Research and research capacity building

• Block grants fund general research activities. Faculty research committees (FRCs) manage and distribute the annual URC macro block grants.
• Researcher development grants fund early-career academics or those who have not yet established themselves as independent researchers. This is limited to members of the Emerging Researcher Programme (ERP).
• Research publication grants are awards to support publication in open access journals and associated page charges.
• Start-up grants help initiate new staff members’ research at UCT.

Research equipment

Research equipment grants fund large equipment (R150k to R1m) not covered by faculty equipment committees (FECs). Apply through your FEC. The FEC representatives can assist with the process and provide more details. 

Send queries to robyn.udemans@uct.ac.za.

Travel, training and conferences

• Conference travel grants enable recipients to present their research at conferences or meetings.
• Grants for hosting a conference provide funding to assist departments arranging research conferences and symposia.
• Short research visit (SRV) and short research course grants provide funding to enhance research endeavours by supporting exchanges or course attendance.
• Visiting scholars fund (VSF) and visiting lecturers fund (VLF) provide grants to bring academics, scholars and visiting lecturers to UCT from outside of Africa.

Faculties may make funding available for research-related activities. Review faculty-specific info-mailers and announcements to learn more about these opportunities.

• Building Research Active Academic Staff (BRAAS) grants* support new and emerging academic staff to develop their research capacity by providing either a master’s or doctoral bursary.
• Enabling Grant Seeker Excellence awards (EGSE) encourage researchers affiliated with UCT to submit applications to external funders.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) awards* are three-year fellowships awarded to URC-accredited research groupings to fund a junior research fellow.
• Seed awards support newly NRF-rated researchers and researchers who have maintained or improved their NRF rating.

*competitive grant and subject to availability of budget

• The UCT Alan Pifer Award is the vice-chancellor’s annual prize in recognition of outstanding welfare-related research or socially responsive research.
• The UCT Book Award recognises outstanding books written by university staff members.
• The UCT College of Fellows’ Young Researcher Award is offered annually in recognition of outstanding scholarly work by young academics who have made significant independent contributions to research in their field.
• The UCT Creative Works Award recognises outstanding creative works by UCT staff members.
• The Elizabeth Clough Bursary enables pilgrimages to Eastern countries.

UCT's innovation seed funds, administered through Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I) provide funding to early-stage projects emanating from UCT research. This funding is often useful in order to better position and to mature the innovation to attract more substantial external funding. 

Innovation funding

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)

The Department of Science and Innovation aims to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. It provides leadership, resources and an enabling environment for science and technology. The DSI works with various programmes and partnerships to advance groundbreaking science. In particular, the DSI, in partnership with the NRF, funds Centres of Excellence, research chairs and innovation opportunities aligned with the South African research infrastructure roadmap.

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition offers various funding programmes for research and development. The only initiative for university participation is the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP). Visit the UCT Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I) Innovation for industry page for more information.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is a leading African research and development organisation. It supports both public and private sectors through multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation to improve South Africans’ quality of life.

For open calls, email queries to Research Support Services (RSS). For contract-related matters, email Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

National Research Foundation (NRF)

The Funder-specific guide: NRF details UCT’s internal approval process and submission support for this particular funder.

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a government-mandated agency that funds research, human capacity development and critical research infrastructure to advance knowledge production in all disciplines. Its goals include creating innovative funding mechanisms, supporting research careers, enhancing public engagement with science and establishing cutting-edge research platforms. The NRF collaborates with national and international stakeholders to promote South African research and innovation.

NRF funding opportunties Funder-specific guide: NRF

NRF funding is typically categorised into the following main areas:

• Institutional grants
  • SA Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chairs are awarded to the institution and held by individuals to enhance South African universities’ capacity for high-quality research and student development.  
  • Communities of Practice, led by SARChI chairs, consist of accomplished researchers who collaborate on practical research, translate outputs into results and influence policy.
• The National Equipment Programme call for infrastructure grants is released every two years. Apply through the University Equipment Committee (UEC). Send queries to robyn.udemans@uct.ac.za.
• Research grants are available for early career researchers (e.g. Thuthuka Bursary), established researchers (e.g. Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers) and international collaborations.
• Travel, training and conference grants, including Knowledge Interchange and Collaboration and Equipment-related Travel and Training grants, have two calls per year. Find more information in the NRF General Application Guide.

