The CSIR Bursary Programme is dedicated to financially supporting full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in areas of priority identified by the CSIR. This comprehensive bursary covers all university-related expenses and aims to promote the participation of women, black, and disabled students in science, engineering, and technology.
Course Overview
The CSIR Bursary Programme seeks to provide financial assistance to academically deserving students in fields related to science, engineering, and technology. The bursary is open to South African citizens, and priority is given to increasing the participation of women, black people, and disabled individuals. It is available for undergraduate (Honours), Master’s, and Doctoral studies in key areas of national importance.
Bursary Fields of Study
Honours Bursary
- Physics
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Information Systems
Masters Bursary
- Aquaculture
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Animal Health
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Flow Chemistry
- Civil/Water Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Physics
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Systems
- Data Science
- Mathematics
Doctoral Bursary
- Aquaculture
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Animal Health
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Science
- Flow Chemistry
- Process Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics
- Metallurgy/Powder Metallurgy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Systems Engineering
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CSIR bursary, you must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizen.
- Must be planning to enrol full-time at a South African university for 2025.
- Have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at the university.
For Masters and Doctoral bursaries, the applicant must additionally demonstrate:
- Strong scientific writing skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent academic record.
- Self-motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong research abilities, technical skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, evidenced by reports or conference papers.
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
- Updated CV.
- Certified copy of identity document.
- Latest academic record.
- For Masters and Doctoral applicants, proof of a degree already completed.
Failure to attach these documents will result in your application being invalid.
Bursary Covers
The CSIR bursary provides comprehensive financial coverage for university expenses, including:
Honours Bursary
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
Masters and Doctoral Bursary
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
Non-Financial Support
In addition to financial support, CSIR provides full wrap-around support and vacation work opportunities.
Obligations
Recipients of the bursary are required to work back for the CSIR for each year funded.
Apply Now
The call for 2025 bursary applications is open! To apply, click the link below:
Apply here
Closing Date: Monday, 30 September 2024
Contact Details
For more information, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre:
Tel: +27 (12) 841 3256
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za