CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursaries 2027

Opportunity Overview

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. This merit-based bursary is designed for full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in fields considered priority areas by the CSIR, including research, technology development, innovation, and corporate/support functions. The programme actively encourages applications from females, black students, and individuals living with disabilities.

This comprehensive bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances, and includes a once-off laptop allowance. Beyond financial support, successful applicants will benefit from psychosocial support, a student wellness programme, and vacation work opportunities of up to 6 weeks per annum. You will also have the chance to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges, with potential CSIR co-supervision and work placement opportunities at CSIR and related organisations. The programme further offers CSIR Excellence Awards for top performers, interview skills training for final year students, an onboarding session, and a potential mentorship programme with senior CSIR professionals.

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following priority fields:

• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Electronic Engineering
• Genetics / Cell Biology
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Technology
• Material Flow Analysis
• Mechatronic Engineering
• Process Engineering / Life cycle assessment
• System Engineering

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

For Current Matric Students:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be unemployed.
• You must currently be in Matric.
• You must intend to study full-time towards an undergraduate degree qualification in 2027, within one of the fields listed above.
• You must intend to enroll at a public university in South Africa.
• You must have achieved the following minimum results in Matric:
• A minimum of Level 5 for English.
• A minimum of Level 6 for Mathematics.
• A minimum of Level 6 for Physical Science.

For Current University Students:

• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must be unemployed.
• You must be studying full-time towards a qualification within one of the fields of study listed above.
• You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%.
• You must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at the university.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date.

• Visit the official CSIR bursary application portal.
• Complete the online application form with all required details.

Apply Online Here: https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/

Application Deadline: 16 September 2026 at 23:59 (Midnight)