CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 – Apply by 15 September 2026

The CSIR Bursary Programme for 2027 is now open, and the closing date is 15 September 2026. This is a chance to study for free at a South African public university while gaining real‑world research experience.

What the opportunity is

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is offering merit‑based bursaries for undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and PhD studies. The bursaries support fields that match the CSIR’s research and innovation priorities.

Who can apply

To be eligible you must be a South African citizen, under 35 years old, full‑time and unemployed. You also need to study at a public university in South Africa.

Matric (Grade 12) applicants

Complete Matric in 2026.
Intend to study full‑time in an approved undergraduate field in 2027.
Meet the minimum subject levels: English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Science 6.
Take Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) if the chosen qualification requires it.

Current university students (undergraduate & Honours)

Be unemployed and under 35 years.
Study full‑time in an approved field.
Maintain an overall average of at least 65 %.
Have passed all registered modules for the completed study period.

Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) applicants

Meet the same citizenship, age and unemployment criteria.
Be enrolled or intend to enroll full‑time in an approved programme.
Show strong academic performance (minimum 65 % average).
Demonstrate scientific writing, research motivation, teamwork and time‑management skills.
Provide proof of a completed relevant degree (for Master’s/PhD).

Fields of study that are funded

Undergraduate

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

Honours

Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Electronic Engineering
Geoinformatics
Information Systems

Master’s

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)

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 bursary covers

Funding depends on your study level.

Undergraduate & Honours

Registration and tuition fees
Prescribed textbooks
One‑off laptop allowance
Accommodation
Living allowance

Master’s & PhD

Registration and tuition fees
One‑off laptop allowance
Living allowance

Additional benefits for all recipients

Academic and psychological support
Student‑wellness programme
Up to six weeks of vacation‑work per year
Exposure to real research projects
Co‑supervision of research by CSIR staff
Potential work placement at CSIR or partner organisations
Recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards
Certificates and awards for top performers
Interview‑skills training for final‑year students
Onboarding session with CSIR and Sasol Foundation
Possible mentorship from senior CSIR professionals

Extra benefits for Master’s and PhD students

Experimental‑cost funding up to R35 000 per year
Access to CSIR laboratories
National and international conference funding up to R35 000 per year
Research‑skills workshops
Academic‑writing development
Thesis, dissertation and publication support
Printing‑cost support
Invitation to the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium
Research‑presentation and networking opportunities

Work‑back obligation

After you graduate, you must work for the CSIR. The rule is one year of employment for every year of bursary funding received. The exact terms will be in your bursary agreement.

How to apply – step by step

Visit the official CSIR Bursary Portal: CSIR Bursary Portal
Register a new applicant account.
Log in with your details.
Select your study level (Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s or PhD).
Choose the exact field of study from the lists above.
Complete all personal and academic sections.
Upload a certified copy of your South African ID.
Upload an updated CV (see CV checklist below).
Upload your latest academic transcript.
If you are applying for Master’s or PhD, upload proof of your completed degree.
Review every entry carefully.
Submit before 15 September 2026.

CV checklist

Full personal details and contact information
Education history and current qualification
Academic achievements and relevant technical skills
Research experience, projects, publications (for postgraduates)
Leadership, extracurricular activities and any work or vacation‑work experience
References if requested

Tips to improve your chances

Maintain at least a 65 % average (higher grades strengthen your application).
Ensure every required document is clear and certified.
Highlight any research, conference or publication experience.
Write a concise, honest personal statement that explains your motivation.
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors before submitting.
Apply early to give yourself time to fix any issues.

Next steps and final checklist

Before you hit “Submit”, make sure you have:

South African citizenship
Unemployment status
Age under 35 years
A funded field of study
Full‑time enrolment (or intent to enrol) at a public university
All academic requirements met (65 % average, subject levels, passed modules)
A certified ID document
An up‑to‑date CV
Latest academic transcript
Proof of completed degree for Master’s/PhD (if applicable)
Understanding of the work‑back obligation
Submission before 15 September 2026

Take the first step today. A CSIR bursary could fund your studies and launch a career in South Africa’s leading research institution.