Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursaries 2027

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to unemployed South African students. This opportunity is for those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields relevant to the CSIR’s research and innovation functions.

Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Location: Public universities across South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (funding covers various expenses)
Minimum Qualification: Matric for undergraduate, relevant degree for postgraduate

About the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

The CSIR Bursary Programme aims to support full-time unemployed students with strong academic records. It focuses on developing talent in areas critical to the CSIR’s mission of scientific and technological advancement. The bursary is merit-based and encourages applications from female students, black students, and individuals living with disabilities.

This programme provides financial assistance for undergraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, and PhD) at public universities in South Africa. It is designed to nurture future researchers and innovators who can contribute to the country’s scientific and industrial landscape.

About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research and development organisation in Africa. It undertakes directed, multidisciplinary research and development for industrial competitiveness and economic growth. The CSIR’s work spans various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, natural resources and the environment, and health and well-being.

Undergraduate Fields of Study

Bursaries are available for undergraduate students intending to study full-time in 2027 in the following fields:

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

Honours Fields of Study

For Honours degrees, bursaries are offered in:

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

Master’s Fields of Study

Master’s students can apply for bursaries in fields such as:

• Architecture
• Biology or 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 Fields of Study

PhD bursaries are available for research in:

• 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

What the CSIR Bursary Covers

The bursary funding varies depending on the level of study. For undergraduate and Honours students, it may cover registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books, a once-off laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance. Master’s and doctoral students may receive funding for registration fees, tuition fees, a once-off laptop allowance, and a living allowance. The exact maximum value for each component is not specified.

Additional Benefits for All Bursary Recipients

Successful applicants will benefit from academic and psychological support, access to a student-wellness programme, and vacation-work opportunities for up to six weeks annually. They will gain exposure to real-life research and innovation projects, with potential CSIR co-supervision. Opportunities for work placement at the CSIR or related organisations, recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards, and interview-skills training are also provided.

Additional Benefits for Postgraduate Students

Postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD) may receive additional support, including experimental-cost funding up to R35,000 per year and access to laboratories. They can also receive national and international conference funding up to R35,000 per year, research-skills workshops, and academic-writing development. Support for thesis, dissertation, and publication, as well as printing costs, is available.

Work-Back Requirement

A significant condition of the bursary is a work-back obligation. Recipients are required to work for the CSIR for one year for every year of bursary funding received after graduation. Applicants must carefully consider this commitment before accepting the bursary.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Be younger than 35 years old.
• Be studying or intend to study full-time at a South African public university.

Requirements for Current Matric Students

Current Grade 12 learners must be completing Matric in 2026 and intend to study full-time in an approved undergraduate field in 2027. They must meet specific subject requirements.

Matric Academic Requirements

Matric students must achieve at least:

• Level 5 for English.
• Level 6 for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
• Level 6 for Physical Science.

Requirements for Current University Students

Current university students must be registered for an approved field of study and have an overall academic average of at least 65%. They must have passed all registered modules for the completed study period.

Requirements for Master’s and Doctoral Applicants

Master’s and doctoral applicants need to demonstrate strong scientific writing ability, excellent academic performance, good organisational and time-management skills, and motivation for research. They should also possess strong technical ability and effective communication skills.

Academic Performance Requirement

A minimum overall academic average of 65% is required for university students. The bursary is merit-based, so strong academic performance is crucial throughout the selection process. All registered courses must have been passed.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of the following documents:

• A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Your latest academic record.

Master’s and doctoral applicants must also submit proof of a completed relevant degree. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.

Curriculum Vitae Requirements

Your CV should include full personal details, current contact information, education history, academic achievements, relevant technical skills, research experience (if applicable), projects, publications, leadership activities, work experience, and references.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you do not hear back from the CSIR, consider your application unsuccessful. Selection is based on academic performance, the eligibility of the field of study, research potential, technical skills, motivation, and alignment with CSIR priority areas.

How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the official CSIR Bursary Portal.

Click here to apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

Applicants need to register an account on the portal before signing in and completing the application form. It is advisable to read the CSIR Bursary Guidelines for 2027 before applying.

Online Application Steps

1. Open the CSIR Bursary Portal.
2. Register a new applicant account.
3. Sign in using your registered details.
4. Select your study level and relevant field of study.
5. Complete all compulsory personal and academic sections.
6. Upload the required certified documents and CV.
7. Review your application carefully.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. It is recommended to apply early to avoid any last-minute issues.

Important Application Conditions

Please note the following conditions:

• The bursary is for full-time unemployed students.
• Applicants must be South African citizens under 35 years old.
• University applicants need at least a 65% average and must have passed all modules.
• Matric applicants must meet specific subject requirements.
• All required supporting documents must be submitted.
• Recipients have a work-back obligation to the CSIR.
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.

Important Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, ensure you have:

• Confirmed your South African citizenship and unemployed status.
• Verified you are under 35 years old.
• Checked that your field of study is funded by the CSIR.
• Confirmed you study or intend to study full-time at a public university.
• Met the academic requirements for your study level.
• Passed all registered modules.
• Attached certified copies of your ID, updated CV, latest academic record, and degree proof (if applicable).
• Understood the work-back requirement.
• Submitted your online application by 15 September 2026.

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