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CSIR Bursary 2027

CSIR Bursary

The CSIR Bursary is offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to support full-time students studying in priority science, engineering and technology fields. The programme supports undergraduate and postgraduate study at South African universities.

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

The CSIR Bursary covers different fields depending on the level of study. The programme includes undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral funding, with the approved fields determined by the CSIR’s priority areas.

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 Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Information Technology
  • Data Science
  • Industrial Engineering

Doctoral fields:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Information Technology
  • Data Science
  • Industrial Engineering

The approved fields can differ by study level, so applicants should check the current CSIR field list before applying.

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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BURSARY?

The CSIR Bursary is intended for academically qualifying South African students who study full time in fields supported by the programme. Applicants must meet the academic and study requirements applicable to their level of study.

  • Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
  • Study status: Applicants must study or intend to study full time in a field supported by the CSIR Bursary.
  • Institution: Current Grade 12 applicants must intend to enrol full time at a South African public university.
  • Grade 12 academic requirements: Current Grade 12 learners must meet the minimum requirements of Level 5 for English, Level 6 for Mathematics and Level 6 for Physical Science.
  • Current university students: Students already at university must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
  • Postgraduate applicants: Master’s and Doctoral applicants must demonstrate the academic, research, scientific writing and technical abilities required for postgraduate study.
  • Academic merit: Selection is based on academic merit and the CSIR’s programme requirements.
  • Transformation: The programme aims to increase participation by women, Black people and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.
  • Work-back obligation: Recipients are required to work back for each year that the CSIR provides funding.

WHAT DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

The CSIR describes the bursary as comprehensive. For undergraduate and Honours students, the funding covers registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance.

For Master’s and Doctoral students, the listed funding includes registration fees, tuition fees, a living allowance and a once-off laptop allowance. Postgraduate students may also receive additional support for research-related expenses, including experimental costs and conference attendance, subject to the programme conditions.

The programme also provides development opportunities such as mentorship, student wellness support, interview-skills training, exposure to CSIR research projects and vacation-work opportunities of up to six weeks per year. Postgraduate students may receive further research and academic support.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY?

Applications are completed online via the CSIR Bursary Application 2027 official page. Make sure that all required documents are attached. They must be certified.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE BURSARY?

The CSIR requires supporting documents to be submitted with the online application. The documents currently listed by the CSIR include:

  • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A certified copy of your South African identity document
  • Your latest academic record
  • Proof of a completed degree for Master’s and Doctoral applicants

Current Grade 12 applicants should follow the latest application guidelines for the school results that must be submitted. Applicants should ensure that all compulsory documents are attached because the CSIR states that incomplete applications may be rendered invalid.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE BURSARY?

The closing date is 15 September 2026 for the 2027 CSIR Bursary Programme. The CSIR has confirmed that applications for the 2027 academic year are open and close on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

Future application dates may change from one intake to another. If you are applying in a later academic year, check the latest CSIR bursary announcement rather than relying on the previous closing date.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For questions about the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants can contact the CSIR Bursary Programme team directly.

  • Telephone: 012 841 2616
  • Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za

Use the official CSIR bursary information and application portal for the latest requirements, approved fields, application instructions and programme conditions.

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