CSIR Bursaries 2027: Your Guide to Study Opportunities in South Africa

Published August 5, 2026

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursaries 2027: Study Opportunities for South African Students

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to unemployed South African students. This programme supports full-time studies at public universities across South Africa, focusing on fields critical to the CSIR’s research and development goals.

About the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

The CSIR Bursary Programme aims to support talented, unemployed South African students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. It focuses on fields that align with the CSIR’s mission in research, technology development, and innovation. The bursary is merit-based, encouraging strong academic performance.

About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research and development organisation in Africa. It undertakes directed, impact-driven research and development for socioeconomic growth. The CSIR’s work spans various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, natural resources and the environment, and health and well-being.

Available Bursary Opportunities

Bursaries are available for various study levels and fields:

Undergraduate Studies: Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Geology, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Oceanography, Rock Mapping.
Honours Studies: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Geoinformatics, Information Systems.
Master’s Studies: Architecture, Biology or Health Science, Biomedical Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Data Science, Development Planning, Digital Government and Innovation System Research, Ecology, Electronic Engineering, Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Metallurgy, Organic Chemistry, Port and Coastal Engineering.
Doctoral Studies (PhD): Aeronautical Engineering, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Computer Engineering, Digital Government and Innovation Systems Research, Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry.

What the CSIR Bursary Covers

The bursary funding is designed to cover essential study-related expenses. For undergraduate and Honours students, this may include registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed books, a once-off laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance.

Master’s and doctoral students may receive funding for registration fees, tuition fees, a once-off laptop allowance, and a living allowance. The exact value of each component is not specified.

Additional Benefits

Successful bursary recipients can expect several benefits beyond financial support. These include academic and psychological support, access to a student-wellness programme, and vacation-work opportunities for up to six weeks annually.

Postgraduate students may also receive experimental-cost funding, access to laboratories, conference funding, research-skills workshops, and support for thesis writing and publications. All recipients gain exposure to real-life research projects and potential work-placement opportunities.

Work-Back Requirement

A significant condition of the CSIR bursary is a work-back obligation. Bursary recipients are required to work for the CSIR after graduation. The service commitment is one year of employment for every year of bursary funding received. Applicants must carefully consider this requirement before applying.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the CSIR Bursary Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria based on their current study level.

For Current Matric Students:

Be a South African citizen.
Be unemployed.
Be younger than 35 years old.
Be completing Matric in 2026.
Intend to study full-time in an approved undergraduate field in 2027 at a South African public university.
Meet the minimum subject requirements.

For Current University Students:

Be a South African citizen.
Be unemployed.
Be younger than 35 years old.
Be studying full-time in an approved field.
Have an overall academic average of at least 65%.
Have passed all registered modules for the completed study period.

For Master’s and Doctoral Applicants:

Must meet the general requirements for university students.
Must demonstrate strong scientific-writing ability, excellent academic performance, and good organisational and time-management skills.
Must be motivated to conduct research and work effectively both independently and in a team.

Matric Academic Requirements

Current Matric students must achieve at least:

Level 5 for English.
Level 6 for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy, if the qualification requires Mathematics).
Level 6 for Physical Science.

Academic Performance Requirement

University students must maintain a minimum overall academic average of 65%. Strong academic performance is crucial for selection, and all registered courses for the completed academic period must have been passed.

Competencies Required

Master’s and doctoral applicants, in particular, need to show a range of competencies. These include strong technical ability, the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good verbal and written communication skills, and enthusiasm for research.

Other important qualities include self-motivation, initiative, ownership of tasks, and the ability to formulate and conduct research effectively.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for unemployed South African students who are academically strong and wish to pursue further studies in science, engineering, or technology fields at a public university. It is particularly suited for those who are motivated to contribute to research and innovation and are willing to commit to a work-back period with the CSIR after graduation.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload clear copies of the following documents:

A certified copy of your South African identity document.
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Your latest academic record.

Master’s and doctoral applicants must also submit proof of a completed relevant degree. Missing documents can lead to disqualification.

Curriculum Vitae Requirements

Your CV should be comprehensive, including full personal details, current contact information, education history, academic achievements, relevant technical skills, and any research experience or projects. Include leadership or extracurricular activities, employment or vacation-work experience, and references if requested.

How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the official CSIR Bursary Portal. You will need to register an account before logging in to complete the application form. It is advisable to read the CSIR Bursary Guidelines for 2027 before starting your application.

Click here to apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027

Online Application Steps

Follow these steps to submit your application:

Access the CSIR Bursary Portal.
Register a new applicant account.
Sign in with your registered credentials.
Select your study level and relevant field of study.
Complete all required personal and academic sections accurately.
Upload your certified identity document, updated CV, and latest academic record.
Upload proof of completed degree if applicable for Master’s or PhD.
Review your entire application carefully for any errors.
Submit your application before the closing date.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The application closing date for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 is 15 September 2026. It is recommended to apply well before this date to avoid any last-minute technical issues and to ensure all documents are correctly submitted.

Important Application Conditions

Please note the following important conditions:

The bursary is for full-time unemployed students.
Applicants must be South African citizens under 35 years old.
University applicants need a minimum 65% average and must have passed all modules.
Matric applicants must meet specific subject requirements.
All required supporting documents must be submitted.
A work-back obligation to the CSIR is a condition of the bursary.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee bursary funding.

Important Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, confirm that:

You are a South African citizen and unemployed.
You are under 35 years old.
Your chosen field of study is supported by the CSIR.
You study or intend to study full-time at a public university.
You meet the academic requirements for your study level.
All registered modules have been passed.
Your ID, CV, and academic records are ready and certified where needed.
You understand and accept the work-back requirement.
Your online application will be submitted by 15 September 2026.

SHARE THIS POST WITH OTHERS.

SEO Meta Description: Apply for CSIR Bursaries 2027. See requirements, fields of study, closing date, and how to apply online for South African students.

FAQs:

Who can apply for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027?
Unemployed South African students under 35 years old, pursuing full-time undergraduate, Honours, Master’s, or PhD studies at public universities, can apply.

What is the closing date for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027?
The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026.

Does the CSIR Bursary Programme cover all study expenses?
The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, and a living allowance, with a laptop allowance. Specific amounts are not detailed.

Conversation