Home » ENGINEERING » CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary

CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary 2027

Application StatusCLOSED See Bursaries Still Open for 2027
Closing Date15 September 2026
Bursary ProviderCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Sasol Foundation
Bursary Programme Full NameCSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme
Study LevelUndergraduate
Academic Year2027

The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary is an undergraduate funding programme offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Sasol Foundation. It supports eligible South African students pursuing full-time studies in selected science, engineering and technology fields at South African public universities.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

The undergraduate bursary programme covers these fields of study:

  • Mechatronic Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Material Flow Analysis
  • Process Engineering and Life Cycle Assessment
  • Information Technology
  • Data Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Genetics and Cell Biology
  • Systems Engineering

Students looking for related funding opportunities can also explore these Grads24 resources:

WHAT ARE THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY REQUIREMENTS?

Requirements for Current Grade 12 Learners

According to the programme information for the 2027 intake, Grade 12 applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens.
  • Intend to enrol for full-time undergraduate study 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.
  • Choose a qualification within an eligible field of study.

Requirements for Current University Students

Students already studying at university must meet the programme’s citizenship and study requirements. The published 2027 criteria state that applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens.
  • Plan to enrol for full-time study at a South African university in 2027.
  • Be pursuing a qualification in an eligible field.
  • Have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at university.

Academic merit is considered during selection. The programme also aims to increase the participation of women, Black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.

WHAT DOES THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY COVER?

  • Registration fees.
  • Tuition fees.
  • Books.
  • Accommodation.
  • Living allowance.
  • A once-off laptop allowance.

WHAT ADDITIONAL BENEFITS DOES THE BURSARY OFFER?

  • Recognition of high-performing students through CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts.
  • Possible work-placement opportunities at the CSIR and affiliated organisations.
  • Interview-skills training for final-year students.
  • Opportunities to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges, including CSIR co-supervision.
  • An onboarding session with the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team.
  • Psychosocial support, including academic and psychological support.
  • Access to a student wellness programme.
  • Potential mentorship with experienced CSIR professionals.
  • Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per year, subject to programme arrangements and availability.

WHAT IS THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY WORK-BACK OBLIGATION?

The bursary requires successful students to work back one year for every year funded by the CSIR and Sasol Foundation.

This service obligation is an important consideration when deciding whether to accept the bursary. Applicants should read the applicable bursary agreement and confirm the conditions that will apply to their funding before accepting an award.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY?

  • An updated CV.
  • A copy of a certified South African identity document.
  • The latest academic record, where applicable.
  • Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 learners.

Applicants must submit the documents required by the relevant application guidelines. Incomplete applications or applications missing compulsory supporting documents may not be considered.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY?

Applications for the 2027 intake are closed. The steps below explain the general application process for reference; they do not indicate that the 2027 application portal is still accepting submissions.

  1. Review the programme guidelines: Check the eligibility criteria and confirm that your qualification falls within an approved field.
  2. Prepare the supporting documents: Gather the required identity document, academic records and updated CV.
  3. Use the official application route: When a future application cycle opens, access the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary page on the official CSIR website and follow the instructions provided for that intake.
  4. Complete the application: Provide accurate personal, academic and study information.
  5. Upload the required documents: Check that all compulsory documents are included and legible.
  6. Submit within the advertised period: Follow the opening and closing dates announced by the CSIR for the relevant application cycle.

Official programme information: CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary.

WHEN IS THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY CLOSING DATE?

Applications for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary closed on 15 September 2026.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE CSIR ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact the CSIR using the following details published in its bursary guidelines:

For information about future application dates, eligibility or programme conditions, confirm the details with the CSIR before relying on information from a previous intake.

ABOUT THE CSIR AND SASOL FOUNDATION

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a South African research and development organisation that supports scientific and technological development. Its bursary programmes help develop skills in fields relevant to its work and South Africa’s critical skills needs.

The Sasol Foundation collaborates with the CSIR on the undergraduate bursary programme to support the development of scientists, engineers and technologists. Through this initiative, eligible students can receive financial assistance and access to academic and professional development opportunities, subject to the applicable programme conditions.

Scroll to Top