Are you passionate about science, technology, and engineering? Do you dream of contributing to real-world innovation in South Africa? The CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2026 could be the launchpad you need to turn your passion into a career.
This prestigious bursary is a joint initiative by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Sasol Foundation, aimed at financially supporting South African students pursuing degrees in key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. More than just financial assistance, this programme is designed to empower the next generation of innovators, with a strong focus on inclusion, transformation, and national development.
Applications are now open and will close on 29 August 2025.
About the CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary
The CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme is a fully funded opportunity for full-time, unemployed South African students. It targets those pursuing undergraduate degrees at public universities in high-demand sectors essential for South Africa’s growth, sustainability, and technological advancement.
This bursary is particularly aimed at:
- Black students
- Women in STEM
- Learners with disabilities
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds
It’s a direct investment in building a more inclusive, competitive, and innovative South Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to two main applicant categories:
Current Grade 12 Learners
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Plan to enrol full-time at a South African public university in 2026
- Achieve a minimum of:
- Level 5 in English
- Level 6 in Mathematics
- Level 6 in Physical Science
Current University Students
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently enrolled and continuing full-time studies in 2026
- Have passed all registered courses in your previous academic year
This bursary is not open to employed individuals or part-time students.
Priority Fields of Study
The bursary supports careers aligned with South Africa’s innovation and development needs. If you’re planning to study in any of the following areas, you’re eligible:
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- System Engineering
- Process Engineering / Life Cycle Assessment
- Material Flow Analysis
- Genetics / Cell Biology
These fields represent critical skills needed to solve major socioeconomic and technological challenges in South Africa.
What the Bursary Covers
The CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary is fully comprehensive, removing the financial burden from students and their families. It covers:
- Full registration and tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation (university-approved or private)
- Monthly living allowance
- Once-off laptop allowance to support digital learning
This means you can focus entirely on your studies, without worrying about how you’ll pay for books, food, or shelter.
Additional Benefits & Support
The CSIR and Sasol Foundation are deeply invested in the personal and professional development of their bursary recipients. That’s why the programme also includes:
Academic & Wellness Support
- Student wellness programme
- Psychosocial support
- Mentorship from senior CSIR professionals
- Access to additional academic assistance
Career Development
- Vacation work (up to 6 weeks per year)
- Work placement opportunities at CSIR and partner organisations
- Interview skills training for final-year students
- Involvement in real-world projects that tackle national issues
Performance Recognition
- Awards and incentives for top-performing bursary holders
This is not just a bursary—it’s a career development programme designed to help you graduate job-ready and future-focused.
Work-Back Obligation
As part of the agreement, recipients of the bursary must “work back” one year for each year of support received. This is typically fulfilled through employment at the CSIR or a designated partner organisation.
The goal is to reinvest your skills and knowledge back into the country, contributing directly to national innovation and research capacity.
Required Supporting Documents
All applications must include the following:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic transcript (for current university students)
- Grade 11 final results (for current Grade 12 learners)
Applications missing any of these documents will be disqualified. Make sure your documents are clear, certified, and submitted on time.
How to Apply
To apply, you must complete the online application form:
Apply for the CSIR and Sasol Foundation Bursary 2026 Here
(Link for example purposes—always confirm on the official CSIR website)
Applications close on 29 August 2025, and no late submissions will be accepted.
Why Apply for This Bursary?
Here’s how the CSIR-Sasol Foundation Bursary stands out:
| Feature | CSIR-Sasol Bursary Programme |
|---|---|
| Covers all study costs | Full tuition, books, laptop, housing |
| Focused on transformation | Women, black students, disabled students |
| Academic & wellness support | Mentorship, counselling, tutoring |
| Career development | Work placement, vacation work |
| Post-study job opportunity | Work-back programme at CSIR or partner |
| Real-world impact | Solve real national challenges |
The CSIR and Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme for 2026 is more than just financial support—it’s a pathway to becoming a future leader in STEM. If you’re ready to take on real-world challenges, innovate in science and technology, and be part of South Africa’s transformation, this opportunity is for you.
Apply before 29 August 2025 to be part of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers building a better South Africa.