PRF Virology Bursary 2026/2027

About the Provider

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is a non-governmental organisation founded in the late 1940s with the original mission of conducting research into the poliomyelitis (polio) disease. Over the decades, the foundation has evolved to support a broader range of virology research while maintaining its core commitment to advancing medical virology within South Africa.

The PRF is governed by a distinguished board that includes senior virologists, members of the industrial and business sectors, and a Scientific Advisory Panel comprising university virology heads of departments from across South Africa. This governance structure ensures that funding decisions are guided by both scientific merit and practical relevance to South Africa's health challenges.

Each year, the PRF provides funding for deserving students and researchers through bursaries, research grants, travel grants, and fellowships. The foundation's investment in South African virology has been substantial: between 1977 and 2016, the PRF granted over R144 million in research funds, of which more than R44 million has been specifically allocated to bursary grants supporting postgraduate students.

The foundation's work has become increasingly relevant in the modern era of emerging infectious diseases. South Africa faces unique virology challenges including HIV, tuberculosis co-infections, and periodic outbreaks of viral diseases. The PRF's investment in training the next generation of virologists directly strengthens the country's capacity to understand, prevent, and respond to these threats.

The PRF's association with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) — reflected in its contact email address — positions it at the heart of South Africa's infectious disease surveillance and response infrastructure. This connection provides bursary recipients with access to cutting-edge research facilities and collaboration opportunities with leading scientists in the field.

About the Program

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation Bursary Programme provides funding for postgraduate students conducting research into virology at South African universities. The programme supports students at BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD levels, with funding duration aligned to the qualification: up to 2 years for Master's students and up to 3 years for PhD students.

This is a highly specialised bursary targeting a niche but critically important field of study. Virology research has become increasingly relevant in the wake of global pandemics, and the PRF's investment in developing South African virologists contributes directly to the country's capacity to respond to infectious disease threats.

The programme has two application cycles per year, with deadlines on 28 February and 15 September, providing flexibility for students at different stages of their academic planning. Both new applications and renewals are accepted, with separate application processes for each.

Eligibility requirements are relatively straightforward: preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents, applicants must be registered for a postgraduate degree in virology research, and must have achieved a minimum 60% average in their most recent studies. The broad eligibility criteria reflect the foundation's priority of supporting as many virology researchers as possible.

Scholars may not change their research project without PRF approval, ensuring that funded research remains aligned with the foundation's mission of advancing medical virology in South Africa. This requirement also ensures continuity and completion of research projects that contribute to the country's scientific knowledge base.

The PRF has been funding research since the late 1940s, with over R144 million granted in research funds between 1977 and 2016, of which more than R44 million has been specifically for bursary grants. This long track record demonstrates the foundation's sustained commitment to developing virology expertise in South Africa.

Bursary Benefits

• Multi-year funding — up to 2 years for Master's students and up to 3 years for PhD students
• Support for cutting-edge virology research at South African universities
• Association with a foundation that has invested over R144 million in research since 1977
• Contribution to national health security through infectious disease research
• Renewable funding allowing focus on long-term research projects
• Connection to a network of senior virologists, industry members, and scientific advisory panels
• Publication opportunities through research outputs funded by the PRF
• Career foundation in one of the most important and growing fields of biomedical science

Eligibility Criteria

• Preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents in South Africa
• You must be registered for a postgraduate degree (BSc Honours, MSc, or PhD) for research into virology
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in your most recent studies
• You may not change your research project without PRF approval

Required Documents

New applicants:

• Curriculum Vitae including publications (maximum 2 pages)
• Academic Record (most recent results)
• Proof of Degree Registration at a South African university
• Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (downloadable from PRF website)
• MSc applicants: Proof of BSc completion
• PhD applicants: Proof of MSc completion
• Any additional supporting information (graphs must be submitted as PDF annexes)

Renewal applicants:

• MSc: Completed Grants Application Signatory Form
• PhD: Supervisor Progress Report
• Any additional supporting information (graphs as PDF annexes)

All applicants: Download and submit the PRF Final Bursary Form via email to prf@nicd.ac.za

