CSIR Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded Undergraduate, Honours, Master’s & Doctoral Bursaries in South Africa ·Unknown

CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting academically deserving South African students to apply for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027.

Title: CSIR Bursary Programme 2027
Location: South Africa (South African Public Universities)
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Contract: Full-Time Bursary (2027 Academic Year)
Funding Type: Comprehensive Study Bursary
Application Status: Open

The bursary provides comprehensive financial support to full-time unemployed students pursuing qualifications in priority science, engineering and technology fields at South African public universities.

The programme aims to develop highly skilled graduates while increasing the participation of women, black students and persons with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.

About the CSIR Bursary

The CSIR Bursary Programme supports students studying qualifications that align with South Africa’s research, innovation and technological development priorities.

Funding is available for:

• Undergraduate studies
• Honours degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees

Fields of Study Supported

Undergraduate Bursary

Applicants may study one of the following:

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

Honours Bursary

Eligible fields include:

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

Master’s Bursary

Funding is available for studies in:

• 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

Doctoral Bursary

Supported fields include:

• 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

Eligibility Requirements

Grade 12 Learners

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Intend to enrol full-time at a South African public university
• Achieve English at Level 5
• Achieve Mathematics at Level 6
• Achieve Physical Sciences at Level 6

Current University Students

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Plan to study full-time at a South African university in 2027
• Have successfully passed all registered courses for the completed academic period

Master’s and Doctoral Applicants

Applicants should possess:

• South African citizenship
• Excellent academic performance
• Strong scientific writing skills
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Excellent technical abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Good report-writing skills
• Research experience and the ability to formulate and conduct research
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Compliance with university admission requirements for postgraduate studies

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document
• Latest academic transcript
• Proof of completed degree (Master’s and Doctoral applicants)

Failure to submit the required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete.

What the Bursary Covers

Undergraduate and Honours Students

The comprehensive bursary includes:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Prescribed books
• Living allowance
• Once-off laptop allowance

Master’s and Doctoral Students

Funding includes:

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

Additional Benefits

CSIR bursary recipients also benefit from:

Academic and Career Development

• CSIR Excellence Awards for top-performing students
• Interview skills training
• Onboarding sessions
• Mentorship by experienced CSIR professionals
• Work placement opportunities at CSIR and partner organisations
• Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks annually
• Opportunities to participate in real-life research projects addressing socio-economic challenges

Student Support

• Student wellness programme
• Academic support
• Psychological and psychosocial support

Exclusive Benefits for Postgraduate Students

Postgraduate students may also receive:

• Experimental research funding of up to R35,000 per year
• National and international conference funding of up to R35,000 per year
• Access to CSIR laboratories and partner research facilities
• Research and academic writing workshops
• Funding for thesis, dissertation and publication costs
• Opportunity to present research at the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on:

• Academic merit
• Eligibility requirements
• Availability of funding
• Priority is given to increasing participation of women, black students and persons with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.

Work-Back Obligation

Successful bursary recipients will be required to work back the equivalent number of years funded by the CSIR after completing their studies.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should complete the online application and upload all required supporting documents before the application closing date.

Apply Here: APPLY HERE FOR THE CSIR BURSARY 2027

Contact Information

For enquiries regarding the CSIR Bursary Programme:

CSIR Bursary Programme Team
Telephone: (012) 841-2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za

Why Apply?

The CSIR Bursary Programme is one of South Africa’s leading funding opportunities for students pursuing careers in science, engineering and technology.

In addition to covering study costs, recipients gain access to mentorship, research opportunities, professional development, work placements and networking that help prepare them for successful careers in research and innovation.