CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

About the CSIR Bursary Programme

The CSIR Bursary Programme provides financial support to full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in study areas identified as priorities by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The programme is designed to support academically strong South African students pursuing careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).

CSIR also aims to increase participation by women, black people and people with disabilities in these fields.

Funding is available across undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral studies, with different fields of study and requirements applying to each level.

Who Can Apply?

The bursary is aimed at academically qualifying South African students who intend to study or continue studying full-time at a South African university in 2027.

Eligibility depends on your current study level.

Grade 12 Learners

Current Grade 12 learners must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Intend to enrol full-time for their chosen degree at a South African public university.
• Achieve at least Level 5 in English.
• Achieve at least Level 6 in Mathematics.
• Achieve at least Level 6 in Physical Science.

Current University Students

Current university students must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Plan to enrol full-time at a South African university in 2027.
• Have passed all registered courses for their completed period of study.

Master's & Doctoral Applicants

Postgraduate applicants must be South African citizens and should demonstrate:

• An excellent academic record.
• Good scientific writing skills.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Research ability and motivation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to formulate and conduct research.
• Strong technical abilities.
• Good communication skills.
• Good report-writing abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet scheduled deliverables.

Applicants must also meet the relevant Master's or Doctoral admission requirements of their selected university.

Available Fields of Study

Undergraduate Bursary

The CSIR lists the following undergraduate study areas:

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Rock Mapping
• Information Technology
• Geology
• Oceanography

Honours Bursary

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Data Science
• Civil Engineering
• Geoinformatics

Master's Bursary

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Biology/Health Science
• Biomedical Science
• Metallurgy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Architecture
• Development Planning
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
• Industrial Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Information Systems
• Biotechnology
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Port and Coastal Engineering
• Organic Chemistry
• Geoinformatics
• Data Science

Doctoral Bursary

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Biostatistics
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Organic Chemistry

What Does the CSIR Bursary Cover?

The CSIR describes this as a comprehensive bursary, covering a range of costs associated with university studies.

Undergraduate & Honours

Funding includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Books
• Accommodation
• Living allowances
• Once-off laptop allowance

Master's & Doctoral

Funding includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Living allowances
• Once-off laptop allowance

Academic merit is considered as part of the selection process.

Additional Opportunities and Support

Successful CSIR students may receive access to additional development and support opportunities.

These include:

Academic & Career Development

• CSIR Excellence Awards for top-performing students.
• Certificates and gifts for recognised top performers.
• Interview skills training for final-year students.
• Potential work placement opportunities at CSIR and affiliated organisations.
• Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per year.

Research & Industry Exposure

Students may have opportunities to:

• Work on real-life projects addressing socio-economic challenges.
• Receive CSIR co-supervision for research.
• Meet and interact with CSIR professionals.
• Participate in mentorship with senior CSIR professionals.

Student Support

The programme also provides:

• Psychosocial support.
• Academic support.
• Psychological support.
• Student wellness services.
• Onboarding and engagement with the CSIR team.

Additional Support for Postgraduate Students

Master's and Doctoral students may receive additional research-related support.

This can include:

• Experimental costs of up to R35,000 per year.
• Access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions.
• National and international conference attendance funding of up to R35,000 per year.
• Research skills training workshops.
• Support towards thesis/dissertation research publications and printing costs.
• An opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.

These postgraduate opportunities are subject to the applicable programme conditions.

What Documents Do You Need?

The CSIR states that applicants must submit the required supporting documentation with their application.

Prepare:

• An updated CV.
• A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• Your latest academic record.
• Proof of a completed degree for Master's and Doctoral applications.

Important: The CSIR states that failure to attach the required documents will result in the application being considered invalid.

What You Should Prepare Before Applying

Don't wait until the application deadline to collect your documents.

Grade 12 applicants

Make sure you have:

• Your latest school results.
• Your identity document.
• An updated CV.
• Your intended university and qualification information.
• Your Mathematics and Physical Science results.

University students

Have your:

• Latest academic record.
• Updated CV.
• Identity document.
• 2027 qualification information.

Master's & Doctoral applicants

Also prepare:

• Proof of your completed degree.
• Academic records.
• Research-related information where applicable.
• Evidence of research, reports, conference papers or similar work if relevant.

What You Could Expect

The CSIR bursary offers more than financial assistance.

Depending on your study level and programme participation, students may gain exposure to:

• Scientific research.
• Real-world engineering and technology projects.
• CSIR professionals.
• Mentorship.
• Research laboratories.
• Industry-related work.
• Interview preparation.
• Research skills development.
• Conference participation.
• Vacation work.

This makes the programme particularly relevant for students who are interested in developing careers in science, engineering, technology and research.

CSIR Bursary Work-Back Obligation

Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme's work-back requirement.

According to the information supplied, bursary recipients are obligated to work back for each year that the CSIR provides funding.

Applicants should carefully review the official bursary guidelines to understand the terms and conditions associated with this obligation before accepting funding.

Is This Bursary Right For You?

This opportunity may be worth considering if you:

• Are a South African citizen.
• Are academically strong.
• Want to study a CSIR priority field.
• Intend to study full-time.
• Are interested in science, engineering, technology or research.
• Meet the relevant academic requirements.
• Are willing to comply with the programme's funding conditions.

For Grade 12 learners, the Mathematics and Physical Science requirements are particularly important, as the CSIR specifies Level 6 for both subjects.

Vacancy Portal's Bursary Tip

Don't apply for a bursary simply because the funding looks attractive.

First check whether your intended qualification is specifically included in the bursary's approved fields of study.

For Grade 12 applicants, compare your English, Mathematics and Physical Science results against the CSIR's stated requirements before submitting your application.

Also make sure your supporting documents are ready. A strong academic record will not help if your application is incomplete.

For postgraduate applicants, pay particular attention to your research experience, academic record and ability to demonstrate independent research capability.

Application Process

Applicants should:

1. Confirm that they meet the CSIR's eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that their intended field of study is included in the relevant bursary category.
3. Prepare the required supporting documents.
4. Review the official CSIR bursary guidelines.
5. Complete the official CSIR bursary application.
6. Submit all required documents before the applicable deadline.
7. Keep a copy of the submitted application and supporting documents.

Important: The closing date was not included in the information supplied for this post. Applicants should confirm the current deadline on the official CSIR application platform before applying.