Send queries to Research Support Services (RSS).

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

The South African National Biodiversity Institute supports South Africa’s sustainable development by providing access to biodiversity data, generating knowledge, building capacity, offering policy advice and conserving biodiversity in national botanical and zoological gardens.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)

The South African National Energy Development Institute directs, monitors and conducts energy research and development, promotes energy innovation and supports energy efficiency. Its focus is on developing innovative, integrated clean energy and resource-efficient solutions to drive growth and prosperity.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

The Technology Innovation Agency promotes the development and exploitation of discoveries, inventions and innovations. TIA provides risk funding and support to advance ideas towards market entry and commercialisation. As a national public entity, it bridges the gap between research and commercialisation. For TIA funding applications, engage with RC&I for assistance and do not contact the funder directly.

TIA funding opportunities

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

SETA is South Africa’s vocational skills training organisation. The 21 SETAs focus on developing and providing training for those employed or seeking employment in their sectors, creating skills development plans to address sector-specific needs.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

The South African Medical Research Council aims to improve health in South Africa through research, innovation and technology transfer. It focuses on laboratory investigations, clinical research and public health studies, addressing South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal, newborn and child health; HIV/AIDS and TB; non-communicable diseases; and interpersonal violence.

See our Funder-specific guide: SAMRC for UCT’s internal approval process and submission support for the SAMRC’s Self-Initiated Research (SIR) grant.

SAMRC funding opportunities Funder-specific guide: SAMRC

For Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) researchers, send queries to the FHS Research Development team. For all other queries, email the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

The Agricultural Research Council is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation to support and develop the agricultural sector.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

South African Mineral Research Organisation (Mintek)

Mintek supports the minerals industry and operates under the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. It offers a postdoc fellowship programme to enhance PhD graduates’ research capabilities and foster future leaders in innovation.

Send general queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I) and postdoc-related queries to the Postgraduate Funding Office (PGFO).

Water Research Commission (WRC)

The Water Research Commission aims to be a global water knowledge node and South Africa’s leading water knowledge hub. Explore their Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Proposal Submissions page for submission details and registration.

WRC funding opportunities

Send queries to Research Support Services (RSS).

Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)

The Cancer Association of South Africa is a non-profit leader in the fight against cancer. It supports research, public education and advocacy while working towards a cancer-free society in South Africa.

CANSA funding opportunities

Send queries to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Research Development team.

DG Murray Trust (DGMT)

The DG Murray Trust is a philanthropic foundation and public innovator dedicated to developing South Africa’s potential through strategic investments in projects that address one or more of their ten key opportunities to combat inequality.

DGMT funding opportunities

Send queries to Research Support Services (RSS).

Eskom Development Foundation

The Eskom Development Foundation manages the entity's corporate social investment (CSI) strategy. As a not-for-profit subsidiary of Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., the foundation ensures effective use of CSI funds, focusing on sustainability and supporting projects across all nine provinces. Its programmes cover education, health, the environment, enterprise development, food security, rural education infrastructure and social and community development.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

Maize Trust

The Maize Trust promotes South Africa’s local maize industry by supporting continuous improvement to make it a regional leader and internationally competitive. It funds organisations involved in research, development and information programmes aligned with this mission.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)

The National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences advances and coordinates scholarship, research and ethical practice in the humanities and social sciences (HSS) within public universities. It supports the HSS in South Africa and beyond and advises government and civil society on HSS-related matters.

NIHSS Doctoral Scholarships

Send queries to Research Support Services (RSS).

Open Society Foundations (OSF)

Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations are the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance and human rights. Active in over 120 countries, OSF supports inclusive democracies through grants, research, advocacy, impact investment and strategic litigation.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF)

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation addresses poliomyelitis and funds virology research and capacity building.

For Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) researchers, send queries to FHS Research Development. For all other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).

SouthSouthNorth (SSN)

Founded in 1999, SouthSouthNorth focuses on climate finance, climate services and development implementation. It collaborates with partners to run programmes across Africa, Latin America and Asia that promote climate-compatible development, including knowledge management, research, climate finance and policy formulation and implementation.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The African Development Bank Group is a multilateral institution focused on sustainable economic and social development in African countries. The African Development Fund (ADF), its concessional window, aims to reduce poverty and foster development in the least-developed African countries through project and programme funding, technical assistance and capacity building.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I)

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvHF)

Founded in 1953, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors scientists and scholars, irrespective of academic discipline and nationality. Their aim is to strengthen Germany as a research location through international academic exchange. They support sponsorship recipients during their entire lifetimes and actively promote international understanding, scientific progress and development.

