CSIR Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be unemployed
• You must be under 35 years old
• You must be currently in Matric
• You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification, within one of the fields of study listed above, in 2027
• You must intend on enrolling at a public university in South Africa
• You must have achieved the following minimum results in Matric: a minimum of level 5 for English a minimum of level 6 for Mathematics a minimum of level 6 for Physical Science
• a minimum of level 5 for English
• a minimum of level 6 for Mathematics
• a minimum of level 6 for Physical Science
• You must be studying full-time towards a qualification within one of the fields of study listed above
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
• You must have passed all the registered courses for the completed study period at the university
• Masters and Doctoral students: you must have good scientific writing skills you must have good organisational and time management skills you must have an excellent academic record you must have a drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential you must be able to formulate and carry out research you must have excellent technical abilities you must be able to work well under pressure as part of a team and meet scheduled deliverables; Good communication skills, both verbal and written (e.g. with evidence of reports and/or conference papers written) you must have good report-writing abilities you must be enthusiastic and self-motivated you must take ownership and initiative you must meet the entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral bursary at a selected university
• you must have good scientific writing skills
• you must have good organisational and time management skills
• you must have an excellent academic record
• you must have a drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential
• you must be able to formulate and carry out research
• you must have excellent technical abilities
• you must be able to work well under pressure as part of a team and meet scheduled deliverables; Good communication skills, both verbal and written (e.g. with evidence of reports and/or conference papers written)
• you must have good report-writing abilities
• you must be enthusiastic and self-motivated
• you must take ownership and initiative
• you must meet the entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral bursary at a selected university

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to CSIR - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE CSIR BURSARY COVER?

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Honours, MSc and PhD), in the following fields which have been deemed a priority by the CSIR:

Undergraduate studies:

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

Honours studies:

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

Masters studies:

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

Doctoral studies:

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

The CSIR bursary is merit based and is aimed at full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in areas that are deemed a priority by the CSIR (research, technology development and innovation as well as corporate/support areas). The bursary aims to attract suitably qualified applicants, and encourages females, black students and those living with disabilities to apply.

WHAT EXPENSES AND OTHER BENEFITS DOES THE CSIR BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Undergraduate and Honours level: registration fees, tuition fees, books, once-off laptop allowance, accommodation and a living allowance.
• Masters and Doctoral level: registration fees, tuition fees, once-off laptop allowance and a living allowance.

All students will also receive the following benefits:

• Psychosocial support (e.g. academic and psychological support)
• Student wellness programme
• Vacation work opportunities, of up to 6 weeks per year
• Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges through your research (CSIR co-supervision)
• Potential work placement opportunities at the CSIR and other related organisations
• Awards for top performing students - CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and other gifts
• Interview skills training for final year students, to prepare for the working world
• Onboarding session and a chance to meet the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team
• Possible pairing with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme

Postgraduate students will also receive the following benefits:

• Experimental costs funding, for access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions (capped at R35 000 per annum)
• National and international conference attendance funding opportunity (capped at R35 000 per annum)
• Research skills training workshops to improve academic writing skills
• Thesis/ dissertation/ research publications and printing costs funding
• Opportunity to attend CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium - Showcase research project and networking

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS AND SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE CSIR BURSARY?

After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to work for CSIR - one year of employment for every year of funding received.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview - candidates who do not receive any feedback, should regard their bursary application as unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE CSIR BURSARY?

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):

Current Matric students:

Current University students:

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE CSIR BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: CSIR Bursary Application 2027

Applicants must read the CSIR Bursary Guidelines 2027 (.pdf) before applying.

Applicants must Register an account, before they can Login and apply.

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the CSIR bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE CSIR BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae
• Latest academic record
• Master’s and Doctoral students: proof of a degree already completed

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE CSIR BURSARY?

15 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact CSIR directly:Bursary Programme teamTel: 012 841 2616Email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES THE CSIR DO?

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of South Africa’s leading scientific research and technology development organisations. Established in 1945, the CSIR is a public entity operating under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Its role is to conduct multidisciplinary research, develop innovative technologies, and provide scientific solutions that support South Africa’s economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and social development.

Headquartered on its main campus in Pretoria, the CSIR employs thousands of researchers, engineers, technicians and support specialists who work across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines. The organisation collaborates with government departments, universities, industry partners and international institutions to address national and global challenges through research and innovation.

The CSIR’s work is focused on several strategic research areas, including advanced manufacturing and industry, digital technologies, health innovation, energy, the built environment, natural resources and the environment, and defence and security. Through these focus areas, the organisation develops practical technologies and research-driven solutions that improve public services, strengthen industries, and contribute to sustainable development across South Africa and beyond.

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