Eligibility

The bursary is open to academically qualifying young people and aims to attract and increase the participation of women, black and disabled people in science, engineering and technology, specifically in the areas of study mentioned below:

Areas for Honours Bursary

• Physics
• Genetics/Cell Biology
• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Information Systems
   

Areas for Masters Bursary

• Aquaculture
• Microbiology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Animal Health
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Bioinformatics
• Flow Chemistry
• Civil/Water Engineering
• Mechatronic Engineering
• Physics
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Information Systems
• Data Science
• Mathematics
   

Areas for Doctoral Bursary

• Aquaculture
• Microbiology
• Virology
• Animal Health
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• Bioinformatics
• Computer Science
• Flow Chemistry
• Process Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Physics
• Metallurgy/Powder Metallurgy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Genetics/Cell Biology
• Systems Engineering

Requirements

Current university students:

• Must be a South African citizen;
• Planning to enrol full-time at a South African university for 2025; and
• Must have passed all the registered courses for the completed study period at the university. 
   

For Masters and Doctoral bursaries, applicants should be South African citizens who possess the following:

• Good scientific writing skills;
• Good organisational and time management skills;
• Excellent academic record;
• A drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential;
• The ability to formulate and carry out research;
• Excellent technical abilities;
• The ability to work well under pressure as part of a team and meet scheduled deliverables; Good communication skills, both verbal and written (e.g. with evidence of reports and/or conference papers written); and
• Good report-writing abilities.
   

Furthermore, the ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who takes ownership and initiative. He/she must also meet the entry requirements for a master’s or PhD bursary at the selected university.

The following documents must accompany your application:

• An updated CV;
• A copy of your certified identity document;
• A copy of your latest academic record; and
• For master’s and doctoral applicants, proof of a degree already completed must be included.
   

Failure to attach these documents will result in your application being null and void.

Bursary covers

This is a comprehensive bursary, and it covers all the costs associated with university studies, such as:

For Honours

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Books
• Accommodation
• Living Allowances
• Once off laptop allowance
   

For Masters and Doctoral

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Living Allowances
• Once off laptop allowance
   

Academic merit will be considered during the selection process, and it is imperative to increase the participation of women and black people in science, engineering and technology. 

Non-financial support

• Full wrap-around support and vacation work.

Obligations

You are obligated to work back every year that the CSIR has funded

How to apply

The call for 2025 applications is now open!

To apply, click on this link: https://csir.auraams.app/

The closing date for all applications is Monday, 30 September 2024
 

For more information on the CSIR bursary, please contact CSIR recruitment centre:
Tel: +27(12) 841 3256
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za