The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers bursaries to eligible South African students pursuing qualifications in science, engineering, technology and other priority research fields. The funding is designed to help develop skilled scientists, engineers and technologists while supporting students throughout their studies.
Important deadline update: The official CSIR website lists 15 September 2026 as the closing date for its 2027 bursary calls. As today is 28 October 2026, that deadline has passed. Applicants should check the official website for any new announcement or future application cycle before preparing an application.
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CSIR Bursary 2027 at a Glance
| Bursary detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Bursary type | Undergraduate and postgraduate funding |
| Eligible study areas | Selected science, engineering, technology and research fields |
| Study institution | South African public universities |
| Funding coverage | Depends on the study level and bursary programme |
| Application method | Online through the CSIR Bursary Connect portal |
| Advertised closing date | 15 September 2026 |
| Current status | Advertised deadline has passed |
| Official website | https://www.csir.co.za/careers/students-graduates/bursaries |
The details above are based on the CSIR’s published bursary information. Applicants should consult the relevant programme guidelines because eligibility and benefits differ between undergraduate, postgraduate and partner-funded schemes.
What Is the CSIR Bursary Programme?
The CSIR is a South African research and development organisation that works in science, engineering and technology. Its bursary programme supports students studying in fields that meet the organisation’s skills and research priorities.
The programme can provide financial assistance as well as academic guidance, mentorship, career support and vacation-work opportunities. Depending on the award, students may also gain exposure to research projects and specialist facilities.
The CSIR advertises several funding opportunities, including:
- The CSIR Bursary Programme.
- The CSIR–Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme.
- The CSIR–Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme.
These are separate programmes, so applicants must read the relevant guidelines rather than assume that the same qualifications and funding rules apply to all three.
Which Qualifications and Study Fields Are Covered?
The CSIR’s published 2027 bursary information lists different study fields for different academic levels.
Undergraduate bursary fields
Listed fields include:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Rock Mapping
- Information Technology
- Geology
- Oceanography
Honours bursary fields
Listed fields include:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geoinformatics
Master’s bursary fields
The published list includes areas such as:
- Computer Science and Computer Engineering
- Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
- Biology and Health Science
- Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Architecture and Development Planning
- Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Science and Ecology
- Information Systems and Data Science
- Biotechnology and Mechatronics Engineering
- Port and Coastal Engineering
- Organic Chemistry
- Geoinformatics
Doctoral bursary fields
Listed fields include:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Biostatistics
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Organic Chemistry
- Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
These lists are drawn from the published 2027 CSIR Bursary Programme information. Not every field is necessarily available under every funding scheme. Confirm that your exact qualification and specialisation meet the requirements in the relevant guidelines.
Who Can Apply for the CSIR Bursary?
Eligibility depends on the programme and level of study.
Requirements for Grade 12 learners
The published CSIR bursary information lists the following requirements for current Grade 12 learners applying for undergraduate funding:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Intend to enrol full-time for the selected degree at a South African public university.
- Have achieved at least Level 5 in English.
- Have achieved at least Level 6 in Mathematics.
- Have achieved at least Level 6 in Physical Sciences.
Applicants should verify the exact academic requirements in the official 2027 guidelines before relying on these criteria.
Requirements for university students
Current university students applying for undergraduate or Honours funding should check the programme-specific criteria. The published information requires applicants to be South African citizens, plan to study full-time at a South African university in 2027, and have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
Requirements for postgraduate applicants
Master’s and doctoral applicants may need to demonstrate:
- A strong academic record.
- Admission to, or eligibility for admission to, a South African public university.
- Good research and scientific-writing skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
- Relevant technical skills and the ability to complete research projects.
The required qualification, minimum academic results and eligible research area can differ by programme. Read the applicable guidelines carefully before applying.
What Does the CSIR Bursary Cover?
The CSIR describes its main bursary programme as providing comprehensive financial support, although the exact benefits depend on the study level and funding scheme.
For undergraduate and Honours students, the published benefits include:
- University registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Books.
- Accommodation.
- Living allowances.
- A once-off laptop allowance.
For Master’s and doctoral students, the listed benefits include registration fees, tuition fees, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance.
Some postgraduate programmes may also provide research-related support, such as funding for experimental costs, conference attendance, research skills training and thesis or dissertation expenses. These additional benefits are subject to the relevant programme rules and funding limits.
The official programme guidelines determine the actual award. Do not assume that every applicant will receive every benefit or that a particular monthly allowance applies to all CSIR bursaries.
