Overview/Details

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursary Programme offers comprehensive financial support to full-time, unemployed South African students pursuing undergraduate, Honours, master’s, and doctoral degrees in science, engineering, and technology fields.

The programme aims to build a pipeline of qualified scientists, engineers, and technologists while actively increasing participation of women, Black, and disabled people in SET disciplines. Funded students are co-supervised by CSIR researchers and encouraged to align their projects with CSIR research initiatives.

Beyond tuition and living costs, students receive non-financial support including mentorship, psychosocial support, vacation work placements of up to six weeks per year, and access to CSIR laboratories and facilities. Postgraduate students may also access funding for conference attendance and thesis publication costs of up to R35 000 per annum each.

In exchange for funding, students are required to work back at the CSIR for a period equal to the number of years they were funded upon completion of their studies.

Requirements

  • Be a South African citizen and be unemployed at the time of application.
  • Be under the age of 35.
  • Maintain an average academic result of 65% or above.
  • Intend to enrol or be enrolled full-time at a South African public university for the relevant degree level.
  • Current Grade 12 learners must have: English at Level 5, Mathematics at Level 6, and Physical Science at Level 6.
  • Current university students must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
  • Master’s and doctoral applicants must demonstrate excellent academic record, strong scientific writing and report-writing skills, the ability to conduct independent research, good time management, and effective communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Preference is given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and NSFAS holders.
  • Preference is given to students willing to be co-supervised by the CSIR and to align research projects with CSIR initiatives.
  • Required supporting documents: updated CV, certified copy of South African identity document, latest full academic record, and (for master’s and doctoral applicants) proof of completed prior degree. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and may be subject to change. We recommend verifying details directly with the bursary provider. Funding is not guaranteed, and eligibility does not ensure an award.

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