How to Apply

1. Determine which application type applies to you: BSc (Hons), MSc (new), MSc (renewal), PhD (new), or PhD (renewal).
2. Visit the PRF website and complete the online application form for your specific qualification level.
3. Prepare all required supporting documents:
   • New applicants: CV including publications (max 2 pages), academic record, proof of degree registration, completed Grants Application Signatory Form, proof of previous degree completion (MSc proof for PhD, BSc proof for MSc), and any additional supporting information.
   • Renewal applicants: Completed Grants Application Signatory Form (MSc) or Supervisor Progress Report (PhD), plus any additional supporting information.
4. Upload all documents to the online portal. Note: graphs must be submitted as PDF annexes.
5. Download and complete the PRF Final Bursary Form.
6. Submit the Final Bursary Form via email to prf@nicd.ac.za with the subject line "PRF Bursary Application" followed by your qualification level (BSc Hons, MSc, or PhD).
7. Submit before the closing dates: 28 February 2026 or 15 September 2026.

Tips for Success

• Clearly define your virology research focus — the PRF funds research into virology specifically. Ensure your project is clearly within this scope.
• Include your publications in your CV if you have any — even conference presentations or co-authored papers demonstrate research capability.
• Keep your CV to 2 pages maximum — this is a stated requirement. Focus on research experience, academic achievements, and relevant skills.
• Submit graphs as PDF annexes — do not embed them in other documents. The PRF has specific formatting requirements.
• Don't forget the Final Bursary Form — this must be downloaded separately, completed, and emailed to prf@nicd.ac.za. Many applicants miss this step.
• Use the correct subject line when emailing: "PRF Bursary Application" followed by your qualification level.
• Apply during the cycle that suits your timeline — February for mid-year starts, September for the following year.
• Maintain your 60% average — this is the minimum threshold for eligibility.
• Do not change your research project without PRF approval — this is a condition of the bursary.
• For renewals, ensure your supervisor submits a progress report (PhD) or you complete the Signatory Form (MSc) on time.

Career Prospects

Virology is one of the most critical and rapidly growing fields in biomedical science, with demand for qualified virologists increasing dramatically following global pandemic experiences. South Africa, with its world-class research institutions and unique disease burden, offers exceptional career opportunities for virology researchers.

Career paths for PRF bursary graduates include:

• Academic research — positions at South African universities conducting fundamental and applied virology research
• National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) — surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response for viral diseases
• World Health Organisation (WHO) — international public health roles in disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness
• Pharmaceutical companies — vaccine development, antiviral drug research, and clinical trials
• Diagnostic laboratories — developing and validating viral diagnostic tests
• Biotechnology companies — applying virology expertise to gene therapy, viral vectors, and biological products
• Public health agencies — epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and disease control
• Science councils — research positions at the CSIR, MRC, and other national research bodies
• International research institutes — positions at organisations like the Africa Health Research Institute, KRISP, and international collaborations

South Africa's position as a leader in HIV, TB, and emerging infectious disease research means that virology graduates have access to world-class research infrastructure and international collaboration networks. The country's experience with COVID-19 genomic surveillance (through institutions like KRISP) has further elevated the profile and demand for trained virologists.

The PRF's network of senior virologists and university department heads provides graduates with mentorship and career guidance that extends well beyond the bursary period, helping to place qualified researchers in positions where they can make maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of study is funded?

Postgraduate only: BSc Honours, MSc, and PhD. Undergraduate studies are not funded.

What research area must I focus on?

Your research must be in virology. The PRF specifically supports research into medical virology within South Africa.

How long is the funding?

Up to 2 years for Master's students and up to 3 years for PhD students, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Are there two application deadlines?

Yes. Applications close on 28 February 2026 and 15 September 2026. You can apply during either cycle.

Can I renew my bursary?

Yes. There are separate renewal application processes for MSc and PhD students already receiving PRF funding.

Do I need to be South African?

Preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents, but the eligibility criteria do not strictly exclude other applicants.

What academic average do I need?

A minimum of 60% in your most recent studies.

What does the PRF do?

The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation, founded in the late 1940s, is a non-governmental organisation committed to supporting research initiatives aimed at developing medical virology within South Africa. It has granted over R144 million in research funds since 1977.

Applications Closing

Two application cycles: 28 February 2026 and 15 September 2026. Apply during the cycle that best suits your academic timeline.

About the Organization

Tel: 011 555 0395 Email: prf@nicd.ac.za