DSI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 15 September 2026
Provider: CSIR
Field of study: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Informatics and Information Systems
Study level: Postgraduate, Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2027 call closes on 15 September 2026 at 23:59 South African time; if you miss it, watch the CSIR careers pages from mid-2027 for the 2028 call.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 15 September 2026 the 2027 call closes on 15 September 2026 at 23:59 South African time; if you miss it, watch the CSIR careers pages from mid-2027 for the 2028 call. Latest update ↓

The DSI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme, formerly the Inter-Bursary Support programme, funds postgraduate students in science, engineering, ICT and health fields that matter to South Africa’s development. It is paid for by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and run by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and bursars can do their research at a CSIR unit alongside the country’s applied scientists.

About the DSI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary

Levels: honours, fourth-year engineering, postgraduate diploma, master’s and doctoral study.
Covers full study costs, including tuition, a living allowance and research support, with the amount set by level.
Fields: science, technology and innovation priority areas such as energy, water, advanced manufacturing, mining, health innovation, ICT, defence and security, and the environment.
Bursars may be placed at a CSIR research unit with a CSIR co-supervisor.

DSI-CSIR Bursary eligibility requirements

Accepted for, or registered in, full-time postgraduate study at a South African public university.
Honours, fourth-year engineering and postgraduate diploma applicants: at least 65% in the final undergraduate year.
Master’s applicants: at least 65% at honours level. Doctoral applicants: at least 65% at master’s level.
Open to South African and international students; South African citizens are prioritised.

How to apply for the DSI-CSIR Bursary

Open the call on the CSIR students and graduates page at csir.co.za and follow the application link.
Complete the online form and upload your academic transcripts, proof of admission or registration and any supporting documents your university requires.
Submit before the closing time of the current call. Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed before awards are confirmed for registration.

DSI-CSIR Bursary closing date

15 September 2026 at 23:59 for the 2027 academic year.

Contact details

CSIR: 012 841 2911, www.csir.co.za

Postgraduates should also apply to the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship and see the CSIR bursary and our postgraduate bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the DSI-CSIR bursary close for 2027? +

15 September 2026 at 23:59 South African time, through the CSIR's online application.

2. What is the Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme? +

A postgraduate bursary funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and run by the CSIR for honours, fourth-year engineering, postgraduate diploma, master's and doctoral students in science, technology and innovation priority areas, with research exposure at the CSIR.

3. What does it cover? +

Full study costs including tuition, a living allowance and research support, with the amount set by level, plus the option of doing research at a CSIR unit with a CSIR co-supervisor.

4. Who qualifies? +

Students of any nationality accepted for, or registered in, full-time postgraduate study at a South African public university, with at least 65% in the final undergraduate year (for honours, fourth-year engineering and postgraduate diplomas), 65% at honours level (for master's) or 65% at master's level (for doctoral study).

5. Which fields? +

Science, engineering, ICT, health and related research fields in the DSTI's priority areas, such as energy, water, advanced manufacturing, mining, health innovation, ICT, defence and security, and the environment.

6. How do I apply? +

Online through the CSIR application link in the call, uploading your academic transcripts, proof of admission or registration and the supporting documents your university requires.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027 call closes on 15 September 2026 at 23:59 South African time; if you miss it, watch the CSIR careers pages from mid-2027 for the 2028 call. Applications are online only.

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About CSIR

Science council established by an Act of Parliament

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research describes itself as a world-class African research and development organisation established through an Act of Parliament in 1945. The CSIR carries out research for government and industry, and its current work…

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