The CSIR Bursary is currently open for 2027 applications to full-time, unemployed South African students. Interested applicants must intend to study in priority science, engineering and technology fields. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers funding for undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral studies at South African public universities.
🟢 CSIR BURSARY 2027 STATUS: OPEN — Applications close on 15 September 2026. The programme provides comprehensive financial support, together with additional academic, wellness, mentorship and vacation-work opportunities.
CSIR Bursary 2027 Status: Open
Status: 🟢 OPEN
- Academic year: 2027
- Provider: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Closing date: 15 September 2026
- Study levels: Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral
- Institution: South African public universities
- Application method: Online through CSIR Bursary Connect
- Citizenship: South African citizenship required
- Employment status: Applicants must be unemployed
- Last verified: 24 August 2026
The CSIR has confirmed that applications for its 2027 bursary programmes are open and close on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Applicants should check the official CSIR information before submitting because application requirements and programme details can change between funding cycles.
CSIR Bursary at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary provider | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Status | 🟢 Open |
| Closing date | 15 September 2026 |
| Study levels | Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral |
| Citizenship | South African |
| Institution | South African public university |
| Funding | Comprehensive university funding, subject to study level |
| Application | Online through CSIR Bursary Connect |
| Work-back obligation | Yes — one year for every year funded |
What Is the CSIR Bursary?
The CSIR Bursary is a student funding programme offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa’s public scientific research and technology development organisation.
The purpose of the programme is to help develop a pipeline of suitably qualified scientists, engineers and technologists in areas that are important to the CSIR and South Africa’s critical skills needs.
The programme supports full-time students and combines financial assistance with additional development opportunities, including academic and psychological support, mentorship, career preparation and structured vacation work.
CSIR Bursary Fields of Study for 2027
The fields funded by the CSIR differ according to the level of study. Applicants should therefore check the list applicable to their qualification rather than assuming that every field is funded at every level.
Undergraduate Fields
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Rock Mapping
- Information Technology
- Geology
- Oceanography
Honours Fields
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geoinformatics
Master’s Fields
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Biology/Health Science
- Biomedical Science
- Metallurgy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architecture
- Development Planning
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Digital Government and Innovation System Research
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Information Systems
- Biotechnology
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Port and Coastal Engineering
- Organic Chemistry
- Geoinformatics
- Data Science
Doctoral Fields
- 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
Important: The CSIR’s 2027 programme lists fields separately according to study level. Do not assume that a qualification appearing under undergraduate funding is automatically funded at Honours, Master’s or Doctoral level.
Who Can Apply for the CSIR Bursary?
The CSIR Bursary is aimed at academically qualifying South African students who will study full-time in areas identified as priorities by the organisation.
Grade 12 Applicants
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must intend to enrol full-time for your chosen degree in 2027.
- You must intend to study at a South African public university.
- You must meet the stated academic requirements for English, Mathematics and Physical Science.
- You must be unemployed.
For the 2027 undergraduate programme, the CSIR states a minimum of Level 5 for English, Level 6 for Mathematics and Level 6 for Physical Science for current Grade 12 applicants.
Current University Students
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must intend to enrol full-time at a South African university in 2027.
- You must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
- You must be unemployed.
Master’s and Doctoral Applicants
Applicants for Master’s and Doctoral funding must be South African citizens and must meet the academic and research-related expectations of the programme and their selected university.
- Good scientific writing skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- An excellent academic record
- Ability and motivation to conduct research
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to formulate and carry out research
- Strong technical abilities
- Good communication and report-writing skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet scheduled deliverables
Master’s and Doctoral applicants must also meet the entry requirements for the relevant qualification at their selected university.
What Does the CSIR Bursary Cover?
The CSIR describes the bursary as comprehensive. However, the specific expenses covered depend on the level of study.
Undergraduate and Honours Funding
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Master’s and Doctoral Funding
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Additional CSIR Student Benefits
- Recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards for top-performing students
- Possible work-placement opportunities at the CSIR and affiliated organisations
- Interview-skills training for final-year students
- Opportunities to work on real-life research projects addressing socio-economic challenges
- CSIR co-supervision for relevant research
- Onboarding and engagement with the CSIR team
- Psychosocial support
- Student wellness support
- Mentorship opportunities with senior CSIR professionals
- Vacation-work opportunities of up to six weeks per year
Postgraduate students may additionally qualify for research-related support, including experimental-cost funding of up to R35,000 per annum and national or international conference attendance funding of up to R35,000 per annum.
Other postgraduate support includes research-skills training, thesis and dissertation-related support, research publication and printing costs, and the opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.
