The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ) is a prominent research organization dedicated to scientific and technological advancements. Its primary focus is on researching, developing, localising, and disseminating technologies that contribute to South Africa's socioeconomic growth. The CSIR's work plays a pivotal role in fostering industrial development and supporting a proficient state. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1945, the CSIR operates under the authority of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The organisation is deeply involved in directed research that aligns with the country's priorities, its own mandate, and its expertise in science, engineering, and technology. Our primary goal is to make a positive impact, and we have set the following objectives to fulfil our mission: Conduct research, development, and innovation to create transformative technologies and facilitate their widespread adoption. Enhance the competitiveness of high-impact industries, thus supporting South Africa's industrial revival by collaboratively developing, localising, and implementing technology. Drive socioeconomic transformation through Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I), contributing to the development of an effective state. Cultivate and empower human capital and infrastructure. Diversify our sources of income, while maintaining financial sustainability and adhering to good governance practices. Our core values are encapsulated in the acronym "EPIC," which underpins our ability to conduct cutting-edge research and technological innovation to enhance the quality of life for the people of South Africa. The CSIR strives for Excellence, values its People, upholds Integrity, and fosters Collaboration.
About this Bursary
Years of Study: Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma Master s Doctoral Focus areas Students approved for or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university,
who intend to register or are registered for the following. The thematic research focus areas for the bursary are restricted to the following research areas: Aerospace Composites Modelling and digital sciences (data science, biometrics, cybersecurity etc) Microsystems Technology Titanium (manufacturing elements) Photonics (free space communication, fibre-optics, laser welding and optics) Biotechnology (Biopharming, bio- processing and bio – catalysis) Information and Communications Technology Health Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) – (Bioprospecting research, productand process development) Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma bursary are as follows: ICT (Information Systems, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science,
Information Systems Management, GIS, etc) Engineering and related majors (Electrical and Computer, Electronic, Metallurgical, Aeronautical Engineering, etc) Health (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, etc) IKS (Indigenous Knowledge Systems) Statistics/Mathematical Statistics Epidemiology and Biostatistics Biotechnology and related majors Chemistry and Biochemistry Pure/Applied Mathematics Physics Value of the bursary award per annum Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R100 000 Masters: R120 000 Doctoral: R140 000
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CSIR inter-bursary support programme, you must be a postgraduate studying any of the above-mentioned qualifications. For more information visit: https://www.csir.co.za/dsi-csir-inter-bursary-support-programme
How to Apply
Applicants are required to complete their online application forms in their entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applications must include the following supporting documents: Proof of South African Identity Document (ID) or Passport (for international students) and Permanent Residency.
Official and certified university degree certificates. Academic transcripts showing a minimum cumulative academic achievement in their previous degree. A recommendation letter from a supervisor (mandatory for master's and doctoral applicants). An admission letter confirming full-time registration (if available). This will be required if the application is successful. Reference letters (if available). These will be required if the application is successful. It is the student's responsibility to locate a suitable supervisor and ensure that the supervisor supports their application.
