DSTI-CSIR African Laser Centre Scholarship Program

Are you a researcher from Africa? The DSTI-CSIR African Laser Centre Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. This program supports postgraduate studies in laser and laser application fields at South African universities, starting in 2026.

📖 About the DSTI – CSIR African Laser Centre Scholarship

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invite African researchers collaborating with South African universities to apply for bursary support for their non-South African students. This scholarship is aimed at individuals pursuing postgraduate degrees in laser and laser application fields.

Key Details:

• Date Published: September 4, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
• Category:
  • Postgraduate
  • Master's
  • PhD
  • Fully Funded
• Opportunity Location: South Africa
• Eligible Locations: Africa

Note: Current DSTI-CSIR ALC Scholarship holders who have not completed their studies must reapply annually for continued funding.

🎁 Benefits of the Scholarship

• Master’s Level Studies:

  • Scholarship value: R 100,000 per annum
  • Funding duration: 2 years

• Doctoral Studies:

  • Scholarship value: R 140,000 per annum
  • Funding duration: 3 years

Note: Support for all ALC activities is subject to funding availability.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Students working within an existing funded ALC collaboration project who wish to pursue laser and/or laser applications-related master’s or doctoral research studies at a South African university will be given preference.
2. Master’s and doctoral students from Africa who wish to pursue their studies in laser and/or laser applications-related disciplines at South African universities are also eligible.

Important:

• Applications must be submitted via a supervisor at a South African university where the student is or will be enrolled.
• A strong motivation is required from the student’s South African-based supervisor.

📅 Application Process and Deadline

• Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
• Applications must be submitted through the designated application portal.

Application Links:

• View Scholarship Details
• Download Application Form

🌍 Sponsor Organisation

This scholarship is sponsored by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

For more information, visit the official DSTI – CSIR African Laser Centre Scholarship Program page.

• For master’s level studies, the ALC Scholarship value for 2025 will be R 100 000 per annum.
• For doctoral studies, the annual value is R 140 000 per annum.
• For master’s level studies, only two years of funding support will be allowed.
• For doctoral studies, three years of funding support will be allowed.