CSIR Bursary Programme
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
The CSIR Bursary Programme is a merit-based, full-cost bursary offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a national science council under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. It funds undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral students in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields such as computer science, electronic, mechatronic and chemical engineering, data science and the natural sciences. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support plus mentorship, vacation work and a pathway into research careers at the CSIR.
- Amount
- Full-cost support: tuition, registration, books, accommodation, living and laptop allowances (postgraduate research and conference costs capped at R35,000/year each)
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Full-time, currently unemployed student
- ✓ Studying or intending to study full-time at a recognised public South African university
- ✓ Minimum 65% average from undergraduate level to the current level of study
- ✓ Must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period
- ✓ Generally under 35 years of age
- ✓ Preference given to women, Black applicants and applicants with disabilities or from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
- ✓ Studying an eligible Science, Engineering or Technology (SET) field
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition and registration fees
- ✓ Prescribed books (undergraduate and Honours)
- ✓ Accommodation and living allowance (undergraduate and Honours)
- ✓ Laptop allowance
- ✓ Postgraduate research and lab costs capped at R35,000 per year
- ✓ Postgraduate conference funding capped at R35,000 per year
- ✓ Mentorship, academic and career guidance
- ✓ Psychosocial and wellness support
- ✓ Structured vacation work and work-integrated learning
Work Commitment
CSIR bursary recipients carry a service obligation of one year of employment at the CSIR for each year of funding received, providing a direct pathway into research and technology careers at the science council.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) bursary application
- 1
Create an account and complete the online application via the CSIR portal at bursaryconnect.csir.co.za
- 2
Select an eligible Science, Engineering or Technology (SET) qualification and study level
- 3
Upload your CV, certified ID copy and latest academic record (postgraduates also attach proof of degree)
- 4
Confirm you meet the minimum 65% average and other eligibility criteria
- 5
Submit your application before the annual closing date
- 6
Wait for merit-based shortlisting and selection by the CSIR Bursary Programme team
- 7
Sign the bursary agreement, including the service obligation, if successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Curriculum Vitae
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Latest academic record / transcript
- 📄 Proof of completed degree (postgraduate applicants)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the CSIR bursary cover?
- It provides full-cost support. Undergraduate and Honours students receive registration, tuition, prescribed books, accommodation, a living allowance and a laptop allowance. Master's and Doctoral students receive registration, tuition, a living allowance and laptop allowance, plus lab/research costs and conference funding each capped at R35,000 per year.
- Who qualifies for the CSIR Bursary Programme?
- You must be a South African citizen and a full-time, currently unemployed student at a recognised public South African university, with a minimum 65% average from undergraduate level to your current level of study. You should generally be under 35, and preference is given to women, Black applicants and applicants with disabilities or from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Do I have to work for the CSIR after my studies?
- Yes. The CSIR bursary carries a service obligation of one year of employment at the CSIR for every year of funding you receive, giving you a direct route into research and technology careers.
- When does the CSIR bursary close and how do I apply?
- The CSIR bursary runs on an annual cycle and is merit-based. The 2026 intake closed on 29 August 2025, and applications typically reopen mid-year for the following academic year. Apply online through the portal at bursaryconnect.csir.co.za.
When do 2027 applications open?
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 29 August 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) before you rely on them.
Check Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 (12) 841 2616
Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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