CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025 | Apply Now
The CSIR Bursary Programme 2025 is now open for applications, inviting ambitious students who want to build a future in research, technology and innovation to apply. This opportunity is ideal for South African students who dream of advancing science and development in the country.
About the CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, known as CSIR, is South Africa’s top research and development institution. Founded in 1945, CSIR operates under the Department of Science and Innovation and leads scientific progress across Africa. The organisation plays a vital role in national innovation, covering fields such as energy, digital environments, health, industry, defence, and the natural and built environment.
Who Can Apply for the CSIR Bursary?
The bursary is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who are South African citizens. Students must be unemployed and studying full-time at a public university in South Africa. Those currently in Grade 12 who intend to pursue eligible studies full-time may also apply. Grade 12 applicants must have the following minimum results:
- English – Level 5
- Mathematics – Level 6
- Physical Science – Level 6
Fields Covered
CSIR bursaries are offered for the following levels and areas of study:
Honours Level
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics or Cell Biology
- Information Systems
- Physics
Master’s Level
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Animal Health
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Civil or Water Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Flow Chemistry
- Information Systems
- Mathematics
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Virology
Doctoral Level
- Animal Health
- Aquaculture
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Flow Chemistry
- Genetics or Cell Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy or Powder Metallurgy
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Process Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Virology
What the Bursary Covers
The CSIR bursary covers the following expenses:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Books and a once-off laptop allowance
- Accommodation and a living allowance (Honours level only)
Bursary holders may also participate in vacation work and will receive ongoing support from the CSIR.
Service Agreement
After completing their studies, bursary recipients are required to work at CSIR for one year for each year of funding received. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. Those who do not receive feedback should assume their application was not successful.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Honours Students
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be studying or planning to study full-time in 2025 at a public South African university
- Must be unemployed
- Must be pursuing one of the listed fields
- Must have passed all registered university courses
Master’s and Doctoral Students
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed and studying full-time in 2025
- Must meet university entry requirements for a master’s or doctoral programme
- Must have a strong academic record and research drive
- Must have skills in time management, communication, scientific writing and teamwork
How to Apply
Apply online at: CSIR Bursary Application 2025
When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter “www.zabursaries.co.za”.
Attach these documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Curriculum Vitae
- Latest academic record
- Proof of qualification (for postgraduate students)
Closing Date
The closing date for the CSIR Bursary is Thursday, 5 June 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Contact Details
CSIR Recruitment Centre
Tel: 012 841 3256
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
Administrator: Excel@Uni
Email: hello@excelatuni.com
Last updated: 3 May 2025