Founded in 1945, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provides a well-known bursary scheme for South African engineering students. Administered by the Department of Science and Innovation, this initiative dedicates 10% of its research budget to promoting scientific progress and innovation. The CSIR Bursary aims to support students in their academic ambitions, helping to promote talent in engineering and related fields and contributing to socio-economic development.
The CSIR bursary helps full-time unemployed students obtain important qualifications and nurtures the next generation of researchers and innovators. The CSIR bursary providers are dedicated to benefiting promising individuals in South Africa by solving monetary problems and positively impacting the nation towards a brighter future.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the eligibility criteria, online bursary application process, documentation and contact details of the CSIR Bursary 2025.
Table of Contents
What is CSIR Bursary?
The CSIR Bursary is a financial aid program offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to support South African students pursuing higher education in science, engineering, and technology fields. Aimed at fostering the development of skilled professionals in areas critical to the country’s technological and scientific progress, the bursary provides comprehensive coverage for tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a living allowance. By investing in talented and deserving students, the CSIR Bursary contributes to the growth and innovation within South Africa’s scientific and industrial sectors.
Fields Covered by CSIR Bursary Programme
The CSIR scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and is intended for full-time unemployed students. The students should be studying in fields considered important by the CSIR (research, technology development, innovation, and corporate/support areas). The scholarship is intended to draw in appropriately qualified candidates and promote the applications of female and black students.
Bursaries will be granted for undergraduate and postgraduate studies (Honours, MSc, and PhD) in the following fields:
Undergraduate studies:
- Data Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Honours studies:
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Occupational Hygiene
Masters studies:
- Agricultural Sciences – Crop Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Bio-medical 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
What Expenses are Covered by the CSIR Bursary?
The CSIR bursary 2025 will include funding for the following expenses:
- For undergraduate to Honours level: registration fees, tuition fees, books, a one-time laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance.
- For Masters and Doctoral level: registration fees, tuition fees, a one-time laptop allowance, and a living allowance.
Bursary recipients will also receive full support and the opportunity to participate in vacation work. After finishing their studies, students who receive bursaries will have to work for the CSIR for a mandatory period of employment equal to the number of years they received funding.
What is the Eligibility Requirement For CSIR Bursary?
Candidates must fulfil the specified minimum requirements before submitting an application. It is important to follow all the requirements for your application to be considered.
Undergraduate To Honours Students
To qualify, you must:
- Be a citizen of South Africa
- Currently, be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Be enroled in full-time studies or planning to enrol full-time, working towards a qualification in one of the specified fields
- Achieve at least Level 5 (60% – 69%) in English in Matric
- Achieve Level 6 (70% – 79%) in Mathematics in Matric
- Need to have reached at least Level 6 (70% – 79%) in Physical Science
- Successfully complete all current university courses (if still studying)
- Not be employed full-time
Masters And Doctoral Applicants
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Intend to study full-time towards a qualification in one of the Master’s or Doctoral fields listed above in 2025.
- Intend to enroll and study at a recognised public university in South Africa.
- Have passed all university courses you have registered for in the completed study period.
- Not be employed on a full-time basis.
- Be enthusiastic and self-motivated.
- Take ownership and initiative.
- Have good scientific writing skills.
- Have good organisational, time management, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Have good report-writing abilities.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Have a drive to conduct research.
- Be able to work independently and within a team.
- Be able to formulate and carry out research.
- Have excellent technical abilities.
- Be able to work well under pressure and meet scheduled deliverables.
Documentation Required for CSIR Bursary Application Process
Make sure to submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application. The submission of these documents is compulsory – failure to include any items may result in disqualification:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of Grade 11 final results AND Matric results to date, if currently in Matric
- Certified copy of Matric certificate, if already completed Matric
- Full and most recent university transcript/record, if currently studying (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of provisional university acceptance, if currently in Matric (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of university registration, if currently enrolled and studying (on the institution’s letterhead)
- For students under 18: a completed and signed consent form (.docx) by a parent or guardian – to comply with POPI regulations
- Certified copy of parent/guardian ID document
CSIR Bursary Online Application Process
Once you have reviewed the details and gathered the necessary documents, ensure that you complete the application form with precision and honesty. It’s essential to follow all instructions and include all required supporting documents to avoid disqualification.
To apply for the CSIR bursary, follow the instructions given below:
- Step 1: Visit the CSIR Bursary Application 2025 webpage to access the latest updates and application forms.
- Step 2: Obtain the specific application form for the academic level you are interested in (undergraduate, honours, postgraduate).
- Step 3: Make sure to accurately and honestly fill out all parts of the form by completing it carefully.
- Step 4: Kindly submit the required paperwork, including certified duplicates of your ID, academic transcripts, and any other relevant documents outlined on the CSIR website.
- Step 5: Submit your application using either the CSIR’s online platform or by mail, if required.
Shortlisted candidates will receive invitations for interviews. Candidates who do not receive feedback should consider their bursary application unsuccessful.
CSIR Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for CSIR Bursary is 30 September 2024. Accordingly, applicants must ensure that they check the official website of CSIR Bursary regularly to confirm the closing date for the application cycle.
Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
CSIR Bursary Contact Detail
For any questions about this bursary program, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre directly at:
- Phone: 012 841 3256
- Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
Conclusion
To sum up, the CSIR bursary 2025 programme presents a vital opportunity for full-time unemployed students in South Africa to pursue undergraduate, honours, master’s, and doctoral qualifications in influential areas of study. The programme provides financial support, including tuition fees, living allowances, and a one-time laptop allowance, to help students focus on their studies. Successful candidates will also acquire important skills during their vacation work and help advance the CSIR’s goal of promoting scientific innovation and socio-economic growth. Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria, provide the necessary documents, and adhere to the application deadlines in order to apply. This is a chance to become future researchers and innovators, driving South Africa’s progress.
If you are interested in applying for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2025 and need further assistance or detailed information, please reach out to Regenesys’s guidance counsellors. They can provide the necessary guidance and support for your application process.
CSIR Bursary 2025 – FAQs
What is the CSIR Bursary for 2025?
The CSIR Bursary for 2025 is a merit-based funding opportunity for South African students pursuing undergraduate, honours, master’s, or doctoral studies in specified fields that align with the CSIR’s research and development focus areas.
What fields of study are covered by the CSIR Bursary?
The bursary covers a range of fields including Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, and more, across undergraduate, honours, master’s, and doctoral levels.
What expenses does the CSIR Bursary cover?
The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, books, a laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance for undergraduate and honours levels, and registration fees, tuition fees, and a living allowance for master’s and doctoral levels.
What are the eligibility requirements for the CSIR Bursary?
Applicants must be South African citizens, meet specific academic performance criteria, and be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a recognized public university in South Africa.
Is there a service contract associated with the CSIR Bursary?
Yes, recipients are required to work for CSIR for one year for each year of funding received after graduation.
How can I apply for the CSIR Bursary?
Applications must be submitted online via the CSIR Bursary Application 2025 portal, including all required supporting documents.
What documents are needed to apply for the CSIR Bursary?
Required documents include a certified ID copy, CV, academic transcripts, proof of university acceptance or registration, and a completed consent form for students under 18.
How can I contact CSIR regarding the bursary?
For queries related to the bursary, you can contact CSIR’s Recruitment Centre at 012 841 3256 or via email at bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za.
What should I do if I don’t receive feedback after applying?
If you do not receive feedback, consider your application as unsuccessful. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
