation Public funding for research in South Africa, with specific reference to postgraduate funding. Molapo Qhobela PhD National Research Foundation

Total Income includes: Government Grant - Block and Earmarked Student Fees Self Funding NSFAS - UG NRF – PG SA and Int Funding Agencies Private Sector Total Income includes: Council Controlled Earmarked Funding Student Fees and other Fees Research Income Research and Infrastructure Grants & Contracts Income NRF SA Research Councils International Funding Agencies Other Income – Research Income Sale of Goods and Services

R2.4 bn Total investment in the human capacity development, research support, and the provision of research infrastructure, through the award of grants and bursaries

The NRF will include financial need in the criteria for awarding postgraduate bursaries. 1 Financially needy students will be funded without interruption for postgraduate studies completed within regulation time, at total cost of study (TCS). However, this policy recommendation will be restricted to SA Citizens and permanent residents To encourage the retention of all high academic achievers to pursue postgraduate studies up to the Doctoral degree within regulation time, it is proposed that these students should be funded without interruption, at TCS. However, this policy recommendation will be restricted to SA Citizens and permanent residents. To encourage higher participation in postgraduate studies, all NRF bursary values for partial cost of study (PCS) will be adequate and cover at least tuition and accommodation costs. To contribute to a reduction in the time to completion, it is proposed that the NRF prioritises funding full-time studies in line with regulation times whilst being sensitive to discipline and societal specific norms. 2 3 4 5 6 To contribute to lowering of age at Doctoral completion, it is proposed that NRF eligibility criteria for bursaries for full time studies, should have an age limit to achieve Doctoral completion by age 35. 7 8 The majority of student bursaries will be awarded in a directed manner so as to respond to national priorities, vulnerable disciplines and fields important for socio-economic development, as may be identified from time to time. Policy recommendation 7 - These targets are further disaggregated in terms of nationality as follows: 90% South Africans (including permanent residents); 5% students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC); 5% students from the rest of Africa and the world. All postgraduate bursaries across the NRF funding landscape should be allocated as follows: RACE: 80% Black (African, Coloured, Asian and Indian); GENDER: 55% women and NATIONALITY :90% South African and Permanent residents and 10% rest of the world

Thank you, Re a leboga, Siyabonga, Enkosi, Thank you, Re a leboga, Siyabonga, Dankie