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Deadline: August 4, 2025
The DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme 2026 is now open for applications! Designed to empower the next generation of South African scientists, engineers, and researchers, this prestigious bursary program is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme provides financial assistance to academically talented students who are passionate about pursuing studies in science, engineering, and technology (SET) fields at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The bursary supports South Africa’s goal of developing a knowledge-based economy driven by research and innovation.
Benefits
Recipients of the DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary will receive:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Accommodation and living allowances
- Laptop allowance (for selected categories)
- Access to mentorship and vacation work opportunities at the CSIR
- Possible placement or research collaboration opportunities after graduation
This bursary goes beyond funding—it opens doors to cutting-edge research environments and networks within South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
SEE ALSO: The Jasiri Talent Investor Programme (Cohort 2) for young South African Entrepreneurs (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria
- All students who have been accepted or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university.
- All students who intend to register or are registered for the following:
- Honours/fourth-year engineering/postgraduate diploma;
- Master’s; and
- Doctorate.
− Academic performance: - A minimum average of 65% for the final undergraduate year of study for honours,
4th year engineering and postgraduate diploma bursaries. - A minimum average of 65% at the honours level for the master’s bursary
- A minimum average of 65% at the master’s level for doctoral bursary
DSTI-CSIR IBS applications are restricted to students whose degrees align with the thematic
research areas and research themes/technology streams indicated below. Supervisor
endorsement and motivation will be required for each bursary application for master’s and
doctoral studies.
Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and people
living with disabilities.
Focus Areas
CSIR-DSI IBS applications are restricted to students whose degrees are aligned with the thematic research areas indicated below:
- Biocatalysis
- Biopharming
- Bioprocessing
- Health
- ICT
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Microsystems technology
- Mining
- Modelling and digital sciences
- Titanium (manufacturing elements)
- Photonics
- Water Research
Bursary Worth:
- Honours/fourth year engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R130 000
- Masters: R140 000
- Doctorate: R160 000
- Students will receive an additional once-off laptop allowance of R10 000
IBS students will also receive additional support through the following initiatives:
- Experimental costs funding of up to R35 000 per annum – Access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions
- National and international conference attendance funding opportunity of up to R35 000 per annum
- Recognition of Top Performing students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and gifts handed out
- Possible work placement opportunities at the CSIR and other affiliated organisations
- Interview skills training offered to final year students in preparation for the world of work
- Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges through your research (CSIR co-supervision)
- Onboarding session and an opportunity to meet the CSIR team
- Psychosocial support (e.g academic and psychological support)
- Student wellness programme
- Opportunity to be paired with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme
- Research skills training workshops to sharpen your academic writing skills
- Thesis/dissertation/Research publications and printing costs funding
- Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per annum
- Opportunity to attend CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium – Showcase research project and networking
Tel: +27(12) 841 3304
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
