2026 DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme

📖 About 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) collaborates with DSTI to develop skills in these areas.

Focus Areas

Applications are restricted to students whose degrees align with the following thematic research areas:

• Biocatalysis
• Biopharming
• Bioprocessing
• Health
• ICT
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Microsystems Technology
• Mining
• Modelling and Digital Sciences
• Titanium (Manufacturing Elements)
• Photonics
• Water Research

💰 Benefits of DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme

Value of the Bursary Award (Per Annum)

• Honours/Fourth Year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R130,000
• Masters: R140,000
• Doctorate: R160,000
• Once-off Laptop Allowance: R10,000

Additional Benefits

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 through CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, and gifts.
• Possible work placement opportunities at the CSIR and other affiliated organisations.
• Interview skills training for final-year students to prepare for the workforce.
• Opportunity to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges through 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.
• Mentorship programme pairing students with senior CSIR professionals.
• Research skills training workshops to enhance academic writing skills.
• Funding for thesis/dissertation/research publications and printing costs.
• Vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per annum.
• Opportunity to attend the CSIR Emerging Researchers Symposium to showcase research projects and network.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet the following requirements:

• Be approved or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university.
• Intend to register or be registered for one of the following degrees:
  • Honours/Fourth Year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma
  • Masters
  • Doctorate

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: Monday, 4 August 2025
• Applications must be submitted through the official application portal.

Application Links

• View Details of DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme
• Apply for DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme

🌍 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 09, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 04, 2025
• Category: Bachelors, Masters, PhD, Postgraduate, Undergraduate
• Opportunity Location: South Africa
• Eligible Locations: South Africa
• Sponsor Organisation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

For more information, visit the official application portal or contact the CSIR.

• Value of the bursary award per annum:
  • 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
• Additional support through the following initiatives:
  • Experimental costs funding of up to R35 000 per annum
  • 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
  • Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges
  • 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