The CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 is now open for applications from students who will be studying science, engineering and technology subjects. The bursary offers full-cost financial support.
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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, offering comprehensive financial support to academically deserving South African students pursuing qualifications in science, engineering and technology.
The bursary is aimed at full-time, unemployed students studying in priority fields identified by the CSIR and seeks to develop the next generation of researchers, scientists and engineers in South Africa.
About the CSIR Bursary Programme
The CSIR Bursary Programme provides funding for undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral studies at South African public universities.
The programme places a strong emphasis on increasing the participation of women, Black South Africans and persons with disabilities in science, engineering and technology (SET) disciplines.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support as well as access to mentorship, research opportunities and professional development initiatives.
Fields Of Study Funded By The CSIR Bursary
Undergraduate Bursaries
Students pursuing the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Rock Mapping
- Information Technology
- Geology
- Oceanography
Honours Bursaries
Funding is available for students studying:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geoinformatics
Master's Bursaries
The CSIR will consider applications in the following fields:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Biology and 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 Bursaries
Doctoral funding is available in:
- 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
CSIR Bursary Requirements
Current Grade 12 Learners
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Intend to enrol for full-time undergraduate studies at a South African public university in 2027.
- Achieve at least:
- English – Level 5.
- Mathematics – Level 6.
- Physical Sciences – Level 6.
Current University Students
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be planning to study full-time at a South African public university in 2027.
- Have successfully passed all registered modules for their completed year or period of study.
Master's And Doctoral Applicants
Postgraduate applicants must be South African citizens and should demonstrate:
- An excellent academic record.
- Strong scientific and technical abilities.
- Good scientific and report-writing skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- The ability to conduct independent research and work effectively within a team.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet research deadlines.
- Self-motivation, initiative and a strong interest in research.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements for the selected Master's or Doctoral programme at their university.
Documents Required
Applications must include the following supporting documents:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- Your latest academic record.
- Master's and Doctoral applicants must also provide proof of their completed qualification.
Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be considered.
What Does The CSIR Bursary Cover?
The CSIR Bursary is a comprehensive funding programme that covers most of the costs associated with university studies.
Undergraduate And Honours Students
Successful applicants will receive funding for:
- Registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Prescribed books.
- Accommodation.
- Living allowance.
- A once-off laptop allowance.
Master's And Doctoral Students
Postgraduate bursary recipients will receive funding for:
- Registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Living allowance.
- A once-off laptop allowance.
Academic performance will play an important role during the selection process, while the CSIR also seeks to improve representation of women and Black South Africans in science, engineering and technology.
Additional Benefits
Beyond financial support, bursary recipients will have access to a range of development opportunities, including:
- Recognition through the CSIR Excellence Awards for top-performing students.
- Possible work placement opportunities at the CSIR and affiliated organisations.
- Interview preparation and employability training for final-year students.
- Opportunities to work on research projects that address South Africa's socio-economic challenges.
- Onboarding sessions and networking opportunities with CSIR researchers.
- Academic, psychological and student wellness support.
- Mentorship from experienced CSIR professionals.
- Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks each year.
Additional Benefits For Postgraduate Students
Master's and Doctoral students may also benefit from:
- Research and experimental funding of up to R35,000 per year.
- Access to CSIR laboratories and research facilities.
- Funding of up to R35,000 annually to attend national and international conferences.
- Research skills and academic writing workshops.
- Funding for thesis, dissertation and research publication costs.
- Opportunities to present research at the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.
Work-Back Obligation
Students awarded a CSIR bursary will be required to fulfil a work-back obligation, meaning they must work for the CSIR for the equivalent number of years that they received bursary funding.
The CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for talented South African students to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology while receiving comprehensive financial support, mentorship and valuable research experience.
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