Council for Geoscience Bursaries 2027: Study Geoscience in South Africa

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is inviting South African university students to apply for its Full-Time Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for students pursuing studies in geosciences and related technical fields.

Application Closing Date: 25 November 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: Full-time university studies
Stipend: Not specified (covers registration, tuition, accommodation/transport, books, meals, PPE, field excursions, analysis costs, laptop allowance)
Minimum Qualification: Enrolled full-time at a South African institution of higher learning for 2027

About the Council for Geoscience Bursary

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) bursary programme aims to develop and strengthen expertise in areas that support South Africa’s geoscience research. This includes fields like mineral resources, groundwater, environmental studies, and data science. The bursary supports students undertaking full-time university studies in these critical areas.

The CGS is a government entity responsible for collecting, managing, and applying geoscience data across South Africa. They focus on both onshore and offshore geological information. This bursary is a key initiative to build the next generation of geoscientists in the country.

About the Council for Geoscience

The Council for Geoscience is South Africa’s national geological survey. Its primary role is to provide geoscientific knowledge and services to the government and the public. The organisation plays a vital role in understanding the country’s geological resources, hazards, and environmental challenges.

The CGS is headquartered in Silverton, Pretoria. It is involved in a wide range of activities, from mapping the country’s geology to managing seismic networks and providing data for mineral exploration and water resource management.

Fields of Study Encouraged

Students pursuing studies or research in the following fields are strongly encouraged to apply for the CGS Bursary:

• Engineering Geology
• Geotechnical Investigations
• Geophysics
• Hydrogeology
• Groundwater Modelling
• Geochemistry
• Economic Geology
• Mineral Economics
• Data Science
• Innovation Studies
• Geo-informatics
• GIS
• Remote Sensing
• Computational Geosciences
• Mining Seismology
• Seismology
• Geohazards
• Science Communication
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Geochronology
• Palaeontology
• Geohydrology
• Marine Geology
• Exploration Geology
• Related disciplines

What the CGS Bursary Covers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive support for their studies. The bursary provides financial assistance towards:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation allowance or transport allowance
• Prescribed books allowance
• Meals allowance
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) allowance
• Field excursions
• Analysis costs
• A once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary is for full-time university studies for the 2027 academic year. The programme is based in South Africa, with the Council for Geoscience headquartered in Pretoria. Successful applicants will need to be enrolled at a South African institution of higher learning.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Council for Geoscience Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be unemployed.
• Be available for vocational work during their studies when required by CGS.
• Be willing to work back after completing their studies, as may be required by CGS.
• Be enrolled full-time at a South African institution of higher learning for the 2027 academic year.
• Have passed all modules from the previous year or semester if currently studying at a tertiary institution.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal competencies, the nature of geoscience studies and the CGS’s work suggests that applicants should possess:

• A strong academic aptitude for science and mathematics.
• A keen interest in earth sciences and related technical fields.
• Willingness to learn and undertake practical work.
• Ability to commit to future work-back obligations.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African students who are passionate about geosciences and related technical fields. If you are currently studying or planning to study subjects like Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, or Data Science at a South African university and need financial support, this is a valuable opportunity. Applicants must be committed to their studies and willing to contribute to South Africa’s geoscience sector after graduation.

Required Documents

Applications must be submitted with the following supporting documents:

• Motivation letter
• Updated CV
• Certified copy of South African ID
• Latest academic record
• Certified Grade 12 results; or Grade 11 results together with Grade 12 Term 3 results
• Acceptance or admission letter from the institution of higher learning for 2027

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the official CGS Full-Time Bursary 2027 Application Form. All required supporting documents must be attached to the application.

Click here to apply for Council for Geoscience Bursary 2027

Ensure that the form is completed in full and that all required documents are attached before submitting your application.

Important Application Information

Applicants should carefully check the following before submitting their application:

• Confirm you are a South African citizen.
• Verify that you are currently unemployed.
• Ensure you are registered or accepted for full-time study in 2027.
• Confirm you have passed all required modules from your previous academic year or semester.
• Be prepared for potential vocational work during your studies.
• Understand that a work-back obligation may apply after completing your studies.
• Double-check that all supporting documents are included with your application.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Council for Geoscience Bursaries 2027 is 25 November 2026. Applications should be submitted before this date to ensure they are considered.

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