Additional Benefits for Successful Students
Apart from financial assistance, the CSIR lists several forms of student support, which may include:
- Academic and psychosocial support.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Career guidance and interview preparation.
- Student wellness support.
- Vacation-work opportunities, depending on availability.
- Exposure to research projects addressing real-world challenges.
- Opportunities to interact with CSIR researchers and other professionals.
These benefits can help students build research experience and prepare for future employment.
Documents Needed for an Application
Applicants should prepare the documents required by their specific bursary guidelines. The published CSIR information lists documents such as:
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
- A certified copy of a South African identity document.
- A Grade 11 report or Matric results, where applicable.
- The latest university academic record, for current university students.
- Proof of a previously completed qualification for Master’s and doctoral applicants, where required.
- Supporting documents relevant to the selected qualification or programme.
Check whether documents must be certified, how recently they must have been issued and whether additional academic or admission documents are required.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary
The advertised 2027 deadline has passed, so these steps are useful for checking the previous call’s requirements and preparing for a future application if the CSIR announces one.
Step 1: Visit the official CSIR bursary page
Go to https://www.csir.co.za/careers/students-graduates/bursaries and check the latest notices.
Step 2: Select the relevant bursary programme
Identify whether you need undergraduate, Honours, Master’s or doctoral funding. If you are considering the CSIR–Sasol Foundation or CSIR–DSTI programme, open that programme’s separate guidelines.
Step 3: Read the eligibility guidelines
Confirm the accepted study fields, academic requirements, citizenship rules, documents and any obligations attached to the award.
Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents
Make sure your CV, identity document and academic records are ready in the required format.
Step 5: Check the official application portal
The CSIR’s published application route is the CSIR Bursary Connect portal. Check whether a new application cycle is available before submitting anything. A previous portal link does not mean that applications are currently open.
Step 6: Keep your application records
If you apply during a future call, save the confirmation and any reference details provided by the portal. Follow the official instructions for checking your application status.
Does the CSIR Bursary Have a Work-Back Obligation?
The published CSIR bursary information includes a work-back obligation for funded students. Under the stated arrangement, students are required to offer their services to the CSIR after completing their studies for a period equal to the number of years for which they received funding.
Applicants should read the applicable agreement carefully to understand the exact terms, conditions and responsibilities before accepting an award.
Is the CSIR Bursary 2027 Still Open?
The CSIR’s published 2027 bursary notice gives 15 September 2026 as the closing date. That date has passed.
Do not assume that the application period has been extended. Check the official CSIR bursary page for a new notice, an amended deadline or information about the next academic year.
Beware of Bursary Scams
Students should be cautious when applying for bursaries advertised through social media, messaging groups or unofficial websites.
- Do not pay someone who promises to secure a CSIR bursary.
- Use the official CSIR website and application portal.
- Do not send identity documents or academic records to unverified contacts.
- Confirm unexpected requests directly with the CSIR.
- Do not trust an advert simply because it uses the CSIR name or logo.
A bursary announcement shared by another website should always be checked against the official programme information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CSIR Bursary 2027 fully funded?
The CSIR describes its main bursary programme as comprehensive, covering specified study costs. Actual benefits depend on the programme and academic level, so applicants should consult the relevant guidelines.
Can Grade 12 learners apply?
The published undergraduate programme includes current Grade 12 learners who meet the citizenship, university enrolment and subject-mark requirements. The advertised 2027 application deadline has passed.
Can university students apply?
The published programme includes eligible university students who meet the requirements for their study level, including academic progression and full-time study conditions.
Which universities are accepted?
The published requirements refer to South African public universities. Confirm the institution and qualification requirements in the applicable programme guidelines.
What is the CSIR Bursary 2027 closing date?
The advertised closing date was 15 September 2026. Check the official CSIR website for any new announcement.
Where can I apply?
The CSIR’s published online application portal is https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/. Check whether a new application cycle is open before submitting an application.
Find More Bursaries on JobsLink.club
Students researching university funding can also browse related opportunities and guides:
- University bursaries in South Africa
- Engineering bursaries
- Science bursaries
- Postgraduate bursaries
- 2027 bursaries
Final Advice
The CSIR bursary programme supports students pursuing selected qualifications in science, engineering, technology and research. Funding can include university costs and additional academic or career support, but the requirements differ by programme and study level.
Because the advertised 2027 application deadline has passed, check the official CSIR website before taking further steps. Use the published guidelines to confirm eligibility, funding coverage and any work-back obligations, and avoid paying anyone who claims they can guarantee a bursary.