The Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the PSET (2018), defines Disability as “the loss or elimination of opportunities to take part in the life of the community, equitably with others, encountered by persons having physical, sensory, psychological, developmental, learning, neurological or other impairments, which may be permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, thereby causing activity limitations and participation restriction within mainstream society. These barriers may be due to economic, physical/structural, social, attitudinal and/or cultural factors.

A student must obtain:

  • A minimum average of 65% for major subjects in the final undergraduate year of study for honours funding;
  • A minimum average of 65% at the honours level or final year of a four year degree for masters funding; and
  • A minimum of 65% at the masters level for doctoral funding.
No, students living with a disability may be supported for an additional 12 months should the disability impact on the time for completion of the requirements for fulfilment of the degree.
Postgraduate students living with a disability that upgrade from a masters to a doctoral degree may be funded for maximum of five (5) years should the disability impact on the time for completion of the requirements for fulfilment of the degree. The NRF will only upgrade masters bursaries to doctoral level upon receipt of official university upgrade confirmation documents.
The scholarship value for FCS is indicated in the DSI-NRF Postgraduate Application and Funding Framework document.
Students living with a disability may apply for additional funding for an assistive technology device of up to R20 000 per annum. This is the maximum amount allowed during the tenure of the scholarship.
No, the assistive technology device allowance is to be used for requirements related to research purposes only.