CSIR Bursary South Africa 2026 | Apply Now

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1945, is South Africa’s leading research and development organisation. Operating under the Department of Science and Innovation, it plays a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation across the country.

CSIR is the largest R&D organisation in Africa, accounting for nearly 10% of the continent’s total research and development budget. With over 3000 scientific and technical researchers, CSIR focuses on seven core areas: Industry, Energy, Natural Environment, Built Environment, Digital Environment, Health, and Defence and Security.

About the CSIR Bursary Programme – Fields Covered

The CSIR invites applications for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Bursaries are available for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours, Masters, and PhD) students across various fields of study.

Undergraduate Fields:

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 Fields:

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, Welding Engineering

Masters Fields:

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 Fields:

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

More About the CSIR Bursary Programme – Expenses Covered and Benefits

Undergraduate and Honours Students:

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

Masters and Doctoral Students:

• Registration and tuition fees
• Once-off laptop allowance
• Living allowance
• Experimental costs for lab access (up to R35,000 per year)
• Conference attendance (up to R35,000 per year)
• Research publication and printing costs
• Research skills workshops
• Attendance at the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium

General Benefits for All Students:

• Psychosocial and academic support
• Student wellness programme
• Up to 6 weeks of vacation work annually
• Work on real-life, socio-economic projects
• Mentorship from senior CSIR professionals
• Possible job placement at CSIR or partner organisations
• CSIR Excellence Awards and certificates
• Interview preparation and onboarding sessions

More About the CSIR Bursary – Service Contract and Selection

After graduation, recipients must work for CSIR for a period equal to the number of years funded. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If no feedback is received, consider the application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Requirements for the CSIR Bursary

Undergraduate and Honours Applicants:

• South African citizen
• Under 35 years of age
• Full-time studies in a listed field in 2026
• Studying at a recognised South African public university
• Minimum 65% average from undergraduate to current level
• Passed all previous university courses
• Currently unemployed
• Preference to disadvantaged backgrounds and NSFAS beneficiaries

Masters and Doctoral Applicants:

• South African citizen
• Under 35 years of age
• Intend to study full-time in 2026
• Meet entry requirements for Master’s or PhD
• Studying at a recognised public university
• Minimum 65% average
• Strong academic, writing, and research skills
• Organised, self-motivated, able to meet deadlines
• Able to work independently and in a team
• Preference to disadvantaged backgrounds and NSFAS beneficiaries

How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary

Applications must be submitted online. Enter “bursariesguru.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

Required Documents:

• Certified copy of ID
• Updated CV
• Latest academic record
• Proof of degree (Masters and Doctoral applicants only)

Closing Date for the CSIR Bursary

29 August 2025
(Applications received after this date will not be accepted.)