2025 CSIR Bursary

Applications are currently closed.

How to Apply Track Completed Application

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio economic prosperity in South Africa.

The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

About The Bursary

Throughout history, science has had a critical role to play in contributing towards societal progress and prosperity. Organisations such as the CSIR have an important role to play in advancing science and innovation. Armed with some of the best minds in the world, we work on trying to solve problems that can help all South Africans.

The CSIR hereby invites applications from students wishing to pursue a career in research, technology development and
innovation as well as corporate/support areas. 

Any applicant or awardee later revealed to not be studying full-time or having paid employment, will have their bursary contract/offer terminated and required to refund all benefits paid to them by the bursary. 

Who Can Apply

Current university students that are currently enrolled full-time for the degree of choice at a South African public university.

Please Note: Only specific fields of study (Honours, MSc and PhD) and thematic areas (for MSc and Phd) will be considered.

  • To see the full list of considered fields of study (separated by level of study) and thematic areas (including explanations), please click Here 

Please read these notes and instructions carefully before completing the form. Be sure to read every section and ensure that the information you provide is accurate.

  • Applications that are incomplete and that include misrepresentations will immediately be disregarded.
  • Please ensure that you attach ALL of the Required Documents
  • Applications are currently closed.

  • It is the students responsibility to apply for entrance for their intended course, university and to ensure that they are able to meet the entrance requirements stipulated for the course.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to find a suitable supervisor and to ensure the supervisor supports the application.
  • Please ensure that you complete all the sections of this application form.
  • Please select the correct funding opportunity when completing your application.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail once we have received your application.

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews. Good Luck!

Track Completed Application

Required Documents

Please prepare the following documents:

    Important Note About Documents:  

  • All certified documents must be less than 3 months old.  
  • [*]  Where you have multiple documents for 1 submission, please combine/scan them into 1 file that you can upload.  

    •  

    All Applicants Must Submit 

    1. Certified copy of Applicant RSA ID 
    2. Certified Copy of Applicant's Matric Certificate 
    3. A copy of your CV
    4. 2023 (or last completed qualification) end-of-year Official Final Academic results (official institution report) [or police affidavit stating why student wasn't schooling]
    5. Certified copy of the latest Official academic transcript/s- For applicants that have enrolled at multiple institutions during their tertiary studies[*] 

     

    Gap-year after matric or during undergrad: 

    1. Certified Copy of Applicant's Matric Certificate 
    2. OPTIONAL- All official annual academic results/transcripts (from all institutions attended since matric) [or police affidavit stating why student wasn't schooling before 2023]  

     

    Masters & PHD Applicants must submit

    1. Recommendation letter by Supervisor (compulsory for master’s and doctoral applicants). 

     

    Other Optional Documents (for all applicants): 

    1. OPTIONAL- Did you get funded by another bursary/NSFAS?; upload your bursary agreement/letter/offer[*]
    2. OPTIONAL- 2024 latest (June, etc) Official Academic Results (official institution report) [or police affidavit stating why the student wasn't schooling]
    3. OPTIONAL- 2024 Proof of Registration if studying in 2024  
    4. OPTIONAL- If Applicant is disabled? Submit Dept. of Labour Employment Equity Act (EEA1) Form AND a Doctors’ Letter [*]   
    5. OPTIONAL- A copy of 2025 acceptance letter from an accredited institution. - Official letter showing you've been accepted (even provisionally) to study the qualification in 2025 [*] 

For applicants under the age of 18, to comply with POPI regulations a signed consent form completed by your parent/legal guardian along with a certified copy of their proof of identity is required.

You can download the guardian consent form by clicking HERE.

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