Apply for NRF 2025/2026 Postgraduate Research Grants

The National Research Fund (NRF) has announced the opening of applications for its 2025/2026 Postgraduate Research Grants, a programme aimed at boosting research-driven innovation across the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, January 27, the Fund called on postgraduate students enrolled in recognised public and private universities to submit proposals for funding. The initiative targets Master’s and doctoral candidates whose research aligns with national development priorities and supports evidence-based policymaking.

According to the NRF, the grants are meant to finance the research component of postgraduate studies only, with strong emphasis placed on projects that contribute to science, technology, and innovation under the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Successful PhD applicants will be eligible for funding of up to Ksh2 million spread over a maximum period of three years, while Master’s students may receive up to Ksh500,000 for research lasting up to one year.

Eligibility is limited to Kenyan citizens studying in accredited institutions within the country. The Fund has advised interested applicants to review the application guidelines published on its website before applying.

All proposals must be submitted online through the NRF Grants Management System at grantsportal.nrf.go.ke. Manual submissions will not be accepted.

The deadline for applications is March 6, 2026, at 11:59pm. Only applicants who successfully pass the evaluation process will be contacted.

Further information can be obtained from the National Research Fund offices at NACOSTI Plaza, Upper Kabete, Nairobi.