DSI-CSIR Bursary / IBS 2026 Requirements & How To Apply

The DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support (IBS) gives strong financial support for postgraduate studies in priority science, engineering, ICT, health and related thematic research fields. 

Because the competition is high and funding is limited, you should have your documents ready and apply as soon as the call opens.

About the Organisations

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is a South African government department responsible for coordinating science, technology and innovation policy.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a national research organisation that partners with DSI to develop science and technology capacity via this bursary scheme.

Fields of Study Funded

This bursary supports full-time postgraduate studies at South African public universities in thematic research focus areas, including:

1. Biocatalysis; Biopharming; Bioprocessing
2. Health sciences
3. Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
4. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
5. Microsystems Technology
6. Mining (as research theme)
7. Modelling & Digital Sciences
8. Titanium (manufacturing elements)
9. Photonics
10. Water Research

Levels funded: Honours / 4th-year Engineering / Postgraduate Diploma; Master’s; Doctorate.

Benefits for Recipients

If you are awarded the bursary, you can expect to receive:

1. Annual value depending on level of study:
    • Honours / 4th-year engineering / Postgraduate Diploma: ≈ R130,000 per annum.
    • Masters: ≈ R140,000 per annum.
    • Doctorate: ≈ R160,000 per annum.
2. A once-off laptop allowance of R10,000.
3. Additional support: experimental / lab costs, conference attendance funding, mentorship, research skills workshops, wellness programmes, and sometimes vacation work periods.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must satisfy all or most of these:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Be registered or intend to register for full-time postgraduate studies (Honours / 4th year Eng / Postgraduate Diploma / Masters / Doctorate) at a public university in South Africa.
3. Study in one of the thematic research focus areas listed above.
4. Not be employed full-time.
5. Meet academic performance thresholds:
    • Honours: typically no older than 28 years, with a minimum average of ~65% in major subjects in your final undergraduate year.
    • Master’s: no older than ~30 years with similar or stronger academics.
    • Doctorate: no older than ~32 years and good record at Master’s level.
6. Supervisor endorsement/support (for Master’s and Doctoral levels) in many calls.
7. Preference is often given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities.

How to Apply

1. Applications are made online via the CSIR application portal. Past applications used: csir.auraams.app.
2. Complete the official application form and upload all required supporting documents. Incomplete or late applications are not accepted.
3. Check the CSIR / DSI IBS call announcement for the eligibility guideline document and FAQs.

Required Documents

These are commonly requested:

1. Certified copy of South African ID or proof of permanent residence.
2. Academic transcripts and degree certificates (past qualifications).
3. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public university for the relevant postgraduate level.
4. Supervisor support/letter (for Master’s / PhD).
5. Proof of academic performance (averages) in relevant prior studies.
6. Possibly proof of disability if applicable; proof of previously disadvantaged status.

Closing Date

For the 2025 academic year, the closing date was 31 August 2024.

No 2026 dates are out yet.

Contact Details

• General enquiries: Tel: +27 (12) 841 2911 (CSIR main line)
• Bursary / IBS enquiries: Email [email protected] or [email protected].