The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen currently in Matric or studying at university, and you are pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, or other priority fields, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is one of South Africa’s leading scientific research and technology development organisations. The CSIR is a public entity operating under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Its role is to conduct multidisciplinary research, develop innovative technologies, and provide scientific solutions that support South Africa’s economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and social development.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 is merit-based and aimed at full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in areas deemed a priority by the CSIR (research, technology development, innovation, as well as corporate/support areas). The bursary aims to attract suitably qualified applicants and encourages females, black students, and those living with disabilities to apply.
Organisation: CSIR (in collaboration with SASOL Foundation) • Focus: Priority STEM fields • Type: Merit-based undergraduate bursary • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following priority fields:
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics / Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Material Flow Analysis
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Process Engineering / Life cycle assessment
- System Engineering
What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
Additional Benefits
- Psychosocial support (academic and psychological support)
- Student wellness programme
- Vacation work opportunities (up to 6 weeks per annum)
- Opportunity to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges (CSIR co-supervision)
- Potential work placement opportunities at CSIR and related organisations
- Awards for top-performing students (CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, gifts)
- Interview skills training for final year students
- Onboarding session with CSIR and Sasol Foundation team
- Possible pairing with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme
Eligibility Requirements for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
Current Matric Students
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be unemployed
- You must be currently in Matric
- You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate degree qualification in one of the fields listed above in 2027
- You must intend on enrolling at a public university in South Africa
- You must have achieved the following minimum results in Matric:
- Level 5 for English
- Level 6 for Mathematics
- Level 6 for Physical Science
Current University Students
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be unemployed
- You must be studying full-time towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
- You must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at university
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Grade 11 final year results and Matric latest results (if currently in Matric)
- Latest academic record (if currently studying)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Important Information
- After graduation, bursary recipients of the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to work for CSIR and Sasol Foundation – one year of employment for every year of funding received
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview
- Candidates who do not receive any feedback should regard their bursary application as unsuccessful
How to Apply for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Applicants must read the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Guidelines 2027 before applying.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen, unemployed, and meeting the minimum subject or academic requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, academic results, and CV.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official CSIR application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za/
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027: 15 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the CSIR directly:
- Bursary Programme Team
- Telephone: 012 841 2616
- Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: CSIR (in collaboration with SASOL Foundation)
- Bursary Name: CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: Unemployed South African citizens
- Study level: Undergraduate (full-time)
- Fields of study: Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronic Engineering, Genetics/Cell Biology, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Material Flow Analysis, Mechatronic Engineering, Process Engineering, System Engineering
- Matric requirements: Level 5 English, Level 6 Mathematics, Level 6 Physical Science
- Tertiary requirement: 65% average, passed all registered courses
- What is covered: Registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances, once-off laptop
- Additional benefits: Psychosocial support, wellness programme, vacation work, mentorship, awards, interview training
- Work-back requirement: Work for CSIR and Sasol Foundation for one year per year of funding
- Required documents: ID, Grade 11/Matric results, academic record, CV
- Application method: Online via BursaryConnect portal
- Closing date: 15 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am currently employed?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be unemployed. If you are currently employed, you are not eligible.
2. What is the minimum Matric requirement?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 requires minimum Matric results of Level 5 for English, Level 6 for Mathematics, and Level 6 for Physical Science.
3. What is the minimum tertiary average required?
Current university students applying for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and passed all registered courses.
4. What is the work-back requirement?
After graduation, recipients of the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to work for CSIR and Sasol Foundation – one year of employment for every year of funding received.
5. What additional benefits do bursary recipients receive?
Recipients of the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 receive psychosocial support, wellness programme access, vacation work opportunities, mentorship, awards, interview skills training, and onboarding sessions.
6. What is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 is 15 September 2026.
7. Can I apply if my field is not listed?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2027 only supports the 12 specific fields listed above. If your qualification is not on the list, you are not eligible.
8. Where can I find more STEM bursaries?
Visit EduFunds STEM bursaries page for more funding opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
CSIR (in collaboration with SASOL Foundation)
Bursary Programme 2027
Advancing research and innovation • Developing STEM talent • Building South Africa’s future