CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary
Any Level
Various
Amount not specified
South African Citizens Only
About This Bursary
CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary South Africa 2026
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – CSIR & SASOL FOUNDATION
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in the year 1945, is a the premier and central research and development organisation in South Africa. The CSIR is an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation – a South African government department responsible for scientific research, including space programmes.
The CSIR is the largest research and development organisation in Africa, covering approximately 10% of the whole African African R&D budget.
The Sasol Foundation, founded in 2008, was created with a focused mission: to enhance and reform South Africa’s education sector, with a special emphasis on advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the SASOL Foundation, are inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the
2026 academic year
.
Bursaries will be awarded for
undergraduate studies
, in the following fields, which have been deemed a priority by the CSIR:
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Electronic Engineering
Genetics/ Cell Biology
Industrial Engineering
Information Technology
Material Flow Analysis
Mechatronic Engineering
Process Engineering/ Life cycle Assessment
System Engineering
The CSIR bursary is merit based and is aimed at full-time, unemployed students who are pursuing qualifications in areas that are deemed a priority by the CSIR (research, technology development and innovation as well as corporate/support areas). The bursary aims to attract suitably qualified applicants, and encourages females, black students and those living with disabilities to apply.
** RELATED BURSARIES **
View our other
Engineering Bursaries and Scholarships
here
.
View our other
Science Bursaries and Scholarships
here
.
View our other
Bursaries and Scholarships OPEN for application
here
.
MORE ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSED COVERED & OTHER BENEFITS
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, accommodation, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance.
Students will also receive the following benefits:
Psychosocial support (e.g. academic and psychological support)
Student wellness programme
Vacation work opportunities, of up to 6 weeks per annum
Opportunity to work on real-life projects that address socioeconomic challenges through your research (CSIR co-supervision)
Potential work placement opportunities at the CSIR and other related organisations
Awards for top performing students – CSIR Excellence Awards, certificates and other gifts
Interview skills training for final year students, to prepare for the working world
Onboarding session and a chance to meet the CSIR and Sasol Foundation team
Possible pairing with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme
MORE ABOUT THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – SERVICE CONTRACT & SELECTION
After graduation, bursary recipients will be required to work for CSIR and Sasol Foundation – one year of employment for every year of funding received.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview – candidates who do not receive any feedback, should regard their
bursary
application as unsuccessful.
www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
You must be a South African citizen
You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
You must achieve a minimum of level 5 for English, level 6 for Mathematics and level 6 for Physical Science in Matric
You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above, in 2026
You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised public University in South Africa
You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and passed all university courses you have registered for, for the study period completed (if currently studying)
You must be currently unemployed
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY
Applications must be submitted online at:
CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Application 2026
Applicants must register an account before they can login and apply.
Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the CSIR-SASOL Foundation bursary.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
ID document (certified copy)
Grade 11 final year results and Matric latest results, if currently in Matric
Latest academic record, if currently studying
Updated
Curriculum Vitae
CLOSING DATE FOR THE CSIR-SASOL FOUNDATION BURSARY
29 August 2025.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the CSIR directly:
Bursary Programme team
Tel: 012 841 2616
Email: bursaryprogramme@csir.co.za
Please do NOT contact the CSIR if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here:
https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/
This bursary listing was last updated in July 2025.
SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.
What's Covered
See description details.
Eligibility Criteria
See description details.
Application Requirements
See description details.
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
Feb 07, 2026
Bursary Details
Category:
Engineering
Study Level:
Any Level
Funding Type:
Full Funding
Reference:
BUR-48C46ECD