{"id":40738,"date":"2026-08-12T14:02:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=40738"},"modified":"2026-08-13T11:50:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T11:50:37","slug":"nrf-empowers-vut-postgraduate-students-through-research-funding-information-session","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/st\/nrf-empowers-vut-postgraduate-students-through-research-funding-information-session\/","title":{"rendered":"NRF empowers VUT postgraduate students through research funding information session"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The National Research Foundation (NRF) visited the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to educate postgraduate students about research funding opportunities, scholarship categories, application processes and support available to emerging researchers.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 August 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"NRF<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NRF Research Manager Specialist Mr Katleho Ralehoko, a proud VUT alumnus and former NRF funding beneficiary, facilitating the presentation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research funding can be the difference between an idea remaining on paper and a discovery that transforms lives. Recognising this, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Research Directorate hosted the National Research Foundation (NRF) on 5 August 2026 for an informative engagement designed to equip postgraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of research funding opportunities, scholarship categories and application procedures. The session reaffirmed VUT\u2019s commitment to advancing research excellence by empowering emerging researchers with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in their academic and research journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The engagement brought together postgraduate students who had already secured NRF funding for the 2026 academic year, while students who had not yet received funding were guided through the application process, eligibility requirements, review procedures and appeal mechanisms. The session also provided valuable insight into the various funding instruments available through the NRF and the responsibilities that accompany funded research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presentation was facilitated by Mr Katleho Ralehoko, Research Manager Specialist at the NRF and a proud VUT alumnus who previously benefited from NRF funding. Drawing on both his professional expertise and personal journey as a postgraduate student, Mr Ralehoko shared practical guidance and encouraged students to make full use of the opportunities available through the NRF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the students, Mr Ralehoko explained the purpose of the session and what participants could expect. \u201cI will be taking you through the briefing session for all those who are funded. For my presentation outline, I will give you a brief background of what the NRF is, touch on the performance of this particular institution in terms of changes that have been made in the NRF funding instruments, the progress report and carry forward,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further explained that the team facilitating the engagement formed part of the Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement Division, which administers most of the NRF\u2019s research grants and scholarships. \u201cThe purpose of this multidisciplinary funding division is for us to promote and support research through funding to all the students, as well as emerging researchers and postdoctoral fellows,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Ralehoko also introduced students to the different NRF divisions, including the Next Generation of Emerging Researchers, which oversees postgraduate scholarships, emerging researcher programmes, Thuthuka grants and postdoctoral fellowships, as well as divisions responsible for international grants, strategic investment, innovation, impact, planning, monitoring and evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing his experience of the session, Mr Amukelani Mdaka, a first-year Master of Management in Business Administration student at VUT, said the engagement provided valuable clarity on the funding process. \u201cAttending the NRF information session was very helpful. The presenter explained the different types of funding and categories in detail. They also broke down the review<\/p>\n\n\n\n

process and outlined the guidelines to follow when submitting an application or lodging an appeal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Mpho Mohoto, a Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering student at VUT, highlighted the significance of the NRF\u2019s continued partnership with VUT, emphasising its role in advancing research excellence, fostering innovation and creating greater opportunities for postgraduate students and emerging researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe NRF\u2019s visit to VUT strengthens research excellence, innovation and collaboration while expanding opportunities for research funding and knowledge exchange. The initiative enhances the University\u2019s research capacity and empowers students and emerging researchers through access to mentorship, skills development and scholarly engagement. Finally, it supports VUT\u2019s contribution to scientific advancement and socio-economic development by promoting impactful and sustainable research,\u201d said Ms Mohoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information session reaffirmed the strong partnership between the NRF and VUT in developing future researchers. By providing students with practical knowledge of funding opportunities and research support systems, the initiative equips emerging scholars to pursue high-quality research that contributes to innovation, academic excellence and the country\u2019s socio-economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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