AvHF funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)

The Association of Commonwealth Universities is a global university network dedicated to improving the world through international higher education collaboration. ACU offers diverse funding opportunities for university staff and students to work or study globally.

ACU funding opportunities

Funding is awarded via calls for and selection of competitive research bids or funding proposals.

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

B

British Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. It provides various funding opportunities, including research grants, collaborative grants, early-career fellowships and international partnerships, to support impactful research in these fields.

British Academy funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

C

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)

Founded in 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative supports science with targeted grants and open competitions for research funds in specific areas. Funding opportunities are available year-round.

CZI funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

E

European Union (EU)

EU funding is made available through the European Commission’s EU Research and Innovation, including their flagship initiative, Horizon Europe. Applicants should be aware of the unique risks attached to EU funding, such as foreign exchange rates and EU financial reporting requirements.

EU funding opportunities

Due to the unique risks associated with EU funding, you must contact the International Grants Hub (IGH) before applying.

• The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) accelerates the development of health technologies for poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases, including (re-)emerging ones. It also funds research capacity building in Africa, supporting researchers’ careers and strengthening national health research systems. Send queries to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) Research Development.
• Horizon Europe is the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation, with a €95.5 billion budget. It addresses climate change, supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhances the EU’s competitiveness and growth. For FHS research, contact FHS Research Development. For other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).
• Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) is the EU’s main funding programme for doctoral and postdoctoral training. MSCA funding supports sustainable research activities, talent development and research advancement. For FHS research, contact FHS Research Development. For other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).
• The European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (ESASTAP) strengthens technology, research and innovation cooperation between Europe and South Africa. For FHS research, contact FHS Research Development. For other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).

G

Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation aims to help people lead healthy, productive lives, focusing on health improvement and poverty alleviation in developing countries. Funding opportunities are available year round.

Gates Foundation funding opportunities

For FHS research, contact FHS Research Development. For other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

The DAAD supports international academic collaboration with various funding opportunities including scholarships for students, researchers and academics to study and conduct research in Germany and abroad. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and scientific exchange.

DAAD funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

GIZ

The GIZ Innovation Fund is GIZ’s intrapreneurship programme that fosters creativity and innovation within the organisation and its partners. It provides financial support and expertise for innovative ideas and pilot projects addressing global challenges like sustainability, climate change and poverty reduction. The fund aims to enhance the effectiveness and impact of development projects.

Funding is awarded via calls for and selection of competitive research bids or funding proposals.

Send queries to Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).

H

Horizon

See European Union

Humane Society International (HIS)

Humane Society International advocates for animal welfare globally, supporting projects and research that promote humane practices, protect wildlife and enhance animal well-being across ecosystems.

Funding is awarded via calls for and selection of competitive research bids or funding proposals.

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

I

International Research Development Centre (IDRC)

Canada’s International Research Development Centre supports research initiatives globally, funding innovative projects that address critical social, economic and environmental challenges in developing countries.

IDRC funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

International Sciences Partnership Fund (ISPF)

The International Science Partnerships Fund is part of the UK’s commitment to strategic international science collaborations. With a £337 million budget, ISPF fosters global research partnerships and works with UK research organisations like UKRI and the British Academy. It aims to enhance scientific achievements through collaborative efforts.

ISPF funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

N

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research. and funds discoveries that enhance health and save lives. As the largest public funder of biomedical research, NIH offers various grants, contracts and loan repayment programmes. Part of United States federal funding.

NIH funding opportunities

NIH grant funding applications are typically due in Jan/Feb, June/July and Oct/Nov, depending on the mechanism.

Review the “Key dates” section on each funding opportunity for application deadlines, as well as opportunity expiration dates.

For Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) researchers, send queries to FHS Research Development. For all other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).

National Science Foundation (NSF)

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent U.S. federal agency, supports fundamental research and education in non-medical science and engineering fields. Part of United States federal funding.

NSF funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

S

Science for Africa Foundation (SFA)

The Science for Africa Foundation is a pan-African non-profit that supports and promotes science and innovation across Africa.

