2026 Bursary Programme

The bursary is open to academically qualifying young people and aims to attract and increase the participation of women, black and disabled people in science, engineering and technology, specifically in the areas of study mentioned below:

Areas for undergraduate bursary

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Rock Mapping
• Information Technology
• Geology
• Oceanography

Areas for Honours Bursary

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Data Science
• Civil Engineering
• Geoinformatics

Areas for master’s bursary

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Biology/Health Science
• Biomedical Science
• Metallurgy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Architecture
• Development Planning
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Digital Government and Innovation System Research
• Industrial Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Information Systems
• Biotechnology
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Port and Coastal Engineering
• Organic Chemistry
• Geoinformatics
• Data Science

Areas for doctoral bursary

• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Biostatistics
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Organic Chemistry

Current grade 12 learners:

• South African citizen
• Must intend to enrol full-time for the degree of choice at a South African public university;
• English (Level 5);
• Mathematics (Level 6); and
• Physical Science (Level 6).
   

Current university students:

• Must be a South African citizen;
• Planning to enrol full-time at a South African university for 2027; and
• Must have passed all the registered courses for the completed study period at the university. 

For master’s and doctoral bursaries, applicants should be South African citizens who possess the following:

• Good scientific writing skills
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Excellent academic record
• A drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential
• The ability to formulate and carry out research
• Excellent technical abilities
• The ability to work well under pressure as part of a team and meet scheduled deliverables; Good communication skills, both verbal and written (e.g. with evidence of reports and/or conference papers written)
• Good report-writing abilities
   

Furthermore, the ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who takes ownership and initiative. He/she must also meet the entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral bursary at a selected university.

The following documents must accompany your application:

• An updated CV
• A copy of your certified identity document
• A copy of your latest academic record
• For master’s and doctoral applicants, proof of a degree already completed must be included.
   

Failure to attach these documents will render your application null and void.

This is a comprehensive bursary, and it covers all the costs associated with university studies, such as:

For undergraduates and Honours

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Books
• Accommodation
• Living allowances
• Once-off laptop allowance
   

For master’s and doctoral

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Living allowances
• Once-off laptop allowance
   

Academic merit will be considered during the selection process, and it is imperative to increase the participation of women and black people in science, engineering and technology. 

CSIR students will also receive additional support through the following initiatives:

• Recognition of Top Performing students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts handed out
• Possible work placement opportunities at CSIR and other affiliated organisations
• Interview skills training offered to final year students in preparation for the world of work
• Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socio-economic challenges through your research (CSIR co-supervision)
• Onboarding session and an opportunity to meet the CSIR team
• Psychosocial support (e.g academic and psychological support)
• Student wellness programme
• Opportunity to be paired with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme
• Vacation work opportunities of up to six (6) weeks per annum
   

Only applicable to postgraduate students:

• Experimental costs funding of up to R35 000 per annum – Access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions
• National and international conference attendance funding opportunity of up to R35 000 per annum
• Research skills training workshops to sharpen your academic writing skills
• Thesis/dissertation/Research publications and printing costs funding and
• Opportunity to attend CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium – Showcase research project and networking