CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading research and development organization under the Department of Science and Innovation.

The organization offers the CSIR bursary program to exceptional minds that are eager to contribute to the advancement of science in South Africa.

About the CSIR Bursary

The CSIR bursary program supports deserving South African students pursuing undergraduate, Honours, Masters, or PhD degrees in fields aligned with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s focus areas.

These areas include:

  1. Aerospace and Defence Technology
  2. Built Environment
  3. Environmental Earth Sciences
  4. Information and Communications Technology
  5. Manufacturing and Materials Sciences
  6. Medical and Biosciences
  7. Minerals and Mining
  8. Natural Resources and Environmental Management
  9. Ocean and Sea Science
  10. Social Sciences and Humanities

The bursary covers full tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.

Also, recipients gain invaluable practical experience through internships and research placements at the CSIR, preparing them for a successful career in scientific research.

CSIR Bursary Application Form

The CSIR Bursary application process is conducted online through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research bursary portal.

The application form requires you to provide details about your academic record, chosen field of study, university admission status, and financial background.

Additionally, you’ll need to submit supporting documents such as your certified ID, academic transcripts, and a comprehensive CV.

Here is a full list of all the supporting documents you will be asked for:

  1. Certified copy of your ID document
  2. Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
  3. Certified academic records (Grade 11 final results and Matric results for Matric applicants; full transcript for university students)
  4. Matric certificate (if completed)
  5. Proof of provisional university acceptance (if currently in Matric)
  6. Proof of university registration (if currently enrolled)
  7. Motivation letter explaining your academic achievements, research interests, and career aspirations (2 pages maximum)
  8. Two academic reference letters

Here is CSIR Bursary Application Form

It’s important to take the time to carefully review the application requirements and ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria before submitting your application because incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disqualified.

The CSIR Bursary Requirements

For you to qualify for the CSIR Bursary, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. South African citizenship or permanent residency
  2. Enrollment or acceptance at a recognized South African university
  3. Pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a field aligned with the CSIR’s research priorities
  4. Demonstrating academic excellence and strong potential for research
  5. Financial need (demonstrated through means testing)
  6. Commitment to pursuing a career in science, technology, or innovation

Undergraduate to Honours studies:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above, in 2024
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised public University in South Africa
  • You must have achieve a minimum of Level 5 (60% – 69%) for English in Matric
  • You must have achieve a minimum of Level 6 (70% – 79%) for Mathematics in Matric
  • You must have achieve a minimum of Level 6 (70% – 79%) for Physical Science in Matric
  • You must have passed all university courses you have registered for, for the study period completed (if currently studying)
  • You must not be employed on a full-time basis

Masters and Doctoral applicants:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must intend on studying full-time towards a qualification in one of the Masters or Doctoral fields listed above, in 2024
  • You must intend on enrolling and studying at a recognised public University in South Africa
  • You must have passed all university courses you have registered for, for the study period completed
  • You must not be employed on a full-time basis
  • You must be enthusiastic and self-motivated
  • You must take ownership and initiative
  • You must have good scientific writing skills
  • You must have good organisational skills
  • You must have good time management skills
  • You must have good communication skills – verbal and writing
  • You must have good report writing abilities
  • You must have an excellent academic record
  • You must have a drive to conduct research
  • You must be self-motivated
  • You must be able to work independently and within a team
  • You must be able to formulate and carry out research
  • You must have excellent technical abilities
  • You must be able to work well under pressure
  • You must be able to meet scheduled deliverables

The CSIR Bursary Closing Date

The application deadline for the CSIR bursary program may vary depending on the specific program and level of study.

However, the general closing date is August 21st of each year. Be sure to check the bursary details on their official website for the exact closing date applicable to your chosen program.

For more information about the CSIR bursary program, you can contact the Recruitment Centre directly on:
Tel: 012 841 3256
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za

or contact Excel@Uni (the administrators for this bursary)
Email: hello@excelatuni.com.

Please do not contact any of these offices if the bursary application cycle has ended, you will need to wait for the next cycle before you will be attended to.