Undergraduate students in selected science, engineering and technology disciplines can apply for the 2027 CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme. The partnership combines financial assistance with academic, personal and workplace-development support.
At a glance
- Sponsors: CSIR and Sasol Foundation
- Study level: Undergraduate
- Study location: South African public universities
- Closing date: 15 September 2026
Fields of study
- Mechatronic, computer, electronic, chemical and industrial engineering
- Computer science, information technology and data science
- Material flow analysis
- Process engineering or life-cycle assessment
- Genetics or cell biology
- Systems engineering
Eligibility
- Be an unemployed South African citizen.
- Plan to register or already be registered full-time at a South African public university.
- Grade 12 applicants need Level 5 English and Level 6 Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Current university students need an overall average of at least 65% and must not have failed a module.
- Preference may be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and NSFAS recipients.
Required documents
- South African identity document
- Grade 11 report and current Matric results, where applicable
- Latest university academic record, where applicable
- Updated CV
What it covers
The programme provides registration and tuition fees, accommodation and meals, living and book allowances, and a once-off laptop allowance. Recipients also receive non-financial support such as mentorship, onboarding, psychosocial assistance and personal and academic skills training. Funding continuation depends on performance, and recipients must work at the CSIR for a period equal to the number of years funded.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a qualification outside the listed priority fields.
- Omitting the latest results, academic record or CV.
- Assuming the bursary is available for postgraduate study.
- Missing the work-back requirement when assessing the offer.
Closing date
15 September 2026.
How to apply
- Confirm that your intended undergraduate qualification appears on the approved field list.
- Prepare the required identity, academic and CV documents.
- Register on the CSIR bursary portal and complete every section of the online form.
- Upload the documents and submit before 15 September 2026.