Council for Geoscience Bursaries 2027: Study Geoscience in South Africa

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is offering bursaries for full-time university studies in geosciences and related technical fields for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for South African citizens who are unemployed and wish to pursue studies in critical areas supporting South Africa’s geoscience research and development.

Application Closing Date: 25 November 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Full-time university studies
Stipend: Covers registration, tuition, accommodation/transport, books, meals, PPE, field excursions, analysis costs, and a once-off laptop allowance for new recipients.
Minimum Qualification: Enrolment in full-time university studies for 2027.

About the Council for Geoscience Bursary

The Council for Geoscience bursary programme aims to develop and strengthen expertise in geosciences and related technical disciplines. These fields are vital for South Africa’s research into mineral resources, groundwater, environmental studies, and data science. The bursary supports students undertaking full-time university studies, providing financial assistance for various academic and living expenses.

The Council for Geoscience is responsible for collecting, managing, and applying geoscience data across South Africa. Its work covers both onshore and offshore areas, contributing significantly to the understanding and utilization of the country’s natural resources.

About the Council for Geoscience

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is a government entity that plays a key role in South Africa’s geoscience sector. Headquartered in Silverton, Pretoria, the CGS is dedicated to advancing geoscience knowledge and its application for the benefit of the nation. Their mandate includes research, data management, and providing geoscience information to government, industry, and the public.

The organization operates across various geoscience disciplines, contributing to areas such as mineral exploration, groundwater management, environmental protection, and natural hazard assessment. CGS is committed to building capacity and fostering innovation within the South African geoscience community.

Available Bursary Opportunities

The Council for Geoscience encourages applications from students pursuing studies in the following fields:

• Engineering Geology
• Geotechnical Investigations
• Geophysics
• Hydrogeology
• Groundwater Modelling
• Geochemistry
• Economic Geology
• Mineral Economics
• Data Science
• Innovation Studies
• Geo-informatics
• GIS
• Remote Sensing
• Computational Geosciences
• Mining Seismology
• Seismology
• Geohazards
• Science Communication
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Geochronology
• Palaeontology
• Geohydrology
• Marine Geology
• Exploration Geology
• Related disciplines

What the Bursary Offers

Successful bursary recipients will receive comprehensive support for their full-time university studies. The bursary aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education, allowing students to focus on their academic development.

The support provided includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation allowance or transport allowance
• Prescribed books allowance
• Meals allowance
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) allowance
• Funding for field excursions
• Analysis costs
• A once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is intended for full-time university studies during the 2027 academic year. The programme is open to students across South Africa. While the studies are undertaken at various South African institutions of higher learning, the Council for Geoscience is headquartered in Pretoria.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Council for Geoscience Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Be available for vocational work during studies, as required by CGS.
• Be willing to work back after completing their studies, as per CGS requirements.
• Be enrolled full-time at a South African institution of higher learning for the 2027 academic year.
• Have passed all modules from the previous year or semester if currently studying at a tertiary institution.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not detailed, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic aptitude and a genuine interest in geoscience and related technical fields. A willingness to learn, commitment to studies, and an understanding of the importance of geoscience research in South Africa are beneficial.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African university students who are passionate about geosciences and related technical fields. If you are pursuing or intend to pursue full-time studies in areas like geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, data science, or environmental science, and require financial assistance, this opportunity is for you. Applicants must be committed to their studies and willing to contribute to the Council for Geoscience’s mission upon completion.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• A motivation letter explaining their interest in the bursary and field of study.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Your latest academic record.
• Certified Grade 12 results; or Grade 11 results along with Grade 12 Term 3 results.
• An acceptance or admission letter from your institution of higher learning for the 2027 academic year.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the official CGS Full-Time Bursary 2027 Application Form. Ensure all required supporting documents are attached to the form before submission.

Click here to apply for Council for Geoscience Bursary 2027

Please ensure the form is completed accurately and in full. All necessary documents must be attached to avoid disqualification.

Important Application Information

Applicants should carefully review the following points before applying:

• Confirm you meet the South African citizenship requirement.
• Ensure you are currently unemployed.
• Verify that you are registered or accepted for full-time study in 2027.
• Confirm you have passed all required modules from your previous academic year or semester.
• Be prepared to participate in vocational work and a potential work-back obligation after studies.
• Make sure all supporting documents are included with your application.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Council for Geoscience Bursaries 2027 is 25 November 2026.

Applications must be submitted before this date to be considered for the bursary programme.

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