CSIR 2027 Bursary Programme
Applicants must be South African citizens who meet the academic and study-level requirements for their chosen bursary and field.
Closed · last closed 15 Sep 2026
Bursary
Check the current application cycle
Use the official portal for dates and requirements.
About
The bursary supports full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in fields prioritised by CSIR. It covers university study costs and offers additional academic and research support. Recipients must work back each year CSIR provides funding.
What it covers
Postgraduate students may receive up to R35 000 per annum for experimental costs and up to R35 000 per annum for conference attendance.
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books for undergraduate and Honours students
- Accommodation for undergraduate and Honours students
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
- Postgraduate experimental costs and conference attendance funding, each up to R35 000 per annum
- Postgraduate research training, publication and printing costs
Who can apply
Full-time study at a South African university; university students must plan to enrol for 2027 and have passed all registered courses for the completed study period.
Grade 12 applicants: English Level 5, Mathematics Level 6 and Physical Science Level 6.
Master’s and doctoral applicants must meet the selected university’s entry requirements and have an excellent academic record.
Master’s and doctoral applicants should have research, writing, organisational, communication and technical skills, and be able to work independently and in a team.
Work back every year CSIR provides funding.
Documents to prepare
Updated CV
Certified identity document
Latest academic record
Master’s and doctoral applicants: proof of a completed degree
How to apply
- 1Apply through the CSIR bursary application portal.
- 2Attach all required documents.
Sources
Official sourceCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIRChecked against www.csir.co.za on 15 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.