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 2024.
CSIR Bursary 2024: Fields To Choose From
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
CSIR Bursary Monthly Allowance
The CSIR bursary 2024 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.
CSIR Bursary Application Eligibility
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 2024.
- 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.
CSIR Bursary Requirements: Documentation
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
Step-By-Step Guide For CSIR Bursary Online Application
To apply for the CSIR bursary, follow the instructions given below:
- Visit the CSIR bursary webpage to access the latest updates and application forms.
- Obtain the specific application form for the academic level you are interested in (undergraduate, honours, postgraduate).
- Make sure to accurately and honestly fill out all parts of the form by completing it carefully.
- Kindly submit the required paperwork, including certified duplicates of your ID, academic transcripts, and any other relevant documents outlined on the CSIR website.
- 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 application dates and deadlines for the CSIR bursary differ every year. Make sure to check their website for the latest information and updates.
Conclusion
To sum up, the CSIR bursary 2024 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 2024 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Step-by-Step Guide to the CSIR Bursary Application
Q1. What Does CSIR Bursary Cover?
The CSIR Bursary covers:
Undergraduate to Honours level: Registration fees, tuition fees, books, a one-time laptop allowance, accommodation, and a living allowance.
Masters and Doctoral level: Registration fees, tuition fees, a one-time laptop allowance, and a living allowance.
Q2. What fields of study are covered by the CSIR Bursary?
The bursary covers research, technology development, innovation, and corporate/support areas. For specific fields of study, check the detailed list above.
Q3. What happens after I submit my application?
Candidates who make it to the shortlist will be asked to attend interviews. If you do not receive a response, your application was not successful.
Q4. What are the obligations after receiving the CSIR Bursary?
Upon finishing their education, students who were awarded bursaries are required to work for the CSIR for an equivalent amount of time as the duration of their financial support.
Q5. Who can I contact for more information or assistance with my application?
For any queries related to the bursary programme, please contact the CSIR directly:
Recruitment Centre Tel: 012 841 3256
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
