The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen under 35 years old, currently unemployed, and pursuing full-time studies in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or other priority fields, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 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 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 Bursary Programme
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 is merit-based and aimed at full-time, unemployed students who are 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: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) • Focus: Priority STEM fields • Type: Merit-based • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Honours, MSc, and PhD) studies in the following priority 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
Masters Studies
- Architecture
- Biology/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
- 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 Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
Undergraduate and Honours Level
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Once-off laptop allowance
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
Masters and Doctoral Level
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Once-off laptop allowance
- Living allowance
Additional Benefits for All Students
- Psychosocial support (academic and psychological support)
- Student wellness programme
- Vacation work opportunities (up to 6 weeks per year)
- 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
Additional Benefits for Postgraduate Students
- Experimental costs funding (capped at R35,000 per annum)
- National and international conference attendance funding (capped at R35,000 per annum)
- Research skills training workshops
- Thesis/dissertation/publications and printing costs funding
- Opportunity to attend CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium
Eligibility Requirements for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the CSIR 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 under 35 years old
- You must be currently in Matric
- You must intend on studying full-time towards an undergraduate 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 under 35 years old
- 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
Masters and Doctoral Students
- Good scientific writing skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Excellent academic record
- Drive to conduct research, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and within a team
- Able to formulate and carry out research
- Excellent technical abilities
- Work well under pressure as part of a team and meet scheduled deliverables
- Good communication skills (verbal and written)
- Good report-writing abilities
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Take ownership and initiative
- Meet the entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral bursary at a selected university
Important Information
- After graduation, bursary recipients of the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to work for CSIR – 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
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027:
- ID document
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Latest academic record
- Master’s and Doctoral students: proof of a degree already completed
How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Applicants must read the CSIR 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 under 35, unemployed, and studying in a priority field.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, including your ID, CV, academic record, and proof of completed degree (for postgraduate applicants).
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 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 Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the CSIR directly:
- Bursary Programme Team
- Telephone: 012 841 2616
- Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Bursary Name: CSIR Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: Unemployed South African citizens under 35
- Study levels: Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, Doctoral
- Fields of study: Wide range of STEM priority fields (see full list above)
- 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, laptop, accommodation, living allowance (varies by level)
- Additional benefits: Psychosocial support, wellness programme, vacation work, mentorship, awards, interview training
- Postgraduate extras: Research costs, conference attendance, writing workshops, publication costs
- Work-back requirement: Work for CSIR for one year per year of funding
- Required documents: ID, CV, academic record, proof of completed degree (postgraduate)
- Application method: Online via BursaryConnect portal
- Closing date: 15 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am over 35 years old?
The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be under 35 years old. If you are 35 or older, you are not eligible.
2. Can I apply if I am currently employed?
The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 requires applicants to be unemployed. If you are currently employed, you are not eligible.
3. What is the work-back requirement?
After graduation, recipients of the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to work for CSIR – one year of employment for every year of funding received.
4. What is the minimum Matric requirement?
The CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 requires minimum Matric results of Level 5 for English, Level 6 for Mathematics, and Level 6 for Physical Science.
5. What is the minimum tertiary average required?
Current university students applying for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and passed all registered courses.
6. What additional benefits do postgraduate students receive?
Postgraduate students receiving the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 receive experimental costs funding (capped at R35,000), conference attendance funding (capped at R35,000), research skills training, publication costs, and the opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.
7. What documents do I need for postgraduate studies?
Master’s and Doctoral applicants for the CSIR Bursary South Africa 2027 must submit proof of a degree already completed, along with their ID, CV, and academic record.
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
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Bursary Programme 2027
Advancing research and innovation • Developing STEM talent • Building South Africa’s future