CSIR Bursaries 2027: A Guide to Funding Your Science and Engineering Education

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers a valuable opportunity for South African students to fund their studies in science, engineering, and technology. The CSIR Bursary Programme for 2027 is open to unemployed students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at public universities. This bursary aims to support academic excellence and foster future innovators in fields critical to South Africa’s development. Understanding the requirements, benefits, and application process is key to securing this financial aid.

About the CSIR and Its Bursary Programme

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s primary organization for scientific research and development. Its mission is to drive innovation and industrial progress through scientific research and technological advancements. The CSIR works across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health, natural resources, and defense, contributing to economic growth and societal well-being.

The CSIR Bursary Programme is designed to support full-time, unemployed students who demonstrate strong academic performance. It focuses on qualifications in fields that are essential for the CSIR’s research, technology development, innovation, and support functions. This merit-based bursary is available for undergraduate studies, as well as Honours, Master’s, and doctoral degrees. The program actively encourages applications from female students, black students, and individuals with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Available Fields of Study for CSIR Bursaries

The CSIR offers bursaries across a wide range of science, engineering, and technology disciplines, catering to different academic levels.

Undergraduate Studies

For students pursuing their first degrees, the bursary is available for fields such as:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Geology
• Information Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Oceanography
• Rock Mapping

Honours Degrees

Students looking to further their studies at the Honours level can apply for bursaries in:

• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronic Engineering
• Geoinformatics
• Information Systems

Master’s Degrees

Master’s students have a broad selection of fields, including:

• 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 (PhD) Degrees

For those pursuing doctoral research, the bursary supports advanced studies in:

• 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 CSIR Bursary Programme provides financial support that varies depending on the level of study. For undergraduate and Honours students, the funding typically includes registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books, a one-time laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance. Master’s and doctoral students may receive funding for registration fees, tuition fees, a one-time laptop allowance, and a living allowance. While the exact maximum value for each component is not specified, the bursary aims to cover essential study-related expenses.

Additional Benefits for Bursary Recipients

Beyond financial assistance, successful CSIR bursary recipients gain access to a supportive environment designed to foster their academic and professional growth. These benefits include academic and psychological support services, as well as participation in a student-wellness program. Recipients also have the opportunity to engage in vacation work for up to six weeks each year, providing practical experience and exposure to real-world research and innovation projects.

Further advantages include potential CSIR co-supervision for their studies and work-placement opportunities. The program also recognizes academic achievement through CSIR Excellence Awards and certificates for top performers. To aid in career development, recipients receive interview-skills training and an onboarding session. Postgraduate students may benefit from additional support such as funding for experimental costs, access to specialized laboratories, conference funding, research-skills workshops, and thesis support.

The Work-Back Requirement

A significant aspect of the CSIR Bursary Programme is the work-back obligation. Upon graduation, recipients are required to work for the CSIR for a period equivalent to one year for every year they received bursary funding. This commitment is a crucial part of the bursary agreement and allows the CSIR to benefit from the skills and knowledge of the graduates it has supported. Prospective applicants must carefully consider this service commitment before accepting the bursary offer, as the exact employment conditions will be detailed in the official bursary agreement.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants must meet several general requirements. They must be South African citizens, unemployed, and under 35 years old. Furthermore, they must be studying or intend to study full-time at a South African public university in an approved field.

Specific Requirements for Current Matric Students

Students currently in Matric who wish to apply for undergraduate studies in 2027 must be completing their Matric year in 2026. They must intend to study full-time in an approved undergraduate field and meet specific subject requirements for their chosen course of study.

Specific Requirements for Current University Students

Current university students applying for Honours, Master’s, or doctoral degrees must be registered for an approved field of study. They need to have maintained an overall academic average of at least 65% and must have successfully passed all registered modules in their completed study periods.

Requirements for Master’s and Doctoral Applicants

Beyond general academic performance, Master’s and doctoral applicants must demonstrate strong scientific writing ability, excellent academic records, good organizational and time-management skills, and a clear motivation for conducting research.

Matric Academic Requirements

For students applying directly from Matric, specific subject performance is required:

• A minimum of Level 5 for English.
• A minimum of Level 6 for Mathematics (if required by the qualification; Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for these subjects).
• A minimum of Level 6 for Physical Science.

These subject requirements ensure that applicants have a solid foundation in the core scientific and mathematical disciplines necessary for advanced studies.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit clear, certified copies of the following documents:

• A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Your latest academic record.

Master’s and doctoral applicants are also required to submit proof of a completed relevant degree. It is important to ensure all documents are legible and correctly certified, as missing or unclear documents can lead to disqualification.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Guidelines

Your CV should be comprehensive and include all relevant personal and academic information. Key sections to include are: full personal details, current contact information, education history, academic achievements, relevant technical skills, research experience (if applicable), projects undertaken, publications, leadership or extracurricular activities, and references. For postgraduate applicants, it is especially important to highlight any research experience, conference presentations, and publications.

Who Should Apply for the CSIR Bursary?

This bursary is an excellent opportunity for unemployed South African students who are passionate about science, engineering, or technology and are committed to pursuing full-time studies at a public university. It is particularly suited for individuals with a strong academic background who are eager to contribute to research and innovation within South Africa. Motivated, self-driven students who are prepared to commit to the work-back requirement after graduation are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary Programme

Applications for the CSIR Bursary Programme must be submitted online through the official CSIR Bursary Portal. It is advisable to access the portal and familiarize yourself with the application process and requirements before the closing date.

Online Application Steps

Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:

1. Access the CSIR Bursary Portal: Navigate to the official CSIR Bursary Portal.
2. Register an Account: Create a new applicant account if you are a first-time user.
3. Log In: Use your registered credentials to log in to the portal.
4. Select Study Level and Field: Choose your intended study level and the specific field of study.
5. Complete Personal and Academic Sections: Fill in all required personal and academic information accurately.
6. Upload Documents: Upload clear, certified copies of your identity document, updated CV, and latest academic record. Master’s/PhD applicants must also upload proof of their completed degree.
7. Review Application: Carefully review your entire application for any errors or omissions.
8. Submit Application: Submit your application before the closing date of 15 September 2026.

Important Application Notes

It is important for applicants to be aware of a few key points regarding the application process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded, as selection is competitive. Recipients must be prepared to fulfill the work-back obligation to the CSIR after graduation. Finally, ensure all uploaded documents are clear and certified as required to avoid any issues.

Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 is 15 September 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well in advance of this date. This will help avoid any last-minute technical difficulties and ensure that all required information is correctly submitted and processed.