Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Open
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Unemployed
- Younger than 35
- Studying full-time in an approved CSIR priority field
- Matric: Level 5 English, Level 6 Mathematics, Level 6 Physical Science
- Tertiary: 65% average, all registered courses passed
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric results or academic transcript
- Proof of registration or acceptance
- Proof of unemployment status
- CV
About Csir Bursary
The CSIR Bursary is funded by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is aimed at full-time, unemployed students under 35 pursuing qualifications in fields the CSIR treats as research priorities, from engineering to data science.
Because the CSIR is a research and development organisation rather than a manufacturer, it funds a fairly broad spread of technical and scientific fields rather than a single discipline, reflecting the range of research it conducts internally.
Funding Details
The bursary covers registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation, a living allowance, and a once-off laptop allowance for undergraduate and Honours recipients.
Where You Can Study
Any recognised South African university qualifies, provided your qualification falls within one of the CSIR's approved priority fields.
About Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is South Africa's leading scientific and technology research organisation, developing solutions across sectors including defence, energy, health, and industry to …
View full provider profile →- Address
- Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001
- Phone
- 012 841 2911
- enquiries@csir.co.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
You must be a South African citizen, unemployed, and younger than 35. The bursary is merit-based, so it looks for strong academic performance rather than financial need alone. Approved fields include Chemical, Computer, Electronic, Industrial, and Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Genetics/Cell Biology, Information Technology, and System Engineering.
Matric applicants need at least Level 5 English, Level 6 Mathematics, and Level 6 Physical Science. Tertiary applicants need a 65% average with all registered courses passed.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
- Opens
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- Closes
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Questions about this application?
Contact Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary open to employed applicants?
No, it is restricted to unemployed students.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be younger than 35.
Is there a work-back requirement?
Yes, recipients are required to work for the CSIR after graduating.
What does the bursary cover?
Registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation, a living allowance, and a laptop allowance.
