Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursaries 2027

Opportunity Overview

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites eligible students to apply for its comprehensive bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity supports full-time undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours, MSc, and PhD) studies in fields prioritised by the CSIR, focusing on research, technology development, innovation, and corporate support areas.

This merit-based bursary is specifically for unemployed South African citizens under 35 years old. The CSIR actively encourages applications from females, black students, and individuals living with disabilities to promote diversity in science and technology.

The bursary covers essential study expenses, including registration fees, tuition fees, books, and a once-off laptop allowance. Undergraduate and Honours students also receive accommodation and a living allowance, while Masters and Doctoral students benefit from a living allowance. Additionally, bursars gain access to psychosocial and wellness support, vacation work opportunities, and potential work placement at the CSIR upon graduation. Postgraduate students also receive experimental costs funding and opportunities for conference attendance.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the CSIR Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be unemployed.
• Be under 35 years old.
• Current Matric students must intend to study full-time for an undergraduate qualification in 2027.
• All applicants must intend to pursue full-time studies in 2027 in one of the CSIR's priority fields, which include:
• Undergraduate Studies: Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Oceanography, Rock Mapping.
• Honours Studies: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Geoinformatics, Information Systems.
• Masters Studies: Architecture, Biology/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 Studies: 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.

Key Engagements and Obligations

Bursary recipients will be expected to engage in various activities and fulfil specific commitments as part of the programme:

• Participate in vacation work opportunities for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges, potentially with CSIR co-supervision.
• For postgraduate students, attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium to showcase research and network.
• Upon graduation, commit to working for the CSIR for a period equivalent to the years of funding received.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the CSIR Bursaries 2027:

• Visit the official CSIR bursary application portal at: https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/
• Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
• Ensure all required supporting documents are uploaded as specified on the portal before the closing date.

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026