CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursaries: Your Guide to Funding Your STEM Education
Are you a South African student passionate about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)? The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme for 2027 offers a significant opportunity to fund your undergraduate studies in critical fields. This bursary, a collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the SASOL Foundation, aims to support talented, unemployed students pursuing qualifications that align with the CSIR’s research and development priorities. With a closing date of September 15, 2026, now is the time to understand the details and prepare your application for this valuable scholarship.
Understanding the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme is designed to invest in the future of South Africa’s scientific and technological landscape. It specifically targets full-time, unemployed students who are committed to obtaining degrees in areas deemed essential by the CSIR. This includes fields related to cutting-edge research, technological advancement, innovation, and the essential corporate support functions that drive these initiatives. By supporting students in these areas, the program helps build a skilled workforce capable of addressing the nation’s challenges and driving economic growth.
Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary
The bursary is exclusively for undergraduate studies and covers a range of engineering and science disciplines. These fields are chosen because they are considered priority areas for the CSIR’s research and innovation efforts. The specific disciplines include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics / Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Material Flow Analysis
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Process Engineering / Life Cycle Assessment
- System Engineering
Who Should Apply for This Bursary?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary is a merit-based award, seeking to identify and support academically strong applicants. The program actively encourages applications from individuals who belong to groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. This includes female students, Black students, and students living with disabilities. Furthermore, the bursary is specifically for full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing one of the priority qualifications listed. Demonstrating a clear passion for your chosen field and a commitment to academic excellence will be key.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants can expect comprehensive financial support for their studies. The bursary is designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education, allowing students to focus on their academic performance. The coverage includes essential expenses such as:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation costs
- Living allowances to support daily expenses
- A one-off laptop allowance for necessary technological tools
Additional Benefits for Bursary Recipients
Beyond financial support, the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme offers a wealth of additional benefits aimed at fostering holistic development and career readiness. These include:
- Support Services: Access to psychosocial support, academic guidance, and a student wellness program to help manage the pressures of university life.
- Career Development: Vacation work opportunities for up to six weeks annually, allowing students to gain practical experience. They may also get the chance to work on real-life projects that tackle socioeconomic issues.
- Mentorship and Networking: CSIR co-supervision for research projects, potential work placement opportunities at CSIR and related organizations, and mentorship from senior CSIR professionals.
- Recognition: Awards for top-performing students, including CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, and other gifts.
- Professional Skills: Interview skills training for final-year students and an onboarding session with the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team to ease the transition into the professional world.
Service Obligation After Graduation
It is important for applicants to understand that this bursary comes with a service contract. Upon graduation, recipients are required to work for the CSIR and the Sasol Foundation. The duration of this employment obligation is one year of service for every year of funding received. This commitment ensures that the investment made in the student’s education contributes back to the organizations and the broader South African community.
Eligibility Requirements for Matric Students
If you are currently in your final year of high school (Matric) and planning to study one of the supported fields in 2027, you must meet specific academic and citizenship criteria. You need to be a South African citizen, currently unemployed, and intending to enroll full-time at a public university in South Africa. Academically, you must achieve a minimum of Level 5 for English and Level 6 for both Mathematics and Physical Science. These strong results demonstrate your readiness for the demanding STEM fields.
Eligibility Requirements for University Students
Current university students who are pursuing a full-time qualification in one of the listed fields are also encouraged to apply. Key requirements include being a South African citizen and being unemployed. You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and successfully passed all registered courses for your completed study periods. This shows consistent academic performance and dedication to your chosen program of study.
Required Documents for Application
To ensure your application is considered, you must submit clear copies of all necessary supporting documents. These typically include:
- A certified copy of your South African ID document.
- If currently in Matric, your Grade 11 final results and your latest Matric results.
- If currently studying at university, your latest academic record.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic achievements and any relevant experience.
Missing or unclear documents can lead to disqualification, so it is crucial to prepare these well in advance.
How to Apply for the Bursary
Applications for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme are submitted online. You will need to visit the official application portal, which is typically provided on the CSIR’s bursary website. Before applying, it is highly recommended to read the detailed CSIR-SASOL Bursary Guidelines for 2027, which can usually be found on the CSIR’s official website. You will likely need to register an account on the application platform to log in and complete your submission.
Enquiries and Important Dates
For any questions or clarifications regarding the bursary application process, you can contact the CSIR Bursary Programme team directly. The provided contact details are a telephone number (012 841 2616) and an email address ([email protected]). Remember, the application closing date is September 15, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure you submit your application and all required documents well before this deadline.
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