In the quiet corners of laboratories and the fast-paced classrooms of universities, South Africa’s future innovators are hard at work. But behind each breakthrough and every academic milestone, there’s often a story of support — and in many cases, that support begins with a bursary. CSIR Bursary Programme 2026, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) continues its mission to nurture homegrown talent by offering its prestigious bursary programme to students passionate about science, engineering, and technology.
A Vision Beyond Funding
The CSIR Bursary Programme isn’t just a financial boost — it’s a strategic investment in the country’s brightest minds. Rooted in the belief that innovation can change lives, this programme is designed to empower academically talented yet financially constrained South African students. The CSIR prioritises inclusion, with a focus on black, female, and disabled students, aiming to create a diverse research community ready to tackle South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
Who Is This Opportunity For?
If you’re a South African citizen planning to study full-time at a public university in 2026, this bursary could be your stepping stone to a brighter future. You must:
- Have passed all your courses in your current or previous academic year
- Plan to pursue undergraduate, honours, master’s, or doctoral studies
- Demonstrate a passion for research and the ability to meet the academic criteria
Postgraduate applicants, in particular, should possess strong research skills, scientific writing ability, and a commitment to contributing to their chosen field.
Fields of Study That Drive Innovation
CSIR supports a wide spectrum of disciplines critical to South Africa’s development:
Undergraduate Fields:
- Mechanical, Mechatronic, Aeronautical, Chemical, Computer & Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science
- Genetics/Cell Biology, Industrial Engineering
Honours Fields:
- Physics, Chemistry, Engineering (Electronic, Computer, Industrial)
- IT, Metallurgical Engineering, Data Science
Master’s Fields:
- Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronic, Process, Chemical)
- Applied Mathematics, Biophotonics, Materials Engineering
Doctoral Fields:
- Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, Biophysics, Animal Health
- Flow Chemistry, Aquaculture, Metallurgy, Food Technology
- Genetics, Life Cycle Assessment, Bioinformatics
What the Bursary Covers
For Undergraduate and Honours students, the CSIR bursary includes:
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Books and study materials
- Living and accommodation allowance
- A once-off laptop allowance
For Master’s and Doctoral students:
- Full tuition and registration
- Living allowance
- Laptop allowance
- Annual research support up to R35,000
Beyond the Classroom: Added Benefits
Recipients of the CSIR bursary don’t just get funding — they gain a support system and career foundation. Benefits include:
- Mentorship by leading researchers
- Access to six weeks of paid vacation work per year
- Career development training
- Recognition through the CSIR Excellence Awards
- Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences
- Psychosocial support and academic workshops
Postgraduate students also receive support for thesis writing and journal publication — critical elements of a successful research career.
Application Requirements
To apply, ensure you have:
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest academic transcript
- Postgraduates must also include proof of completed degrees
Only complete applications will be considered.
The Commitment: Giving Back
The CSIR requires a work-back commitment of one year for each year of funding. This ensures that bursary recipients give back their expertise to the institution that supported their academic growth, helping drive national research priorities.
Applications Close: 29 August 2025
Whether you’re passionate about solving energy problems, developing cutting-edge biotech, or revolutionising data science, the CSIR Bursary Programme offers the foundation to turn your potential into impact.
Contact: +27 (12) 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
Apply Here: [Visit CSIR website to apply]
This isn’t just a bursary. It’s your invitation to become a part of South Africa’s scientific legacy — where curiosity meets opportunity and potential meets purpose.
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