Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Partially funded

CSIR Bursary Programme (Postgraduate) 2027

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa

Scholarship overview

The CSIR Bursary Programme builds a pipeline of suitably qualified scientists, engineers and technologists for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and for the country. It provides full-cost financial support to full-time students in areas critical to the CSIR, combined with academic support, career guidance, personal and psychological support and structured vacation work.

The postgraduate programme covers full-time honours, BTech, master's and doctoral students (or equivalent SAQA levels) at local public universities, in study fields set by organisational requirements and national priorities. A separate CSIR-Sasol Foundation programme covers undergraduate study.

Applicants must be unemployed and under 35, and recipients work for the CSIR after graduating for as many years as they were funded. Preference goes to students willing to be co-supervised by the CSIR and to align their research with CSIR initiatives.

Award Information

  • Unemployed South African; not permanently employed at the CSIR or any other organisation.
  • Under 35 years of age.
  • Registered or intending to register for an honours, master's or doctoral degree (or equivalent level) at a South African public university.
  • Full-time study.
  • Average of 65% or above.
  • All modules passed for the study period already completed.
  • Study field in an area deemed a priority by the CSIR and national priorities.
  • Preference for applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and NSFAS holders.
  • Preference for students willing to be co-supervised by the CSIR and to align their projects with CSIR initiatives.
  • Honours: registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation and meals, living allowance, book allowance and a once-off laptop allowance.
  • Master's and doctoral: registration fees, tuition fees, living allowance and a once-off laptop allowance.
  • Registration and tuition fees are paid directly to the university; laptop, book and living allowances are paid into the student's bank account.
  • Duration: one year for honours, two years for master's and three years for doctoral study, depending on performance.
  • Master's and doctoral students may apply for extra funding to present at a conference, print and publish their thesis, or access an instrument their university does not offer.
  • Non-financial support: psychosocial support, mentorship, onboarding and personal and academic skills training.
  • Vacation work on CSIR projects during university holidays for up to six weeks each year, depending on supervisor availability.

The call for the 2027 academic year closes on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. All applicants are notified of their status within two months of the deadline.

  1. Confirm that you are unemployed, under 35 and in a priority field, and that your average is at least 65%.
  2. Complete the full online application form via the CSIR bursaries page. Incomplete forms are not considered.
  3. Attach the required supporting documents.
  4. Submit before 15 September 2026 and check your status using the login details created when you applied.
  5. Shortlisted applicants attend a virtual interview.
  6. Successful students honour the reporting rules: honours students submit results each semester; master's and doctoral students submit supervisor-signed mid-year progress reports and an annual progress report on the CSIR template.

Enquiries: [email protected].

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Proof of South African identity document.
  • Matric certificate and full academic record.
  • Motivational letter supported by a supervisor (master's and doctoral).
  • Updated CV.

How selection works

  • Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually.
  • Honours students report results each semester; master's and doctoral students submit signed mid-year and annual progress reports.
  • Work-back: service at the CSIR for a period equal to the years funded.

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