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Department of Science and Innovation Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme

Eligibility

Students who are approved or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university, who intend to register or are registered for the following degrees:

  • Honours/fourth year engineering/Postgraduate Diploma
  • Masters
  • Doctorate
Focus Areas

CSIR-DSI IBS applications are restricted to students whose degrees are aligned with the thematic research areas indicated below:

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biopharming
  • Bioprocessing
  • Health
  • ICT
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems
  • Microsystems technology
  • Mining
  • Modelling and digital sciences
  • Titanium (manufacturing elements)
  • Photonics
  • Water Research
Value of the bursary award per annum
  • Honours/fourth year engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R130 000
  • Masters: R140 000
  • Doctorate: R160 000
  • Students will receive an additional once-off laptop allowance of R10 000
Additional Benefits

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

  • 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
  • Recognition of Top Performing students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts handed out
  • Possible work placement opportunities at the 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 socioeconomic 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
  • Research skills training workshops to sharpen your academic writing skills
  • Thesis/dissertation/Research publications and printing costs funding
  • Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per annum
  • Opportunity to attend CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium – Showcase research project and networking
How to apply

The call for 2026 applications is now open!

Click here for more information.

To apply, click on this link: https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za

The closing date for all applications is Monday, 4 August 2025.

Contact details

For more information on the DSTI-CSIR IBS, please contact the CSIR IBS team:

Tel: +27(12) 841 3304

Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za