Researchers in the Eastern Cape are asking: How do I make my grant proposal stand out to secure funding? At a workshop hosted by the Division of Research and Internationalisation under the Directorate of Research and Innovation, participants received practical guidance on writing competitive proposals that improve their chances of success with funding agencies.
Key Lessons from the Workshop
Professor Adebola Oyedeji emphasized that research should serve personal growth and career development. She encouraged participants to build habits such as reading funding-related emails regularly, networking with colleagues, and clearly showing how projects align with the goals of the funding agency.
“Your research should speak for you wherever you go,” she said, adding that successful applications often depend on teamwork, loyalty, and openness to collaboration.
September 2025 Deadlines for NSFAS and Research Grants
| Funding Stream | Deadline / Key Date |
| NSFAS Appeals (2025 academic year) | 15 September 2025 |
| Research Proposal Submissions (internal calls) | 20 September 2025 |
| Postgraduate Research Funding Applications | 30 September 2025 |
(Check NSFAS.org.za and your institution’s research office for final closing dates.)
Step-by-Step: How to Strengthen Your Research Proposal
- Identify the right funding call – align your project with the agency’s goals.
- Craft a clear introduction – state why the project matters and its expected impact.
- Build collaborations – include partners who add credibility and expertise.
- Explain relevance – highlight how your research addresses current priorities.
- Polish your application – review for clarity, structure, and alignment with requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who should attend these research proposal workshops?
A: Any postgraduate student, academic, or researcher seeking funding can benefit.
Q2: Does NSFAS cover research funding?
A: NSFAS mainly funds undergraduate studies, while postgraduate and research grants are accessed through other funding agencies.
Q3: Where can I find open funding opportunities?
A: Check your university’s research office, NRF (National Research Foundation), and international research bodies.
Q4: Why is collaboration important in proposals?
A: It strengthens credibility, adds skills diversity, and increases chances of funding success.
Q5: How do I stay updated on deadlines?
A: Regularly read institutional emails and visit NSFAS.org.za and sassa.gov.za for official updates.
Useful Links
- Official NSFAS Website
- Official SASSA Website
- Pondoland Times NSFAS Hub
- Pondoland Times SASSA Hub
- Pondoland Times UIF Hub
