Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursaries 2027: Study Fields and Requirements
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This opportunity is for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in fields relevant to the CSIR’s research and innovation focus.
Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Location: Public universities across South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (funding covers various expenses)
Minimum Qualification: Matric (for undergraduate), Honours, Master’s, PhD
Opportunity Type: Bursary
About the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027
The CSIR Bursary Programme aims to support talented South African students who are committed to advancing science, engineering, and technology. It is designed for full-time unemployed students with strong academic records who wish to pursue qualifications that align with the CSIR’s research, technology development, and innovation functions. The bursary supports studies at public universities across South Africa.
The programme encourages applications from female students, black students, and individuals living with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion. It covers various levels of study, from undergraduate degrees to doctoral qualifications, providing financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals.
About the CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research and development organisation in Africa. It undertakes directed, mission-oriented research and development for socio-economic impact. The CSIR’s work spans various sectors, including health, energy, defence, and the environment, contributing to innovation and economic growth in South Africa.
Available Bursary Opportunities
Bursaries are available for studies in a range of scientific and engineering fields. These fields are chosen based on their importance to the CSIR’s research priorities and its overall mission.
Undergraduate Fields of Study:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Geology
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Oceanography
- Rock Mapping
Honours Fields of Study:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Geoinformatics
- Information Systems
Master’s Fields of Study:
- Architecture
- Biology or Health Science
- Biomedical Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Data Science
- Development Planning
- Digital Government and Innovation System Research
- Ecology
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geoinformatics
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Organic Chemistry
- Port and Coastal Engineering
Doctoral Fields of Study:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Biostatistics
- Biotechnology
- Computer Engineering
- Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
What the CSIR Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial support for various study-related expenses. The exact coverage depends on the level of study.
For Undergraduate and Honours students, funding may include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- A once-off laptop allowance
- Accommodation
- A living allowance
For Master’s and Doctoral students, funding may include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- A once-off laptop allowance
- A living allowance
The specific maximum values for each bursary component are not provided.
Additional Benefits for All Bursary Recipients
Successful applicants can expect to receive several benefits designed to support their academic journey and future career. These include:
- Academic and psychological support services.
- Access to a student-wellness programme.
- Vacation-work opportunities for up to six weeks annually.
- Exposure to real-life research and innovation projects.
- CSIR co-supervision for relevant research projects.
- Potential work-placement opportunities at the CSIR or associated organisations.
- Recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards.
- Certificates and awards for top-performing students.
- Interview-skills training for final-year students.
- An onboarding session with the CSIR and Sasol Foundation teams.
- Possible mentorship from senior CSIR professionals.
Additional Benefits for Postgraduate Students
Master’s and PhD students receive additional support tailored to advanced research:
- Experimental-cost funding up to R35,000 per year.
- Access to laboratories at the CSIR and other institutions.
- National and international conference funding up to R35,000 per year.
- Research-skills workshops.
- Academic-writing development support.
- Thesis, dissertation, and publication support.
- Printing-cost support.
- An opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.
- Research-presentation and networking opportunities.
Work-Back Requirement
A significant condition of the bursary is a work-back obligation. After graduation, recipients are required to work for the CSIR. The service obligation is one year of employment for every year of bursary funding received. Applicants must carefully consider this commitment before accepting the bursary.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria based on their current academic standing.
For Current Matric Learners:
- Must be South African citizens.
- Must be unemployed.
- Must be younger than 35 years.
- Must be completing Matric in 2026.
- Must intend to study full-time in an approved undergraduate field in 2027.
- Must intend to enrol at a South African public university.
- Must meet the minimum subject requirements for their chosen field.
Matric Academic Requirements:
- Level 5 for English.
- Level 6 for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
- Level 6 for Physical Science.
For Current University Students:
- Must be South African citizens.
- Must be unemployed.
- Must be younger than 35 years.
- Must be studying full-time.
- Must be registered for an approved field of study.
- Must have an overall academic average of at least 65%.
- Must have passed all registered modules for the completed study period.
For Master’s and Doctoral Applicants:
- Must meet all requirements for current university students.
- Must demonstrate strong scientific-writing ability.
- Must show excellent academic performance.
- Must possess good organisational and time-management skills.
- Must be motivated to conduct research and work effectively in a team.
- Must have the ability to formulate and conduct research.
- Must have strong technical ability and the capacity to work under pressure.
- Must be able to meet scheduled deliverables and possess good verbal and written communication skills.
- Must show enthusiasm, self-motivation, initiative, and ownership.
- Must be eligible for admission to the selected postgraduate programme.
Academic Performance Requirement
University applicants must maintain a minimum overall academic average of 65%. The CSIR bursary is merit-based, so strong academic performance is crucial. All registered courses for the completed academic period must have been passed.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of the following documents:
- A certified copy of a South African identity document.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- The latest academic record.
Master’s and Doctoral applicants must also submit:
- Proof of a completed relevant degree.
Incomplete applications with missing documents may be disqualified.
Curriculum Vitae Requirements
Your CV should be comprehensive and include:
- Full personal details and current contact information.
- Education history, including current qualification.
- Academic achievements and relevant technical skills.
- Research experience, projects, and publications (especially for postgraduate applicants).
- Leadership or extracurricular activities.
- Employment or vacation-work experience.
- References, if requested.
Who Should Apply?
This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African students who are academically strong and passionate about pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology. It is particularly suited for those who aim to contribute to research and innovation within the country. If you are a dedicated student looking for financial support to complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies in one of the specified fields, and you are willing to commit to a work-back period with the CSIR, this opportunity could be a great fit.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official CSIR Bursary Portal.
Click here to apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027
Before applying, applicants should register an account on the portal. It is also recommended to read the CSIR Bursary Guidelines for 2027 for detailed information.
Online Application Steps:
- Access the CSIR Bursary Portal.
- Register a new applicant account.
- Log in using your registered details.
- Select your study level and relevant field of study.
- Complete all required personal and academic sections accurately.
- Upload a certified copy of your identity document.
- Upload your updated CV.
- Upload your latest academic record.
- Upload proof of a completed degree if you are applying for Master’s or PhD.
- Review your entire application carefully before submission.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Important Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.
- Applicants must ensure they understand and accept the work-back requirement.
- Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and certified where required.
Closing Date
The closing date for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 applications is 15 September 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.
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