Organisation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Type: Bursary Programme
Location: South Africa
Eligibility
- Must be an unemployed South African citizen
- Must register or intend to register at a traditional university
- Studying Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree
- Minimum average: 65%+ (no failed modules)
- Preference: previously disadvantaged / NSFAS students
- Must be under 35 years old
Financial Support
Honours:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation & meals
- Living allowance
- Book allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Master’s & Doctoral:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance
Non-Financial Support
- Psychosocial support
- Mentorship programme
- Onboarding programme
- Academic & personal skills training
Additional Funding Options
- Conference presentation funding
- Thesis printing & publication support
- Access to special research instruments (Master’s & PhD only)
Payment Structure
- Tuition & registration paid directly to university
- Allowances paid into student bank account
- Funding duration:
- Honours: 1 year
- Master’s: 2 years
- Doctoral: 3 years (based on performance)
Academic & Reporting Requirements
- Honours: submit semester results
- Master’s & PhD: mid-year + annual progress reports (signed by supervisor)
- Must maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout
Work-Back Obligation
- Must work for Council for Scientific and Industrial Research after graduation
- Service period equals number of years funded
Vacation Work
- Opportunity to work on CSIR projects during holidays
- Up to 6 weeks per year (depending on supervisor availability)
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form (no incomplete forms accepted)
- South African ID copy
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record
- Updated CV
- Motivational letter (Master’s & PhD must be supervisor-supported)
Application Tips
- Maintain 65%+ average with no failed modules
- Write a strong motivation aligned to research/SET fields
- Ensure all documents are certified and updated
- If postgraduate, secure supervisor support early
- Apply early and complete ALL sections of the form
- Highlight NSFAS or financial need (if applicable)
Contact
- Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za