CSIR Bursary Work-Back Obligation
The CSIR Bursary includes a work-back obligation. The CSIR states that bursary recipients are required to work back every year that the CSIR has provided funding.
This means applicants should understand the service obligation before accepting a bursary offer. The specific contractual terms should be checked in the bursary agreement supplied to successful applicants.
Required Documents
The CSIR requires supporting documents to accompany the application. The current 2027 information states that applicants must provide the following:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your latest academic record
- Proof of a completed degree for Master’s and Doctoral applicants
Make sure that all required documents are attached before submitting your application. The CSIR states that failure to attach the required documents will render the application null and void.
How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary
Applications for the 2027 CSIR Bursary must be submitted online through the CSIR’s bursary application system. Applicants should use the official CSIR information and guidelines before completing the application.
Step 1: Check the requirements
Confirm that you are a South African citizen, unemployed, eligible for the relevant study level and planning to study at a South African public university. Check that your qualification appears under the correct 2027 CSIR field list.
Step 2: Read the official CSIR guidelines
Read the current CSIR Bursary Guidelines before applying. Pay particular attention to the requirements for your level of study, the documents required and the work-back obligation.
Step 3: Apply through CSIR Bursary Connect
Complete your application through the CSIR Bursary Connect online application portal. University notices relating to the 2027 programme confirm that applications must be submitted online and that applications sent by email will not be considered.
Step 4: Upload your documents
Upload the required supporting documents in the format requested by the application system. Check each attachment before submitting the application.
Step 5: Submit before 15 September 2026
The current closing date for the 2027 CSIR Bursary Programme is 15 September 2026. Do not wait until the final day if you can submit earlier, particularly if you still need to obtain or certify documents.
Official application route: Use the CSIR Bursary Connect portal linked from the official CSIR bursary information.
What Happens After You Apply?
Applicants should ensure that their application and supporting documents are complete before submission. The CSIR considers academic merit as part of its selection process and also seeks to increase participation of women and black people in science, engineering and technology.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further assessment or an interview. Applicants should therefore monitor the contact details used in their application and retain any application confirmation or reference information.
What If You Miss the CSIR Bursary Deadline?
If you do not submit your application before the official closing date, do not assume that a late application will be accepted. The safest approach is to wait for the next official application cycle and use the intervening period to prepare your academic records, identification documents and CV.
If you still need funding for 2027, you can also browse Engineering Bursaries South Africa for other opportunities in engineering, science and technology-related fields.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CSIR Bursary
Is the CSIR Bursary open for 2027?
Yes. The CSIR has confirmed that applications for the 2027 CSIR Bursary Programme are currently open. The closing date is 15 September 2026.
What is the CSIR Bursary closing date?
The closing date for the 2027 CSIR Bursary is 15 September 2026.
What marks do I need for the CSIR Bursary?
For current Grade 12 applicants, the 2027 CSIR programme requires Level 5 for English, Level 6 for Mathematics and Level 6 for Physical Science. Current university students must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
Which fields does the CSIR Bursary fund?
The CSIR funds selected science, engineering and technology-related fields. The approved fields differ according to whether you are applying for undergraduate, Honours, Master’s or Doctoral funding. Check the relevant field list in this article before applying.
Does the CSIR Bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The current 2027 CSIR information lists accommodation among the expenses covered for undergraduate and Honours students. Accommodation is not separately listed in the Master’s and Doctoral funding section.
Does the CSIR Bursary provide a laptop?
Yes. The 2027 programme includes a once-off laptop allowance for undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students.
Does the CSIR Bursary have a work-back obligation?
Yes. The CSIR states that bursary recipients are obligated to work back every year that the CSIR has provided funding. Applicants should review the final bursary agreement for the contractual terms.
Can postgraduate students apply for the CSIR Bursary?
Yes. The 2027 CSIR Bursary Programme supports Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students in selected fields. The requirements and approved fields differ by study level.
How do I apply for the CSIR Bursary?
Applications must be submitted online through the CSIR Bursary Connect application system. Applicants should first read the current CSIR guidelines and ensure that all required documents are attached.
Official CSIR Bursary Information
The information on this page has been checked against the CSIR’s current 2027 bursary information. The CSIR should be treated as the final authority for application requirements, closing dates, eligibility, approved fields, funding conditions and contractual obligations.
- Provider: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- 2027 status: Open
- Closing date: 15 September 2026
- Application method: CSIR Bursary Connect
- Last verified: 24 August 2026
Important: Bursary requirements, approved fields, funding conditions and application dates can change. Always check the latest information supplied by the CSIR before submitting your application.