CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2026

Bursary Name	CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary
Bursary Closing Date	August 29, 2025
Bursary Sponsor	CSIR & SASOL FOUNDATION
Funded Items	Registration fees, Tuition fees, Books, Accommodation, Living allowance, Once-off laptop allowance

Application Link

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1945, is South Africa’s premier research and development organisation and operates under the Department of Science and Innovation. As the largest R&D institution in Africa, CSIR contributes to approximately 10% of Africa’s R&D budget.

The Sasol Foundation, launched in 2008, focuses on transforming South Africa’s education sector, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The CSIR, in partnership with the Sasol Foundation, invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2026 academic year.

Fields of Study:

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following priority areas:

Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Electronic Engineering
Genetics/ Cell Biology
Industrial Engineering
Information Technology
Material Flow Analysis
Mechatronic Engineering
Process Engineering / Life Cycle Assessment
System Engineering

This merit-based bursary aims to support full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in CSIR-prioritised fields. Applications from female, black, and disabled students are strongly encouraged.

MORE ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & OTHER BENEFITS

What the bursary covers:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Books
Accommodation
Living allowance
Once-off laptop allowance

Additional benefits:

Psychosocial support – academic and psychological assistance
Student wellness programme
Vacation work opportunities – up to 6 weeks per year
Research exposure – real-life socioeconomic projects with CSIR supervision
Potential job placement – at CSIR or related organisations
Awards for top students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, gifts
Interview skills training – for final-year students
Onboarding session – with CSIR and Sasol Foundation
Mentorship programme – pairing with senior CSIR professionals

MORE ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY – SERVICE CONTRACT & SELECTION

Work-back obligation:

After graduation, recipients must work for CSIR and Sasol Foundation for 1 year per year of funding received.

Selection process:

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. If no feedback is received, consider the application unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Must be a South African citizen
Currently in Matric or completed Matric
Achieved level 5 for English, level 6 for Mathematics, and level 6 for Physical Science
Intend to study full-time towards one of the listed qualifications in 2026
Planning to study at a recognised public university in South Africa
Have achieved at least 65% overall and passed all university courses (if already studying)
Must be currently unemployed

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY

Online Application:

Apply at: CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Application 2026

Required Documents:

Certified copy of ID document
Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if currently in Matric)
Latest academic record (if currently studying)
Updated CV