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.
Bursary description
Duration of Study:
The Department of Science and Innovation Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme covers studies at the following levels:
Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma.
Masters.
Doctoral.
Focus Areas: Applicants who are approved for or currently enrolled in full-time studies at any South African public university and intend to pursue or are already pursuing degrees in the following thematic research areas are eligible for this scholarship:
Aerospace.
Composites.
Modelling and digital sciences (including data science, biometrics, cybersecurity, etc.).
Microsystems Technology.
Titanium (related to manufacturing elements).
Photonics (covering free space communication, fibre-optics, laser welding, and optics).
Biotechnology (including biopharming, bio-processing, and bio-catalysis).
Information and Communications Technology.
Health.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) - focusing on bioprospecting research, product, and process development.
For Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma bursaries, the eligible fields of study are:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which includes Information Systems, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems Management, GIS, etc.
Engineering and related majors such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, etc.
Health-related disciplines like Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, etc.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
Statistics and Mathematical Statistics.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Biotechnology and related majors.
Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Pure/Applied Mathematics.
Physics.
Value of the Annual Bursary Award: The bursary award per annum varies depending on the level of study:
Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R100,000.
Masters: R120,000.
Doctoral: R140,000.
In addition, students will receive a one-time laptop allowance of R10,000.
Requirements and eligibility
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/sites/default/files/Documents/DSI%20CSIR%20Inter-Programme%20Bursary%20Scheme%20-%20Eligibility%20Guidelines_%20Final_2023_24_0.pdf
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.