CSIR Bursary 2025-2026
About the CSIR Bursary Programme
The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) bursary programme is designed to financially support full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in areas deemed a priority by the CSIR. The programme aims to increase the participation of women and black individuals in science, engineering, and technology.
Eligibility Criteria
The bursary is open to academically qualifying young South African citizens who meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate Bursary
Fields Covered:
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must intend to enroll full-time for the degree of choice at a South African public university.
- Minimum academic achievements:
- English: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 6
- Physical Science: Level 6
Honours Bursary
Fields Covered:
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must intend to enroll full-time for the degree of choice at a South African public university.
- Minimum academic achievements:
- English: Level 5
- Mathematics: Level 6
- Physical Science: Level 6
Master’s Bursary
Fields Covered:
- Agricultural Sciences – Crop Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Bio-medical Biology
- Biotechnology
- Civil Engineering
- Computational Biology
- Computer Science
- Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Economics and Social Science
- Economics and Public Policy
- Electronic Engineering
- Geoinformatics
- International Relations
- Laser Physics
- Machine Learning
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Powder Metallurgy
- Robotics
- Science Communications
- Statistics
- Software Engineering
Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Possess good scientific writing, organizational, and time management skills.
- Excellent academic record.
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently and within a team.
- Ability to formulate and carry out research.
- Good technical abilities.
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Good communication skills (verbal and written).
- Good report writing abilities.
Doctoral Bursary
Fields Covered:
- Applied Mathematics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Geo-Informatics
- Geo-Information Science – Remote Sensing/Data Analytics/Modelling
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Laser Physics
- Medical Microbiology
- Medical Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Software Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Virology
Requirements:
- Same as for Master’s bursary.
Required Documents
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of identity document
- Latest academic record
- Proof of degree completed (for Master’s and Doctoral applicants)
Failure to attach these documents will result in the application being null and void.
Bursary Coverage
This comprehensive bursary covers all university study costs, including:
For Undergraduate and Honours Students
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- One-time laptop allowance
For Master’s and Doctoral Students
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Living allowances
- One-time laptop allowance
Additional Support
- Full wrap-around support
- Vacation work
Obligations
Recipients are obligated to work back every year that the CSIR has funded them.
Contact Details
For more information on the CSIR bursary, please contact the CSIR recruitment center:
- Tel: +27 (12) 841 3256
- Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
