CSIR Bursary 2027 Programme, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Applications Open

Full coverage of tuition, accommodation, books, and living allowance, plus mentorship, research access, and career development for qualifying undergraduates and postgraduate students.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, targeting South African students committed to careers in science, engineering, and technology. This is a comprehensive funding opportunity that covers the full cost of university study—from registration and tuition to accommodation, living expenses, and professional development.

The bursary explicitly prioritises increasing representation of women and Black South Africans in STEM fields. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to CSIR’s research facilities, mentorship networks, and employment pathways that position them for leadership roles in South Africa’s scientific and engineering sectors.

What the CSIR Bursary Covers

Undergraduate and Honours Students

Funding Category	Coverage
Registration fees	Full cost
Tuition fees	Full cost
Prescribed textbooks	Full cost
Accommodation	Full cost
Living allowance	Monthly stipend
Laptop allowance	Once-off (one-time purchase)

Master’s and Doctoral Students

Funding Category	Coverage
Registration and tuition	Full cost
Living allowance	Monthly stipend
Laptop allowance	Once-off
Research and experimental costs	Up to R35,000 annually
Conference attendance (national and international)	Up to R35,000 per year
Thesis and publication costs	Funded as needed

Eligible Study Fields

Undergraduate Qualifications

Electronic Engineering • Computer Engineering • Aeronautical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Rock Mapping • Information Technology • Geology • Oceanography

Honours Degree Programmes

Electronic Engineering • Computer Science • Information Systems • Data Science • Civil Engineering • Geoinformatics

Master’s Qualifications

Computer Science • Computer Engineering • Electronic Engineering • Biology and 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 Programmes

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

Who Qualifies

Grade 12 Learners

You must be a South African citizen planning to enrol full-time at a South African public university in 2027. Your Grade 12 results must show:

English: Level 5 or higher

Mathematics: Level 6 or higher

Physical Sciences: Level 6 or higher

Current University Students

You must be a South African citizen already enrolled full-time at a South African public university. Critically, you must have successfully passed all registered modules in your most recent year of study. There are no exceptions: one failed module disqualifies you for that funding cycle.

Master’s and Doctoral Applicants

Postgraduate applicants must be South African citizens with an excellent academic record. The selection committee evaluates your scientific and technical capabilities, written and verbal communication skills, ability to conduct independent research, and proven capacity to work effectively within teams. You must meet all admission requirements for your target programme at your chosen university.

Required Documentation

Every application must include the following. Submissions lacking any of these documents will be rejected outright:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) — current as of the application submission date

Certified copy of your South African ID document

Your latest academic record (transcript or statement of marks)

For postgraduate applications: proof of your completed qualification (e.g., undergraduate degree certificate)

Beyond the Money: Career Development and Research Access

The CSIR does not simply fund your studies—it invests in your career trajectory. Recipients unlock opportunities most undergraduate and postgraduate students never access.

All bursary holders benefit from mentorship by experienced CSIR researchers, onboarding sessions and networking with CSIR scientists, academic and psychological wellness support, interview preparation and employability training (especially for final-year students), recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards for top performers, and work placement opportunities at CSIR and affiliated organisations.

Postgraduate students receive additional advantages: access to CSIR laboratories and research facilities for your experiments and fieldwork, funded attendance at national and international conferences (up to R35,000 annually), structured research skills and academic writing workshops, and the opportunity to present your research at the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.

How to Apply

Applications open immediately and close on a deadline set by CSIR (confirm the specific deadline before applying).

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Assemble your CV, certified ID, academic transcript, and (if postgraduate) your degree certificate. Ensure your CV is current and your academic records are official copies.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the CSIR application portal (click here to apply online) and complete the full application form. Provide accurate contact information, academic history, and your motivation for pursuing STEM studies. The form will guide you through field selection and study level.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload each required document as specified by the online system. Double-check file formats and sizes before submitting. Incomplete applications are rejected automatically.

Step 4: Submit and Confirm

Submit your completed application. You will receive a confirmation email. Save this email and the application reference number for your records.

The Work-Back Obligation

Receiving a CSIR bursary is not a gift—it is an investment in your development that comes with a contractual commitment. Upon graduation, successful bursary recipients must work for the CSIR for a period equal to the number of years they received funding.

For example, a student who received bursary funding for four years of undergraduate study must work for CSIR for four years. This requirement ensures that the organisation benefits from the talent it has developed. Positions typically leverage your qualifications and research interests, positioning you within CSIR’s research divisions or strategic initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I failed one subject in my final year of university?

No. The bursary requires that current university students have successfully passed all registered modules in their most recent completed year. A single failed module disqualifies you from the current funding cycle.

Does the bursary cover study at private universities?

No. The CSIR bursary is restricted to South African public universities only.

What if I study a field not listed as eligible?

The CSIR has published a specific list of eligible qualifications by study level. If your chosen field is not listed, you will not be eligible for this bursary. However, you may find support through other South African funding schemes targeting your discipline.

How long does the selection process take?

The CSIR typically notifies selected candidates within three to four months of the application deadline. The exact timeline varies yearly—check the official announcement for current details.

Can I negotiate the work-back obligation period?

No. The work-back obligation is a standard term of all CSIR bursaries. The period you must work for CSIR equals the number of years you received funding—this is non-negotiable.

What if I want to pursue further postgraduate study after my undergraduate degree?

You can apply for CSIR funding at the Master’s or Doctoral level as a separate application. Postgraduate bursaries have their own selection criteria and are assessed independently from your undergraduate funding history.

Will I be placed in a specific research division at CSIR?

CSIR will attempt to match your qualifications and research interests to available positions during your work-back period. Placements depend on organisational needs and your field of study, but the CSIR works to align your skills with meaningful research roles.

The CSIR Bursary 2027 represents one of South Africa’s most competitive and comprehensive funding opportunities for STEM students. Full-cost support for your education, access to world-class research facilities, and mentorship from leading scientists and engineers are available—but only to those who apply.

Get your documents now. Verify you meet the eligibility requirements. Submit your complete application before the deadline. The candidates selected in 2027 will shape South Africa’s scientific and technological landscape for decades to come. Position yourself to be among them.

Apply online