The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) was founded in the late 1940’s, as a non-governmental organisation to conduct research into poliomyelitis (polio) disease. The incorporated association is committed to supporting research initiatives aimed at developing Medical Virology within South Africa.
The Foundation is governed by senior virologists, members of the industrial sector, members of the business sector, and a Scientific Advisory Panel from university virology heads of departments across South Africa.
Each year the PRF provides funding for deserving students, in the form of bursaries, research grants, travel grants, and fellowships. From the years 1977 to 2016, the Foundation has granted over R144 million in research funds, of which over R44 million has been for bursary grants.
ABOUT THE PRF BURSARY PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED
The Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) is inviting students pursuing postgraduate students to apply for bursary funding, for the 2024 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded for Research into Virology, at BScHons, MSc, and Ph.D. levels.
MORE ABOUT THE PRF BURSARY PROGRAMMES – COVERAGE VALUE
The duration of the bursary award will depend on the level of the qualification being pursued: Masters’s students will receive up to 2 years of bursary support and Ph.D. students will receive up to 3 years of bursary support (unless an exceptional circumstance).
Scholars may not change their research project unless approved by the PRF.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLIOMYELITIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION (PRF) BURSARIES
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident in South Africa
- You must be studying towards one of the aforementioned postgraduate Virology qualifications
- You must NOT be employed full-time
- BSc (Hons) and Masters applicants: you must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60%
- BSc (Hons) applicants: preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students
HOW TO APPLY FOR PRF BURSARIES
Download and complete the relevant PRF application form:
NEW APPLICATIONS:
- PRF BScHons Bursary Application Form (New Applications) (.doc)
- PRF MSc Bursary Application Form (New Applications) (.doc)
- PRF PhD Bursary Application Form (New Applications) (.doc)
RENEWALS (current bursary recipients):
- PRF MSc Bursary Application Form (Renewal) (.doc)
- PRF PhD Bursary Application Form (Renewal) (.doc)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
NEW APPLICATIONS:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Proof of permanent residency if not a South African citizen (certified copy)
- Full tertiary academic record, including most recent results (on institutes letterhead)
- Curriculum Vitae, including publications (maximum 2 pages)
- Full scope of your proposed research project
- Literature review
- Supervisor’s written support
RENEWALS (current bursary recipients):
- Most recent academic record (on institutes letterhead)
- Supervisor’s written support
Note: application forms must be filled in on the computer (i.e. typed and not hand written).
Applications must be submitted via email to: [email protected]
(Insert the words “PRF Bursary Application 2024” in the email subject line).
CLOSING DATE FOR PRF BURSARIES
28 February and 15 September.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) directly:
Contact Person: Mrs Irma Latsky
Tel: 011 555 0395
Email: [email protected]