SFA funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)

TDR is a global programme of scientific collaboration, co-sponsored by the UN, the World Bank and the World Health Organization, that supports efforts to combat poverty-related diseases.

TDR funding opportunities

Send queries to FHS Research Development.

Spencer Foundation

The Spencer Foundation funds educational research aimed at improving and transforming education. It supports innovative research addressing critical issues in the field.

Spencer Foundation funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)

SIDA, a government agency, aims to reduce global poverty and supports Sweden’s global development policy.

SIDA funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

T

TDR

See Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)

U

United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The UKRI, a British public body funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), combines UK research councils, Innovate UK, and Research England. It directs research and innovation funding and sets strategic priorities. The UKRI invests in top-tier research and innovation both in the UK and internationally.

UKRI funding opportunities

Note: Check eligibility, as some UKRI opportunities are only for research in the UK.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) provides the most funding to UCT researchers among UK research councils. The MRC supports cutting-edge research to prevent illness, develop therapies and enhance human health.

For Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) researchers, send queries to FHS Research Development. All other queries go to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

United Kingdom Royal Society

The United Kingdom Royal Society offers funding to support researchers at all career stages and fosters innovation.

Royal Society funding opportunities

Note: Check eligibility, as some opportunities may not be open to researchers outside the UK or may require you to conduct research at a UK institute.

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

United States federal

Programmes of the U.S. Department of State support international projects and collaborations, addressing global challenges such as refugee assistance, human rights and health initiatives. These programmes aim to foster partnerships and innovation in tackling critical international issues.

U.S. Federal funding opportunities

Programmes:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) See National Institutes of Health
• The National Science Foundation (NSF). See National Science Foundation
• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID). See USAID

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH). 

USAID

The United States Agency for International Development leads efforts to end extreme global poverty and support resilient, democratic societies. Part of United States federal funding.

USAID funding opportunities USAID partnership opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

V

Volkswagen Foundation

The Volkswagen Foundation supports research in the humanities, social sciences, science and technology in higher education. It funds groundbreaking projects and helps improve academic institutions’ structural conditions. Explore their Information for Applicants page for details.

Volkswagen Foundation funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

W

Wellcome

The Funder-specific guide: Wellcome details UCT’s internal approval process and submission support for this particular funder. This guide is generally applicable to all Wellcome research awards, but carefully check the call-specific requirements.

Wellcome is a global charitable foundation that addresses health challenges by funding research in life, health and wellbeing. It supports discovery research across physical, social, data and life sciences, as well as humanities and clinical research, focusing on mental health, infectious diseases and climate and health. Explore their What we do page for details.

Wellcome funding opportunities Funder-specific guide: Wellcome

There are three Wellcome research awards, which open three times a year:

• The Wellcome Early-Career Awards fund researchers from any discipline ready to develop their research identity. They support innovative projects that can improve human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, recipients should be prepared to lead their own independent research programme.
• The Wellcome Career Development Awards fund mid-career researchers from any discipline with potential to become international research leaders. They support the development of research capabilities and innovative work programmes that can significantly advance understanding to improve human life, health and wellbeing.
• The Wellcome Discovery Awards fund established researchers and teams pursuing bold, creative ideas that can significantly advance understanding to improve human life, health and wellbeing.

FHS researchers to send queries to FHS Research Development. All other queries go to the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Wellcome LEAP

Wellcome LEAP aims to deliver breakthroughs in global human health over the next five to ten years, focusing on high-risk, high-reward projects and breakthrough technologies. Various funding opportunities are available all year round.

For FHS research, contact FHS Research Development. For other queries, contact the International Grants Hub (IGH).

Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)

UCT has ring-fenced funding for researchers to join the Research Development Fund of the Worldwide Universities Network, which offers grants for projects involving at least three member universities and spanning two or more geographical regions.

WUN funding opportunities

Send queries to the International Grants Hub (IGH) and wilna.venter@uct.ac.za.

These include:

• Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Oettlé Memorial Medal
• Human Sciences Research Council Universities of South Africa (HSRC-USAf) Medal for Social Sciences and Humanities
• L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Programme
• National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) awards
• Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award
• OMT New Frontiers Research Award
• OMT awards for sabbatical study
• Department of Science and Innovation SA Women in Science Awards (SASIWA)
• World Economic Forum (WEF) Innovation Prize

Send queries to Research Support Services (RSS).