The CSIR Bursary Programme is now open, offering comprehensive financial support to unemployed South African students pursuing qualifications in Science, Engineering, and Technology. This bursary funds students from undergraduate level right through to doctoral level, and is designed to attract and grow participation from women, black people, and people with disabilities in STEM fields.

Fields of Study

Undergraduate: Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Rock Mapping, Information Technology, Geology, and Oceanography.

Honours: Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Civil Engineering, and Geoinformatics.

Master’s: 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, and Data Science.

Doctoral: Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biostatistics, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, and Organic Chemistry.

Requirements

Grade 12 learners must be South African citizens intending to enrol full-time at a public university, with English (Level 5), Mathematics (Level 6), and Physical Science (Level 6).

Current university students must be South African citizens planning to enrol full-time for 2027, and must have passed all registered courses for their completed study period.

Master’s and doctoral applicants need strong scientific writing skills, sound organisational and time management abilities, an excellent academic record, self-motivation, and the drive to conduct independent and team-based research.

Required Documents

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of your identity document
• Latest academic record
• Proof of completed degree (master’s and doctoral applicants only)

Applications missing any of these documents will not be considered.

What the Bursary Covers

Undergraduate and Honours: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances, and a once-off laptop allowance.

Master’s and Doctoral: registration fees, tuition fees, living allowances, and a once-off laptop allowance.

Additional Benefits

Recipients gain access to CSIR Excellence Awards, possible work placement opportunities, interview skills training, real-life research projects, mentorship from senior CSIR professionals, psychosocial support, a student wellness programme, and up to six weeks of vacation work per year.

Postgraduate students also receive experimental costs funding of up to R35 000 per annum, conference attendance funding of up to R35 000 per annum, research skills workshops, and funding for thesis and research publication costs.

Obligation

Recipients are required to work back every year of funding received from the CSIR.

Closing Date

15 September 2026

APPLY HERE