Young South African students can apply for the DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme 2027.
This bursary supports full-time studies at Honours, Masters and PhD levels.
In this guide:
- About the opportunity
- Who can apply
- What you get
- Application deadline
- How to apply
- Before you hit submit
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
About DSTI CSIR Bursary
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation funds the DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme to support students in specific research areas.
It involves studying at a South African public university and working on projects that address socioeconomic challenges.
For African and young applicants, this bursary provides financial support and opportunities for research and career development.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, you must meet specific requirements.
- University: you must be registered at a South African public university.
- Degree: you must be registered for Honours, Masters or PhD studies.
- Focus area: your degree must be aligned with the thematic research areas.
- Registration: you must be approved or registered for full-time studies.
- Level: you must be studying at Honours, 4th year Engineering, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters or PhD level.
- Field: your studies must be in a field such as Biocatalysis, Biopharming or Bioprocessing.
What You Get
Successful applicants receive various benefits.
- Financial support: you receive a bursary of up to R180 000.
- Laptop allowance: you receive a once-off laptop allowance of R10 000.
- Experimental costs: you receive funding of up to R35 000 per annum.
- Conference attendance: you receive funding of up to R35 000 per annum for national and international conferences.
- Work placement: you may receive possible work placement opportunities at the CSIR.
Application Deadline
The deadline is September 15, 2026. The application deadline is September 15, 2026, so you should apply well before this date.
How to Apply for DSTI CSIR Bursary
To apply, you must follow a specific process.
- You must review the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify.
- You must prepare your application documents, including your academic records.
- You must submit your application before the deadline.
- You must ensure you have a valid email address and phone number.
- You must wait for the selection process to be completed.
The button opens the official application on csir.co.za.
Before You Hit Submit
- Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Ensure your academic records are up to date and accurate.
- Follow up with the CSIR if you have not received a response within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme?
It is a bursary scheme funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
How much is the bursary worth?
The bursary is worth up to R180 000.
What are the focus areas of the bursary?
The focus areas include Biocatalysis, Biopharming and Bioprocessing.
Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen?
No, the bursary is only available to South African students.
How do I apply for the bursary?
You must submit your application before the deadline of September 15, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The DSTI-CSIR Inter-programme Bursary Scheme 2027 provides young South African students with a valuable opportunity for financial support and research experience in their chosen field of study, such as the DSTI-CSIR bursary.
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We summarise opportunity details as published by the organiser. Requirements and deadlines can change without notice, so always confirm on the official application page before you apply. The Opportunity Here is not affiliated with the organisers and never charges a fee to apply.

