For South African postgraduate students applying financial support in strategic research fields, the DSI-CSIR Bursary program is a good option to consider.
This collaborative initiative between the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) empowers individuals pursuing Honours, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in specific thematic areas crucial for national development.
About the DSI-CSIR Bursary
The DSI-CSIR Bursary does its best to train skilled professionals in important research domains that are in line with South Africa’s scientific and technological priorities.
This translates into financial support for postgraduate studies in areas like:
- Bio-catalysis
- Biopharming
- Bioprocessing
- Health
- ICT
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
- Microsystems Technology
- Mining
- Modelling and Digital Sciences
- Titanium (Manufacturing Elements)
- Photonics
The bursary not only covers tuition fees but also provides a generous annual stipend, ranging from R100,000 for Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma to R140,000 for Doctoral studies.
Additionally, students receive a one-time laptop allowance of R10,000 to support their academic journey.
DSI-CSIR Bursary Application Form
Applications for the DSI-CSIR Bursary are conducted through the CSIR Aura AMS platform. To apply:
- Visit the CSIR Aura AMS website.
- Create an account or log in if you have an existing one.
- Select the “DSI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme” application type.
- Carefully complete all sections of the online form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Upload the required supporting documents, including your academic transcripts, ID document, and proof of residence.
- Obtain a letter of motivation and recommendation from your supervisor (for Masters and Doctoral applicants).
- Thoroughly review your application before submitting it.
Applications for the 2024 academic year are currently closed.
However, you can still keep checking the official CSIR website or reliable blogs like this one for the opening and closing dates for the next application cycle.
The DSI-CSIR Bursary Requirements
Applicant who are considered to be eligible for the DSI-CSIR Bursary are the ones who have met all of the following qualification requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be registered or applying for full-time postgraduate studies at a South African public university.
- Be pursuing an Honours, 4th year Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or Doctoral qualification in a field aligned with the specified thematic research areas.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, with a strong academic record in your previous studies.
- Possess a financial need for assistance with your postgraduate studies.
- Preference is given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and people living with disabilities.
It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will win the bursary award.
Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, research potential, alignment with the thematic research areas, and financial need.
The DSI-CSIR Bursary Closing Date
As mentioned earlier, the deadline for applications has already closed for the 2024 academic year. It ended on 30 August 2023.
But it is still essential to stay informed and visit the official CSIR website regularly if you intend on meeting the next one.
For further inquiries or clarification regarding the DSI-CSIR Bursary, you may contact Justice Komane at the CSIR Grants Office through email at: [email protected].
You can also contact the administrators of this bursary Excel@Uni through email at: [email protected].