CSIR Bursary Programme for 2026

 

 

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is now inviting applications for its 2026 Bursary Programme – a prestigious and fully funded opportunity aimed at academically deserving and financially needy students pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology. The CSIR Bursary Programme supports full-time, unemployed South African students enrolled at public universities, from undergraduate to doctoral level, in key strategic areas aligned with the CSIR’s national mandate.

Aims and Vision of the Bursary Programme

The CSIR Bursary Programme is more than just financial aid – it is a strategic initiative that seeks to build a diverse and inclusive pipeline of scientific talent in South Africa. It prioritises black, female, and disabled students, and aims to nurture a new generation of experts who will solve real-world socio-economic challenges through innovation.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

• Be a South African citizen;
• Be planning to study full-time at a South African university in 2026;
• Have passed all registered courses in your current or previous academic year;
• Meet the specific academic and research skill requirements for master’s and doctoral programmes.

For postgraduate applicants, additional attributes such as strong scientific writing skills, technical ability, organisational efficiency, and a passion for research are essential.

 

 

Fields of Study Supported

The CSIR supports a vast range of qualifications under four study categories:

Undergraduate Bursary Fields

• Aeronautical, Mechatronic, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer & Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science
• Genetics/Cell Biology, Industrial Engineering
• Systems and Process Engineering, Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Analysis

Honours Bursary Fields

• Physics, Chemistry, Electronic/Computer/Industrial Engineering
• Computer Science, Information Systems, Metallurgical Engineering, Data Science, IT

Master’s Bursary Fields

• Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Physics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science
• Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic, Process and Chemical Engineering
• Data Science, IT, Organic Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering Physics, Biophotonics
• Genetics, Applied Mathematics, Materials Engineering, Systems Engineering

Doctoral Bursary Fields

• Molecular Biology, Virology, Biophysics, Animal Health, Immunology, Metallurgy
• Applied Metallurgy, Food Technology, Bioinformatics, Flow Chemistry
• Data Science, Computer Engineering, Genetics, Aquaculture, Life Cycle Assessment

What the CSIR Bursary Covers

This is a comprehensive bursary covering:

For Undergraduate and Honours students:

• Full registration and tuition fees
• Books and study materials
• Accommodation and living allowance
• A once-off laptop allowance

For Master’s and Doctoral students:

• Tuition and registration
• Living expenses
• A once-off laptop allowance
• Research support of up to R35,000/year (for lab access, experimental costs, conference attendance, publication costs, and more)

 

 

Additional Benefits

CSIR-funded students enjoy exclusive value-added benefits such as:

• Mentorship by senior CSIR researchers
• Vacation work opportunities (6 weeks annually)
• Recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards
• Career readiness training and psychosocial support
• Exposure to real-life research solving national problems
• Access to national and international research symposiums

Postgraduates also benefit from thesis and publication funding, skills workshops, and funding to attend conferences, helping to enhance their research and academic impact.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• A detailed CV
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Latest academic transcript
• For postgraduates: proof of completed degrees

Applications missing any of these documents will not be considered.

 

APPLY FOR THE CSIR BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2026 HERE

 

Obligations of CSIR Bursary Recipients

Successful applicants are required to work back one year for every year of funding received, contributing their skills and expertise to advancing the CSIR’s mission.

The CSIR Bursary Programme is more than a financial award – it’s a launchpad for South Africa’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a future that transforms lives through science and technology.

For more information or assistance: Tel: +27 (12) 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za

CLOSING DATE: 29 AUGUST 2025

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