DSI-CSIR Bursary South Africa 2025

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – DSI & CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in the year 1945, is a the premier and central research and development organisation in South Africa. The CSIR is Africa’s the biggest research and development organisation, which covers approximately 10% of the whole African African R&D budget.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is committed to encouraging socio-economic development in South Africa, by way of research and innovation. The DSI seeks to accomplish groundbreaking science and ensure well-being of all South Africans, through its various Programmes and entities they work with.
 

ABOUT THE DSI-CSIR BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are inviting students to apply for the DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support (IBS) programme, for the 2025 academic year.

The bursary will be awarded for Postgraduate studies (Honours/ 4th year Engineering/ Postgraduate Diploma/ Masters/ Doctoral), in the following Thematic Research Focus Areas:

  • Biocatalysis
  • Biopharming
  • Bioprocessing
  • Health
  • ICT
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
  • Microsystems Technology
  • Mining
  • Modelling and Digital Sciences
  • Titanium (Manufacturing Elements)
  • Photonics
  • Water Research

Read more about the Thematic Research Focus Areas on the DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support Programme (IBS) General Guidelines (.pdf)

The Inter-Bursary Support (IBS) programme was established by the DSI in order to support capacity development in key and priority areas, as identified in key departmental strategies. The bursary is supported by the CSIR, with the aim of supporting development of skills in these areas.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE CSIR BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE

The bursary value will be determined by the level of study:

  • Honours, 4th year Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma students will receive cover up to R130 000 per annum.
  • Masters students will receive cover up to R140 000 per annum.
  • Doctoral students will receive cover up to R160 000 per annum.

Bursary recipients will also receive a once-off laptop allowance of R10 000.
 

MORE ABOUT THE CSIR BURSARY PROGRAMME – SELECTION

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 2 months of the closing date – if you do not receive any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Applicants are also able to check the status of their application by logging in to the application portal.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the DSI-CSIR Bursary.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DSI-CSIR BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You may be a South African citizen OR a South African permanent resident
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a postgraduate qualification in one of the Thematic areas listed above, in 2025
  • You must be studying or accepted/ registered to study at a public university in South Africa
  • You must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding
  • Honours applicants: you must NOT be older than 28 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% for all major subjects in your final year of undergraduate study
  • Masters applicants: you must NOT be older than 30 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% for all major subjects in your Honours level or final year of a 4 year degree
  • Doctoral applicants: you must NOT be older than 32 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% at Masters level
  • Masters and Doctoral applicants: you must have supervisor endorsement and motivation
  • Preference will be given to students with disabilities and students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE DSI-CSIR BURSARY

Applications must be submitted online at: DSI-CSIR Bursary Application 2025

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DSI-CSIR Bursary.

All applicants will receive an email confirmation after their application has been received.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document, if a South African citizen (certified copy)
  • Passport and proof of permanent residency, if an international student (certified copies)
  • University degree certificate (certified copy)
  • Full university transcript/ record (on institutions letterhead)
  • Proof of university application or registration (on institutions letterhead)
  • Recommendation letter from your Supervisor, if a Master’s or Doctoral applicant (read our article on how to get a recommendation letter for your bursary application)
  • Admission letter showing full time registration, if available (successful applicants will be required to submit this)

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE THE DSI-CSIR BURSARY

3 September 2024 (at 12:00) – extension.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the CSIR IBS team directly:
Contact person: Justice Komane
Tel: 012 841 3304
Email: hcd-interbursary@csir.co.za
Please read the DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support Programme (IBS) FAQ’s (.pdf) before submitting any queries.
 

Please do NOT contact the CSIR if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in September 2024.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.