Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursaries 2027: Apply for Science and Engineering Studies

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting unemployed South African students to apply for its 2027 Bursary Programme. This opportunity is for students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in science, engineering, and technology fields at public universities. The application closing date is 15 September 2026.

Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Location: Public universities across South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Not specified (funding covers various expenses)
Minimum Qualification: Matric (for undergraduate), Honours, Master’s, PhD
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

The CSIR Bursary Programme aims to support full-time unemployed students with strong academic records who are pursuing qualifications in fields vital to 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 programme encourages applications from female students, black students, and individuals living with disabilities.

About the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is South Africa’s central scientific research and development organisation. It aims to drive innovation and industrial development through scientific research and technological advancement. The CSIR operates across various sectors, contributing to economic growth and societal well-being through its work in areas like advanced manufacturing, health, natural resources, and defence.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are offered for studies in a range of fields, including:

• 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 CSIR Bursary Covers

The bursary funding covers various expenses, with the specifics depending on the level of study. For undergraduate and Honours students, funding may include registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books, a once-off laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance. Master’s and doctoral students may receive funding for registration fees, tuition fees, a once-off laptop allowance, and a living allowance. The exact maximum value for each component is not specified.

Additional Benefits

Successful bursary recipients can expect several benefits. These include academic and psychological support, access to a student-wellness programme, and vacation-work opportunities for up to six weeks annually. Students gain exposure to real-life research and innovation projects, with potential CSIR co-supervision and work-placement opportunities. Recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates for top performers, interview-skills training, and an onboarding session are also provided. Postgraduate students may receive additional benefits such as experimental-cost funding, access to laboratories, conference funding, research-skills workshops, and thesis support.

Work-Back Requirement

A significant condition of the CSIR Bursary Programme is a work-back obligation. After graduation, recipients are required to work for the CSIR for a period equivalent to one year for every year of bursary funding received. Applicants must carefully consider this service commitment before accepting the bursary offer, as exact employment conditions will be detailed in the bursary agreement.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Be younger than 35 years old.
• Be studying or intending to study full-time at a South African public university.

For Current Matric Students:

• Must be completing Matric in 2026.
• Must intend to study full-time in an approved undergraduate field in 2027.
• Must meet specific subject requirements.

For Current University Students:

• Must be registered for an approved field of study.
• Must have an overall academic average of at least 65%.
• Must have passed all registered modules for the completed study period.

For Master’s and Doctoral Applicants:

• Must demonstrate strong scientific writing ability, excellent academic performance, good organisational and time-management skills, and motivation to conduct research.

Matric Academic Requirements

Current Matric students must achieve the following minimum levels:

• Level 5 for English.
• Level 6 for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy, if required by the qualification).
• Level 6 for Physical Science.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload clear 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 must also submit proof of a completed relevant degree. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.

Curriculum Vitae Requirements

Your CV should include comprehensive details such as full personal information, current contact details, education history, academic achievements, relevant technical skills, research experience (if applicable), projects, publications, leadership or extracurricular activities, and references. Postgraduate applicants should highlight research experience, conference presentations, and publications.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal 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 those with a strong academic background who are eager to contribute to research and innovation in South Africa. Individuals who are motivated, self-driven, and willing to commit to the work-back requirement after graduation are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official CSIR Bursary Portal.

Click here to apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

Applicants need to register an account on the portal before logging in to complete their application. It is recommended to read the CSIR Bursary Guidelines for 2027 before starting the application process.

Online Application Steps

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Access the CSIR Bursary Portal.
2. Register a new applicant account.
3. Log in using your registered credentials.
4. Select your study level and chosen field of study.
5. Complete all required personal and academic sections accurately.
6. Upload your certified identity document.
7. Upload your updated CV.
8. Upload your latest academic record.
9. Upload proof of completed degree if applicable for Master’s/PhD.
10. Carefully review your entire application.
11. Submit your application before the closing date.

Important Notes

• 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.
• Recipients must be prepared to fulfil the work-back obligation to the CSIR after graduation.
• Applicants must ensure all uploaded documents are clear and certified where required.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute technical issues and to ensure all required information is correctly submitted.

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