CSIR, in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, invites unemployed South African students to apply for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
About CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary 2027
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, is inviting students to apply for the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary is aimed at full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in fields that are regarded as priority areas by the CSIR.
The programme supports studies in areas linked to research, technology development, innovation and corporate support fields.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Genetics / Cell Biology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Material Flow Analysis
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Process Engineering / Life Cycle Assessment
- System Engineering
Who Is Encouraged to Apply?
The CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary is merit-based and aims to attract suitably qualified applicants.
The programme encourages applications from:
- Female students
- Black students
- Students living with disabilities
- Full-time unemployed students pursuing priority qualifications
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
Additional Benefits
Successful bursary recipients may also receive the following benefits:
- Psychosocial support
- Academic support
- Psychological support
- Student wellness programme
- Vacation work opportunities of up to 6 weeks per year
- Opportunity to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges
- CSIR co-supervision through research projects
- Potential work placement opportunities at CSIR and related organisations
- Awards for top-performing students
- CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and other gifts
- Interview skills training for final-year students
- Onboarding session with the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team
- Possible mentorship by senior CSIR professionals
Service Contract
After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to work for CSIR and the Sasol Foundation.
The service obligation is one year of employment for every year of funding received.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.
Applicants who do not receive feedback should regard their bursary application as unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for Current Matric Students
Current Matric learners must meet the following requirements:
- Must be South African citizens
- Must be unemployed
- Must be currently in Matric
- Must intend to study full-time towards an undergraduate degree qualification in one of the listed fields in 2027
- Must intend to enrol at a public university in South Africa
- Must have achieved a minimum of Level 5 for English
- Must have achieved a minimum of Level 6 for Mathematics
- Must have achieved a minimum of Level 6 for Physical Science
Eligibility Requirements for Current University Students
Current university students must meet the following requirements:
- Must be South African citizens
- Must be unemployed
- Must be studying full-time towards a qualification in one of the listed fields
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%
- Must have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at university
Documents Required
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results, if currently in Matric
- Latest academic record, if currently studying
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
Missing documents may result in disqualification.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online at: CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Application 2027
Applicants must read the CSIR-SASOL Bursary Guidelines 2027 (.pdf) before applying.
Applicants must register an account before they can log in and apply.
Applicants are encouraged to read the CSIR-SASOL Bursary Guidelines 2027 before submitting their applications.
Enquiries
For bursary-related queries, applicants may contact the CSIR Bursary Programme team.
Telephone: 012 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
Important Notes
Applications close on 15 September 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants should apply before the closing date and ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded correctly.