Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, known as the CSIR, is one of Africa's largest research and development organisations. Parliament established it in 1945, and it falls under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. Its main campus is on Meiring Naude Road in Brummeria, Pretoria. About 3,000 scientists, engineers and technical staff work for it. The CSIR also works with universities, for example through an alliance formed with the University of Pretoria in 1999. The CSIR does contract research for government, industry and universities. Its work covers areas such as defence and security, health, energy, mining, manufacturing, smart infrastructure and mobility. Because the organisation builds real technology, it needs a steady flow of young graduates.

How the CSIR supports students

The CSIR funds students through its bursary programme and through a partnership with the Sasol Foundation. The CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary supports undergraduate study at public universities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recent calls listed mechatronic, computer, electronic, chemical and industrial engineering, plus computer science, data science, information technology, systems engineering and genetics or cell biology. This focus on STEM matches the CSIR's own research needs, and recipients may later join its teams.

The award is generous. It covers registration and tuition fees, books, accommodation and a living allowance, and undergraduates also receive a once-off laptop allowance. In addition, recipients get mentoring, interview training, psychosocial support and up to six weeks of vacation work each year. Top performers can earn recognition awards. As a result, a recipient can concentrate on studying without worrying about daily costs.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens. Grade 12 learners need Level 6 in mathematics and physical sciences and Level 5 in English. University students need to have passed all their registered modules, and the guidelines have asked for an average near 65%. The programme gives priority to women, black students, people with disabilities and those with financial need, such as NSFAS recipients.

Recipients must work back their funding. For each year of support, they work one year for the CSIR or its partner. Consider this carefully before you sign. Therefore, plan your study years and career goals before you accept. You will need to submit a CV, a certified ID copy, your latest academic record and, for Grade 12 learners, your Grade 11 results. Missing documents can void an application. Shortlisted candidates attend an interview, which has been held online. Recent guidelines are published as a PDF on the CSIR site, so download the latest version and follow its checklist closely.

The CSIR also lists its own separate bursary. Its terms differ by year, and the CSIR website holds the current rules. Check the site often, because closing dates move.