DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme 2026 for young South African students. – Opportunities For Africans

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Application Deadline: Monday, 4 August 2025.

Applications are now open for the 2026 DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) established the Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) to support postgraduate studies and capacity development in critical, strategic and priority areas identified in key departmental strategies. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) supports the DSTI in developing skills in these areas.

Eligibility

• 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 Area

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: [email protected]

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme