CANSA is one of South Africa’s largest funders of cancer research. Their core research focus is on reducing risk, early detection and diagnosis, and optimising patient care and support, including palliation.

Visit Striving to Reduce Cancer Risk for more details and go to the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) National Funding Opportunities page for more information on the funding types available, and the submission process.

Innovation grant: water security submissions 

The purpose of this grant is to encourage university researchers, in partnership with WCG policy-makers, to consider new approaches, methodologies and interventions for addressing the seemingly intractable  challenge of ensuring water security and the need to plan for and support sustainable and inclusive development. University researchers are invited to submit proposals for innovative work in areas related to the challenges associated with water security.

National Research Foundation (NRF) funding instruments usually fall into one of four categories:

• Institutional grants
• Research grants
• Travel, training and conference grants
• Infrastructure grants for large equipment

NRF funding is managed and administered through the Research Office. Applications for funding from NRF programmes must be in response to a call. Visit the NRF Funder Specific Guide for more information on seeking funds, and consult the Current Funding Opportunities page for updated calls and UCT internal deadlines.

UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) applicants are encouraged to visit the FHS National Funding Opportunities page for more information on the funding types available, and the submission process.

The PRF is dedicated to the furtherance of the discipline of virology, one of the major causes of disease in this country, by promoting virological research and helping build capacity in this speciality.

UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) applicants are encouraged to visit the FHS National Funding Opportunities page for more information on the funding types available, and the submission process.

How to apply for PRF grants

PRF applications forms

Research Grants application process: 
This proposal requires the PI to complete the PRF online Grant Application Form as well as requesting institutional approval via UCT’s electronic Research Administration (eRA) system, prior to submission of the application.

• PI to initiate an eRA proposal approval request: Immediately

• PI to complete and upload the grant application package and the signatory form (with Section A completed) to the PRF form on the UCT eRA system: (date TBC)

  IMPORTANT: Please use the special PRF form on the eRA system – refer to this WORKFLOW for simple instructions on how to do this.

• RC&I to sign and return the Signatory form to the PI: (date TBC)
• Funder deadline: 28 February 2027

Major Impact Project (MIP) grants:
This proposal requires the PI to complete the PRF MIP online form as well as requesting institutional approval via UCT’s electronic Research Administration (eRA) system, prior to submission of the application.

UCT applicants who intend on applying for these calls when they are open for applications are also asked to complete the internal UCT intention-to-submit form.

When PRF calls are open, they are published via the following channels:

• SAMRC website
• PRF website
• UCT Research Announcement newsletter
• UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)
• FHS Funding Alerts

The SAMRC was established to promote the improvement of health and the quality of life of the population of the country through research development and technology transfer.

Visit the Research Project Navigator for more information.

UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) applicants are encouraged to visit the FHS National Funding Opportunities page for more information on the funding types available, and the submission process.

• Request for applications through open calls
• Grants and scholarships: research capacity development for master’s, PhD and postdoctoral candidates in medical and health sciences
• Self-initiated research grants: to support original research
• Conference applications
• International and non-MRC local funding

UCT applicants who intend on applying for these calls when they are open for applications are also asked to complete the internal UCT intention-to-submit form.

When SAMRC calls are open, they are published via the following channels:

• SAMRC website
• PRF website
• UCT Research Announcement newsletter
• UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)
• FHS Funding Alerts

THRIP is a flagship research and development programme of the Department for Trade and Industry and the NRF. Its mission is to leverage collaborative partnerships on a cost-sharing basis, for research in science, engineering and technology, in order to provide technology solutions towards a competitive industry and to produce a flow of highly skilled researchers and technology managers for industry.

Find out more about THRIP

TIA is a national public entity that provides risk funding and support for innovators to progress ideas towards market entry and commercialisation.

TIA offers three risk funding schemes aimed at directly financing technology development projects with commercial potential:

• Seed Fund
• Technology Development Fund
• Commercialisation Support Fund

All UCT applications to TIA should be submitted in collaboration with the Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I). See their website for more information on how to submit to TIA.

Visit the TIA website.