CSIR Bursaries 2026: Apply Now
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is excited to announce the opening of its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. This merit-based bursary is designed for full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in priority areas identified by the CSIR, including research, technology development, innovation, and corporate/support roles.
Bursaries will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Honours, MSc, and PhD) studies in the following fields:
Undergraduate Studies
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Material Flow Analysis
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Process Engineering/Life Cycle Assessment
- System Engineering
Honours Studies
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Physics
- Welding Engineering
Masters Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biophotonics
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computation Modelling
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Science
- Flow Chemistry
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Material Flow Analysis
- Materials Engineering
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Physics
- Process Engineering
- System Engineering
- Welding Engineering
Doctoral Studies
- Animal Health
- Applied Metallurgy
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biophotonics
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computation Modelling
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Flow Chemistry
- Food Technology
- Food Science
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Material Flow Analysis
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Metallurgy/Powder Metallurgy
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Process Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Virology
- Welding Engineering
The bursary will cover the following expenses:
- Undergraduate and Honours level: registration fees, tuition fees, books, a once-off laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance.
- Masters and Doctoral level: registration fees, tuition fees, a once-off laptop allowance, and a living allowance.
All students will benefit from:
- Psychosocial support (academic and psychological support)
- Student wellness programme
- Vacation work opportunities (up to 6 weeks per annum)
- Real-life project opportunities addressing socioeconomic challenges (CSIR co-supervision)
- Potential work placements at CSIR and related organisations
- Awards for top-performing students (CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, and gifts)
- Interview skills training for final year students
- Onboarding sessions with the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team
- Possible mentorship pairing with senior CSIR professionals
Postgraduate students will receive additional benefits, including:
- Funding for experimental costs (access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions, capped at R35,000 per annum)
- Funding for national and international conference attendance (capped at R35,000 per annum)
- Research skills training workshops
- Funding for thesis/dissertation/research publications and printing costs
- Opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium
After graduation, bursary recipients must work for CSIR for one year for every year of funding received.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:
Undergraduate and Honours Applicants
- South African citizen
- Under 35 years old
- Studying or intending to study full-time in one of the listed fields in 2026
- Enrolled at a recognised public university in South Africa
- Minimum average of 65% from undergraduate level to current level
- Passed all registered university courses
- Currently unemployed
- Preference for previously disadvantaged backgrounds/NSFAS holders
Masters and Doctoral Applicants
- South African citizen
- Under 35 years old
- Intending to study full-time for a qualification in one of the listed fields in 2026
- Meeting entry requirements for a master’s or PhD bursary at the selected university
- Enrolled at a recognised public university in South Africa
- Minimum average of 65% from undergraduate level to current level
- Passed all registered university courses
- Currently unemployed
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Good scientific writing, organisational, and time management skills
- Good communication and report writing abilities
- Drive to conduct research and work independently and in teams
- Excellent technical abilities and ability to work under pressure
- Preference for previously disadvantaged backgrounds/NSFAS holders
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