CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 in South Africa | Up to R180,000 Funding + R10,000 Laptop Allowance

Applications are now open for the 2027 CSIR-DSTI Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) in South Africa. The programme provides substantial financial and research support to eligible students pursuing Honours, fourth-year Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and PhD studies at South African public universities.

Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the bursary provides annual awards of up to R180,000, plus a once-off R10,000 laptop allowance. Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 15 September 2026.

About the CSIR-DSTI Bursary Programme 2027

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme supports students undertaking full-time postgraduate studies in research fields considered important to South Africa’s science, technology and innovation priorities.

The programme is administered through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Funding is available for students studying at South African public universities at the following levels:

Honours, fourth-year Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma
Master’s degree
Doctoral/PhD degree

The bursary goes beyond providing an annual financial award. Successful students may also receive research funding, mentorship, conference support, vacation work opportunities and access to CSIR research facilities.

CSIR Bursary Amount for 2027

One of the biggest attractions of the programme is its level of financial support.

Study Level	Annual Bursary
Honours / 4th Year Engineering / Postgraduate Diploma	R160,000
Master’s	R170,000
Doctorate / PhD	R180,000
Once-off Laptop Allowance	R10,000

The laptop allowance is provided in addition to the annual bursary award.

This means PhD students could receive an annual bursary of R180,000, while qualifying students also receive the additional once-off laptop support.

Who Can Apply for the CSIR Bursary?

The 2027 programme is intended for students who are approved or registered for full-time study at a South African public university.

Applicants must intend to register, or already be registered, for an eligible Honours/fourth-year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s or doctoral programme.

Importantly, funding is restricted to students whose degrees align with the research areas identified under the CSIR-DSTI IBS programme.

Candidates should therefore check both their study level and research field before submitting an application.

Eligible Research Fields

The CSIR Bursary Programme 2027 focuses strongly on science, technology, engineering, health, digital research and other strategic research areas.

Eligible thematic areas include Biocatalysis, Biopharming, Bioprocessing, Health, ICT, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Microsystems Technology, Mining, Modelling and Digital Sciences, Titanium manufacturing elements, Photonics and Water Research.

Students whose research falls outside the identified thematic areas should consult the official eligibility guidelines before applying.

Additional Research Funding

The financial benefits extend beyond the main annual bursary.

Successful IBS students can access experimental-cost funding of up to R35,000 per year. This can support research activities while also providing access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions.

Students may additionally have an opportunity to receive up to R35,000 per year for national and international conference attendance.

For postgraduate researchers, these benefits can be particularly valuable because conference participation, laboratory access and experimental work can represent significant additional costs beyond normal university expenses.

Mentorship and Career Development Opportunities

CSIR also provides professional development support to bursary recipients.

Students may have an opportunity to be paired with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme.

Research skills workshops are offered to help participants strengthen academic writing, while final-year students may receive interview skills training to prepare them for employment.

Other potential benefits include funding for thesis, dissertation and research publication printing costs.

Vacation Work and Employment Exposure

Successful candidates may receive vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per year.

The programme also provides possible work-placement opportunities within CSIR and affiliated organizations.

Students may have opportunities to contribute to real-world projects addressing socioeconomic challenges through their research, including through CSIR co-supervision.

This combination of academic funding and professional exposure makes the programme relevant to students interested in developing careers in research, technology, engineering and innovation.

CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium

Bursary recipients may also have the opportunity to participate in the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium.

The event provides a platform for students to showcase their research projects and network with researchers and other professionals.

Top-performing students may also receive recognition through CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts.

Student Wellness and Academic Support

The CSIR-DSTI IBS programme includes support intended to help students throughout their postgraduate studies.

This includes psychosocial support, such as academic and psychological support, as well as a student wellness programme.

An onboarding session also gives bursary recipients an opportunity to meet the CSIR team and learn more about the programme.

Why the CSIR Bursary 2027 Is Worth Considering

The programme combines several forms of support rather than providing only tuition or a standard scholarship payment.

Depending on eligibility and availability, successful students can benefit from the main bursary, laptop allowance, research funding, conference support, mentorship, research training, laboratory access, vacation work and professional development opportunities.

For students pursuing research in areas such as ICT, mining, health sciences, water research, photonics, biotechnology and digital sciences, the programme offers an opportunity to combine postgraduate education with exposure to one of South Africa’s major research organizations.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027 CSIR-DSTI Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme close on:

15 September 2026

Students interested in the programme should submit their applications before the closing date and carefully review the eligibility guidelines.

How to Apply for the CSIR Bursary Programme 2027

Applications are handled through the CSIR’s bursary platform.

Apply for the 2027 CSIR-DSTI Bursary Programme

Applicants should also read the official programme information and eligibility requirements before completing their submission.

CSIR-DSTI Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme information

Candidates should ensure that their proposed degree and research area fall within the programme’s approved thematic areas before applying.

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