CSIR Bursary Programme for 2027

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursary Programme supports full-time, unemployed students studying qualifications in areas that are priorities for the organisation. The 2027 programme includes selected undergraduate, honours, master's and doctoral opportunities. Applicants must be South African citizens and meet the academic and qualification requirements for their intended level of study.

Undergraduate areas include electronic, computer, aeronautical, mechanical and civil engineering, rock mapping, information technology, geology and oceanography. Honours areas include electronic engineering, computer science, information systems, data science, civil engineering and geoinformatics. Master's and doctoral opportunities cover additional approved disciplines such as biomedical science, metallurgy, biotechnology, environmental science, information systems and related research fields. Applicants must check the complete official list for the level they intend to enter.

The comprehensive bursary can cover registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance for undergraduate and honours students. Master's and doctoral support includes registration and tuition fees, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance. Postgraduate students may also qualify for research, laboratory, conference and thesis-related support. Bursary recipients are subject to a work-back obligation for each year of funding.

The 2027 application call closed on 15 September 2026. Applicants should monitor the CSIR bursary page for future calls and consult the current guidelines before applying.