The National Research Fund (NRF) has opened applications for postgraduate research grants for the 2025/2026 financial year.
In a notice, NRF confirmed opening applications for postgraduate research grants, offering funding of up to Ksh 500,000 for Master’s projects and Ksh 2,000,000 for doctoral research.
“NRF invites applications for Postgraduate Research Grants for the 2025/2026 Financial Year,” read the notice in part.
The grants aim to support high-quality research that advances Kenya’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) ecosystem and contributes to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and national development priorities.
NRF Funding Eligibility
According to the NRF statement, eligible applicants are bona fide Kenyan postgraduate students registered in public or private universities in Kenya.
Additionally, the funding covers only the research component of Master’s or doctoral degree programs and is designed to enable students to conduct research that addresses critical national development challenges.
“The grant will support only the research component of master’s or doctoral degree training programmes, focusing on projects that address national development priorities.”
Applications must be submitted strictly through the NRF Grants Management System by 6th March 2026 at 23:59 EAT.
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Late submissions or proposals submitted through other channels will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Application Process and Funding Details
Interested postgraduate students are required to read the detailed guidelines on the NRF website and submit their proposals strictly through the NRF Grants Management System at https://grantsportal.nrf.go.ke.
The maximum funding is Ksh 500,000 for Master’s research over one year and Ksh 2,000,000 for doctoral research over up to three years.
“Interested postgraduate students wishing to apply for this national grant call should read the detailed guidelines on the NRF website and submit their applications strictly through the NRF Grants Management System.”
For inquiries, the agency has directed students to contact NRF via phone or email and stressed that the grants are competitive, and selection will be based on the quality, relevance, and potential impact of the proposed research.
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Strengthening Kenya’s Research and Innovation Ecosystem
The NRF, established under the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013, mobilizes resources and facilitates research to promote scientific advancement, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. The postgraduate research grants are a key component of the fund’s efforts to develop research capacity in Kenya.
“This national research call is a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening Kenya’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) ecosystem by supporting high-quality postgraduate research.”
By supporting both Master’s and PhD research, the grants encourage students to pursue projects aligned with national priorities, including innovation, sustainability, and evidence-based policy formulation. The initiative is expected to enhance Kenya’s knowledge base and drive inclusive national development.
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