Apply for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027. Comprehensive funding for undergraduate, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral students in STEM fields. Closes 15 September 2026.
About the CSIR Bursary Programme
The CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 provides comprehensive financial support to full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in priority areas aligned with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The programme aims to develop South Africa’s future science, engineering and technology talent, with a particular focus on increasing the participation of women, black people and people with disabilities in STEM fields.
Successful students can receive funding covering tuition, registration, accommodation, books, living expenses and a once-off laptop allowance, depending on their level of study.
Fields of Study
Undergraduate Bursaries
The following fields are supported:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Rock Mapping
- Information Technology
- Geology
- Oceanography
Honours Bursaries
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geoinformatics
Master’s Bursaries
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Biology/Health Science
- Biomedical Science
- Metallurgy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Architecture
- Development Planning
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Information Systems
- Biotechnology
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Port and Coastal Engineering
- Organic Chemistry
- Geoinformatics
- Data Science
Doctoral Bursaries
- 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
Requirements
Current Grade 12 Learners
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Intend to enrol full-time for their chosen degree at a South African public university.
- Have English at Level 5.
- Have Mathematics at Level 6.
- Have Physical Science at Level 6.
Current University Students
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Plan to enrol full-time at a South African university in 2027.
- Have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at university.
Master’s & Doctoral Applicants
Applicants must be South African citizens and should demonstrate:
- An excellent academic record.
- Good scientific writing skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- A passion for research.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- The ability to formulate and conduct research.
- Excellent technical abilities.
- Good communication skills.
- Good report-writing skills.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements for a Master’s or Doctoral qualification at their selected university.
What Does the CSIR Bursary Cover?
The CSIR bursary is comprehensive.
Undergraduate & Honours Students
Funding includes:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Master’s & Doctoral Students
Funding includes:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Additional Benefits
CSIR bursary recipients may also receive access to:
- CSIR Excellence Awards for top-performing students
- Possible work placement opportunities at CSIR and affiliated organisations
- Interview skills training
- Real-life research project opportunities
- CSIR co-supervision
- Onboarding sessions
- Psychosocial and academic support
- Student wellness programmes
- Mentorship from senior CSIR professionals
- Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per year
Additional Postgraduate Benefits
Postgraduate students may also qualify for:
- Experimental costs funding of up to R35,000 per annum
- Access to CSIR and other institutional laboratories
- National and international conference attendance funding of up to R35,000 per annum
- Research skills training
- Thesis, dissertation, research publication and printing cost funding
- Opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic record
- Proof of completed degree for Master’s and Doctoral applicants
Important: Failure to attach the required documents may result in the application being declared invalid.
Work-Back Obligation
Successful bursary recipients are required to work back for every year that the CSIR provides funding.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for South African students interested in careers in:
Engineering • Technology • Computer Science • Data Science • Geology • Biotechnology • Chemistry • Environmental Science • Biomedical Science • Research & Innovation
If you are planning your studies for 2027, this is an opportunity worth watching closely.
How To Apply
Applicants should use the official CSIR bursary application process and ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted before the applicable closing date.
Click Here To Access CSIR bursary application portal.
For more South African learnerships, internships, graduate programmes, bursaries and youth opportunities, keep visiting Youth Opportunities SA.
Pro Tip: Save this opportunity and share it with a Grade 12 learner, university student or postgraduate student who is pursuing a STEM qualification.
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Listed by Youth Opportunities SA · Source: CSIR · Always apply through official channels. Youth Opportunities SA does not charge any application fees.
Editorial Policy & Transparency
At Youth Opportunities SA, we are committed to publishing accurate, relevant, and up-to-date opportunity listings for young South Africans.
We are not involved in the recruitment or selection process and do not charge any fees for applications. Information contained in this article is based on details supplied by the employer and should be verified through official recruitment channels before applying.
This article is based on information provided in the official CSIR vacancy advertisement. Our editorial team reviews and summarizes opportunity details to make them easier to understand, while striving to maintain accuracy.
Transparency Disclosure:
- Source: Official employer job advertisement
- Content Type: Opportunity Listing
- Last Reviewed: August 2026
- Cost to Applicants: Free to access on Youth Opportunities SA
- Affiliation: Youth Opportunities SA is not affiliated with or endorsed by CSIR unless explicitly stated
Applicants should always verify details and submit applications through the employer’s official recruitment channels, as requirements and closing dates may change without notice.
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