DSTI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme 2027
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The DSTI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme supports full-time studies at Honours, 4th year Engineering, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and PhD level at South African public universities in strategically identified research areas. Students receive annual funding, laptop allowance, experimental costs support, conference attendance funding, mentorship, and access to CSIR facilities and projects.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Annual bursary funding (Honours/4th year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R160,000; Masters: R170,000; Doctorate: R180,000)
- Once-off laptop allowance of R10,000
- Experimental costs funding up to R35,000 per annum
- National and international conference attendance funding up to R35,000 per annum
- Work placement opportunities at CSIR and affiliated organisations
- Interview skills training
- Psychosocial support (academic and psychological)
- Student wellness programme
- Mentorship programme pairing with senior CSIR professionals
- Research skills training workshops
- Thesis/dissertation/Research publications and printing costs funding
- Vacation work opportunities up to six weeks per annum
- Access to CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium
- CSIR Excellence Awards recognition for top performing students
Who Can Apply
- 1 Must be accepted or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university
- 2 Must be intending to register or registered for Honours, fourth-year engineering, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or Doctorate degree
- 3 Must have a minimum average of 65% for the final undergraduate year for Honours, fourth year engineering and Postgraduate Diploma bursaries
- 4 Must have a minimum average of 65% at Honours level for Masters bursary
- 5 Must have a minimum average of 65% at Masters level for Doctoral bursary
- 6 Degree must align with thematic research areas: Biocatalysis, Biopharming, Bioprocessing, Health, ICT, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Microsystems technology, Mining, Modelling and digital sciences, Titanium manufacturing, Photonics, or Water Research
- 7 Supervisor endorsement and motivation required for Masters and Doctoral applications
- 8 Preference given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and people living with disabilities