CSIR 2026 South Africa Bursary – Applications Now Open

CSIR 2026 South Africa Bursary – Applications Now Open

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established in 1945 and is recognised as South Africa’s leading research and development organisation. Operating under the Department of Science and Innovation, the CSIR is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, technology, and innovation in a wide range of sectors. It plays a central role in research not only in South Africa but across the African continent, contributing significantly to Africa’s overall research and development output.

The CSIR’s primary mission is to support and strengthen industrial and scientific capacity within South Africa, while contributing to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. It operates in seven strategic focus areas: Industry, Energy, Natural Environment, Built Environment, Digital Environment, Health, and Defence and Security.

ABOUT THE CSIR BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED:

The CSIR is inviting applications for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. This programme provides financial support to high-achieving students pursuing studies in priority fields that align with the CSIR’s strategic goals.

Bursaries are available for Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies. Fields include, but are not limited to:

• Undergraduate: Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Process Engineering, Information Technology, Genetics/Cell Biology, System Engineering, Material Flow Analysis, and related fields.

• Honours: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Information Systems, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, and Welding Engineering.

• Master’s: Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Food Science, Genetics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physics, Process Engineering, Systems Engineering, and related disciplines.

• Doctoral: Animal Health, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Organic Chemistry, Virology, and other advanced research areas connected to the CSIR’s mandate.

The bursary is merit-based and aimed at full-time, unemployed students. It particularly encourages applications from women, black students, and individuals living with disabilities.

 

BENEFITS COVERED BY THE CSIR BURSARY:

The bursary provides extensive financial and developmental support:

• Undergraduate and Honours students: tuition fees, registration fees, prescribed textbooks, once-off laptop allowance, accommodation costs, and a living allowance.

• Master’s and Doctoral students: tuition fees, registration fees, once-off laptop allowance, living allowance, and additional research-related funding.

 

All recipients benefit from:

• Psychosocial and academic support services
• Student wellness programmes
• Mentorship by senior CSIR professionals
• Paid vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks annually
• Opportunities to work on real-life projects addressing social and economic challenges
• Interview skills training for final-year students
• Awards for top-performing students through the CSIR Excellence Awards programme

Additional benefits for Master’s and Doctoral students include:

• Funding for experimental research costs and access to laboratories (up to R35,000 per annum)
• Funding for national and international conference attendance (up to R35,000 per annum)
• Research skills and academic writing workshops
• Funding for thesis/dissertation production and printing
• Opportunities to present research at the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium

 

SERVICE CONTRACT

Upon graduation, recipients are required to work for the CSIR for a period equal to the number of years they received bursary funding.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens under the age of 35
• Intend to study full-time at an accredited public South African university in 2026
• Have a minimum academic average of 65% from undergraduate level to current studies
• Have passed all courses registered for during their period of study (if already enrolled)
• Be currently unemployed
• Meet the academic and personal skill requirements for their chosen field

Preference is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and those who have previously received NSFAS funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be submitted online via the CSIR Bursary Application Portal for 2026. Applicants must upload:

• Certified copy of ID document
• Updated CV
• Latest academic transcript
• Proof of completed qualifications (for Master’s and Doctoral applicants)

How to apply

The call for 2026 applications is now open! To apply, click on this link:  https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/

The closing date for all applications is Friday, 29 August 2025.Contact detailsFor more information on the CSIR bursary, please contact the CSIR Bursary Programme team.
Tel: +27(12) 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za

 

 

CLOSING DATE
29 August 2025 – Late applications will not be accepted.

CONTACT DETAILS
CSIR Bursary Programme Team
Tel: 012 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za