The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with the Sasol Foundation invites South African youth to apply for the CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 29 August 2025
Study Location: Any South African Public University
About the CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary
This prestigious and fully funded bursary is aimed at empowering South African students—particularly women, black youth, and persons with disabilities—who wish to pursue full-time qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields aligned with national development priorities.
It offers much more than financial support—recipients also benefit from structured mentorship, vacation work, and professional development designed to launch successful careers.
Who Should Apply?
1. Current Grade 12 Learners
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Plan to enrol full-time at a public South African university in 2026
- Have achieved:
- Level 5 in English
- Level 6 in Mathematics
- Level 6 in Physical Science
2. Current University Students
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be registered full-time at a public South African university
- Have passed all registered courses from the previous academic year
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary prioritizes the following study areas:
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Material Flow Analysis
- Process Engineering / Life Cycle Assessment
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Genetics / Cell Biology
- System Engineering
What the Bursary Covers
This is a comprehensive full-cost bursary covering:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
Value-Added Benefits
Recipients also gain access to:
- Awards for academic excellence
- Vacation work (up to 6 weeks annually)
- Work placements at CSIR and partner organisations
- Real-world project involvement
- Interview preparation and mentorship
- Academic and psychosocial support
- Student wellness programmes
Work-Back Obligation
Recipients must work for one year per year of funding at CSIR or affiliated organisations after graduation.
Required Documents
Ensure you attach the following:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic record
- Grade 11 final results (for Grade 12 learners)
❗Note: Applications without these documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for the CSIR and Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2026