Department of Science and Innovation 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 DSTI in developing skills in these areas.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 09, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 04, 2025
• Category:
  • Masters
  • PhD
  • Postdoctoral
  • Postgraduate
• Opportunity Location: South Africa
• Eligible Locations: South Africa

🧑‍🎓 Focus Areas

CSIR-DSI IBS 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

The bursary provides the following financial support:

• Honours/Fourth-Year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma: R130,000
• Masters: R140,000
• Doctorate: R160,000
• Laptop Allowance: A one-time allowance of R10,000

Additional Support for IBS Students:

• Experimental Costs: Funding of up to R35,000 per annum for access to laboratories at CSIR and other institutions.
• Conference Attendance: Funding of up to R35,000 per annum for national and international conferences.
• Recognition: Top-performing students receive CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates, and gifts.
• Work Placement Opportunities: Possible placements at CSIR and affiliated organizations.
• Interview Skills Training: For final-year students preparing for the workforce.
• Real-Life Projects: Opportunities to work on projects addressing socioeconomic challenges (CSIR co-supervision).
• Onboarding Session: Meet the CSIR team.
• Psychosocial Support: Academic and psychological support.
• Student Wellness Programme
• Mentorship Programme: Pairing with senior CSIR professionals.
• Research Skills Training: Workshops to improve academic writing skills.
• Thesis/Dissertation Costs: Funding for research publications and printing.
• Vacation Work Opportunities: Up to six weeks per annum.
• Emerging Researchers Symposium: Showcase research projects and network.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Enrollment:

   • Students must be approved or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university.

2. Eligible Degrees:

   • Honours/Fourth-Year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma
   • Masters
   • Doctorate

3. Academic Performance:

   • A minimum average of 65% for the final undergraduate year for Honours, Fourth-Year Engineering, and Postgraduate Diploma bursaries.
   • A minimum average of 65% at the Honours level for the Masters bursary.
   • A minimum average of 65% at the Masters level for the Doctoral bursary.

📝 Application Process

All applications must include the following supporting documents:

• Proof of South African identity document or passport (for international students) and permanent residency.
• Transcript of academic record indicating a minimum cumulative academic achievement in the previous degree.

Application Portal:

Apply Here

📌 Application Deadline

August 04, 2025

🔗 Additional Information

For more details, visit the Department of Science and Innovation Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme.

• 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
• 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