CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s leading research and development organization, established in 1945. As an entity under the Department of Science and Innovation, the CSIR plays a crucial role in scientific research across various domains, including space programs. The organization stands as the largest research and development body in Africa, accounting for about 10% of the continent’s total R&D budget.
Headquartered in Pretoria on its own campus, the CSIR employs around 3,000 scientific and technical researchers. The organization focuses on seven key areas: Industry, Energy, Natural Environment, Built Environment, Digital Environment, Health, and Defence and Security.
CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025
The CSIR Bursary Programme is designed to support the academic growth of talented students who are passionate about research, technology development, and innovation. The bursary is merit-based, targeting full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in fields considered priority areas by the CSIR. This initiative particularly encourages applications from female and black students. The bursary is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours, MSc, and PhD) studies in a wide range of fields.
CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025 Application Process
Applications for the CSIR Bursary must be submitted online. Applicants should visit the CSIR Bursary Application 2024 page and complete the necessary forms.
Required Supporting Documents
- Certified copy of ID document
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of Grade 11 final results and current Matric results (if applicable)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (if completed)
- Full and most recent university transcript/record (if applicable)
- Proof of provisional university acceptance (if applicable)
- Proof of university registration (if applicable)
- Completed and signed consent form by a parent or guardian (for students under 18)
- Certified copy of parent/guardian ID document (for students under 18)
CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025 Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 21 August 2023, at 12:00. Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure that all documentation is submitted before the deadline.
Fields Covered by the CSIR Bursary
Undergraduate Studies
- Data Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Honours Studies
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Occupational Hygiene
Masters Studies
- Agricultural Sciences – Crop Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Biology
- Biotechnology
- Civil Engineering
- Computational Biology
- Computer Science
- Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Economics and Social Science
- Economics and Public Policy
- Electronic Engineering
- Geoinformatics
- International Relations
- Laser Physics
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Science Communications
- Statistics
- Software Engineering
Doctoral Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Geo-Informatics
- Geo-Information Science – Remote Sensing/Data Analytics/Modelling
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Laser Physics
- Medical Microbiology
- Medical Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Software Engineering
- Veterinary Science
- Virology
Bursary Coverage and Benefits
The CSIR Bursary offers comprehensive financial support covering:
- Undergraduate to Honours level: Registration fees, tuition fees, books, a once-off laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance.
- Masters and Doctoral level: Registration fees, tuition fees, a once-off laptop allowance, and a living allowance.
In addition to financial support, bursary recipients will receive full academic support and the opportunity to participate in vacation work, enhancing their practical experience.
Service Contract and Selection Process
Upon completion of their studies, bursary recipients are required to work for the CSIR for one year for every year of funding received. This service contract ensures that the investment in education benefits both the student and the organization.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. If applicants do not receive any communication, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate to Honours Studies
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Intend to study full-time in one of the specified fields in 2024 at a recognized public university in South Africa.
- Achieve a minimum of Level 5 (60% – 69%) in English, and Level 6 (70% – 79%) in Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric.
- Must have passed all university courses registered for during the study period (if currently studying).
- Must not be employed full-time.
For Masters and Doctoral Studies
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Intend to study full-time towards a qualification in one of the specified fields in 2024 at a recognized public university in South Africa.
- Must have passed all university courses registered for during the study period.
- Must not be employed full-time.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and in a team.
- Possess excellent scientific writing, organizational, and time management skills.
- Must have a strong academic record and a drive to conduct research.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the CSIR Bursary Programme, you can contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre at:
- Tel: 012 841 3256
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The CSIR Bursary Programme is a valuable opportunity for South African students to advance their education in critical research fields, providing comprehensive financial support and career opportunities, ensuring a bright future for both the recipients and the nation’s innovation landscape.
