Students and Graduates
Bursaries
The CSIR bursary ensures that we have an adequate supply of talent in critical areas of the business. The bursary is awarded to a member of the community to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies resulting in the achievement of a degree, diploma or certificate issued by an accredited or registered formal institution of learning with a view to ensuring that when the studies are completed, the person adds value to the organisation.
The bursary programme provides full-cost financial support to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying full-time in areas critical to the CSIR. In addition, the programme provides academic support, career guidance, personal and psychological support to bursary holders and structured vacation work.
Eligibility
Undergraduate bursary
The criteria for eligibility are listed below:
The CSIR supports full-time undergraduates and postgraduates who are not permanently employed at the CSIR or any other organisation
Support is granted to qualifying students in the areas deemed a priority to the CSIR
Admission to any of the local public universities is a prerequisite
For science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas, grade 12 learners should have a minimum of a Level 5 for English First Language or a Level 4 for English Second Language in grade 11 and preferably at least a Level 6 for Mathematics and Physical Science in grade 11
For Non-STEM areas, grade 12 learners should have a minimum of a Level 5 for English First Language or a Level 4 for English Second Language in grade 11 and at least a Level 6 for the subject that is a prerequisite degree
University students must have passed all modules for the study period already completed.
Post-graduate bursary
The criteria for eligibility are listed below:
The CSIR Postgraduate Bursary Programme will support full-time Honours/BTech/master’s/doctoral students (or other relevant qualifications of equivalent levels in terms of the South African Qualifications Authority)
Support is granted to specific study fields in areas deemed a priority as determined by organisational requirements and national priorities
Admission to any of the local public universities is a prerequisite
Students must have passed all modules for the study period already completed.
The bursary is advertised every year in July. Watch this space.The bursary is advertised every year in July. Watch this space.
For any enquiries, please email @email.
Advertised Bursaries
2026 CSIR Bursary Programme
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Bursary Programme assists the organisation in building a strong pipeline of suitably qualified Scientists, Engineers and Technologists (SET). This ensures the sustainability of the organisation while providing critical skills for the country.
2026 CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Sasol Foundation, supports the development of qualified scientists, engineers and technologists (SET) through a bursary programme for undergraduate studies. This initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of SET skills, ensuring the sustainability of our workforce and critical skills for the country.