NRF-SAQA Introduces Postgraduate Scholarships for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in South Africa

Pretoria – The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) have announced a new collaborative agreement to launch the NRF-SAQA Scholarship Programme.

This Scholarship Programme aims to support postgraduate students who are refugees and asylum seekers currently living in South Africa.

This partnership demonstrates a mutual commitment to promoting research and development, enhancing knowledge and skills in the country, and most importantly, providing essential educational opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers residing in South Africa.

The initiative will improve access to postgraduate education by offering funding for scholarships, allowing enrolment in Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral programs at South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

As per the new agreement, the two organizations will jointly provide funding for refugee and asylum seeker students at postgraduate levels for up to three years.

Each organization will contribute 50% of the annual costs associated with the NRF-SAQA Scholarship Programme, which covers both scholarships and necessary study support services.

The NRF will fund one year for Honours, two years for Master’s, and three years for Doctoral studies, with possible extensions based on satisfactory performance as assessed by both parties.

In addition to the Partial Cost of Study scholarship, which covers annual tuition and accommodation or living and transport allowances, there will also be tailored support services and research assistance provided.

Dr. Gugu Moche, Group Executive: Digital Transformation and Acting Deputy CEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support, and Advancement, signed the agreement on behalf of the NRF, noting that this collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and supporting a vulnerable demographic in the academic sphere.

“By facilitating access to postgraduate education, we are cultivating academic potential while assisting in the societal integration and self-sufficiency of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa,” stated Dr. Gugu Moche.

“We believe this initiative will create a lasting and positive impact.”

SAQA acts as the national agency dedicated to evaluating foreign qualifications and advising on their recognition.

SAQA plays a crucial role in implementing the Revised Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, and Other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in African States (Addis Convention).

Furthermore, it operationalizes the recently ratified UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, thereby contributing valuable expertise to this partnership.

Nadia Starr, CEO of SAQA, remarked on the partnership, stating: “This collaboration represents a major advancement in our implementation of the Global and Addis conventions as ratified by our country. It also marks an important step towards recognizing and enhancing the skills of the many refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa.”

“This project creates a viable path for these individuals to pursue higher education and make significant contributions to their host nation.”

While considerable global efforts have been made to recognize refugees’ qualifications, less focus has been placed on ensuring their real access to higher education and employment opportunities.

Recognition alone is not sufficient—it must be supported by pathways that enable refugees to study, work, and integrate fully into society. Addressing this gap is essential for achieving the aims of global and regional conventions.

The NRF-SAQA Scholarship Programme is a crucial step in this direction, providing a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to supporting displaced and marginalized communities.

This initiative aligns with the broader G20 theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of inclusive development. By empowering refugee and asylum seeker students, the programme helps build resilient and equitable knowledge societies.

The NRF will manage the application process, assess eligibility and completeness, and coordinate the selection committee meeting, which will include representatives from both organizations.

The NRF will also evaluate academic merit, considering the unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, including interruptions in their educational paths.

The scholarship will prioritize full-time postgraduate students residing in South Africa who are recognized as refugees or asylum seekers by the South African government.

This partnership signifies a meaningful advancement towards creating a more inclusive and equitable landscape in higher education, highlighting collaboration among state entities in South Africa.