The CSIR, in collaboration with the Sasol Foundation, is offering the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 to academically qualifying South African students who intend to pursue full-time studies in selected science, engineering and technology fields.
The bursary is aimed at supporting students studying priority areas aligned with the CSIR’s needs, while also increasing participation by women, black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.
If you are looking for bursaries for 2027 in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary, including the eligible fields of study, requirements, funding coverage, additional benefits and application information.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Organisation | CSIR in collaboration with the Sasol Foundation |
| Opportunity Type | Undergraduate Bursary |
| Target Applicants | Grade 12 learners and current university students |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Institution | South African public university |
| Study Areas | Science, engineering, technology and related priority fields |
| Funding | Comprehensive bursary |
| Laptop Allowance | Once-off laptop allowance |
| Work-Back Obligation | One year for each year funded |
| Closing Date | Check the official bursary advertisement |
About the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
The CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme provides financial support to full-time, unemployed students pursuing qualifications in fields considered priorities by the CSIR.
In addition to financial assistance, successful students may benefit from professional development, mentorship, wellness support, vacation work and potential workplace exposure.
The programme is also designed to help increase participation by women, black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology-related disciplines.
Areas of Study for the Undergraduate Bursary
The bursary supports undergraduate studies in the following areas:
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Material Flow Analysis
- Process Engineering/Life Cycle Assessment
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Genetics/Cell Biology
- Systems Engineering
Applicants should ensure that their intended qualification falls within one of the fields specified by the official bursary programme.
Requirements
Current Grade 12 Learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Intend to enrol for full-time study towards the selected degree at a South African public university.
- Have English at Level 5.
- Have Mathematics at Level 6.
- Have Physical Science at Level 6.
Current University Students
Current university students must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Plan to enrol full-time at a South African university in 2027.
- Have passed all registered courses for the completed study period at university.
Academic merit will form part of the selection process.
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Who Can Apply?
The CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary is intended for academically qualifying young South Africans who plan to pursue full-time undergraduate studies in the specified priority fields.
The programme particularly seeks to increase participation by women, black individuals and people with disabilities in science, engineering and technology.
Applicants should carefully compare their academic results and intended qualification with the official requirements before applying.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the required supporting documents with their application.
These include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Latest academic record
- Grade 11 final-year results for current Grade 12 learners
Important: Failure to attach the required documents may result in the application being declared invalid.
Applicants should ensure that documents are clear, current and submitted in the format requested by the official application platform.
What Does the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Cover?
The programme is described as a comprehensive bursary, covering costs associated with university studies.
For undergraduate students, the bursary covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Accommodation
- Living allowances
- Once-off laptop allowance
This level of financial support can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with full-time university study.
Additional Benefits
The CSIR Sasol Foundation bursary provides more than financial assistance. Successful students may also have access to several development opportunities.
CSIR Excellence Recognition
Top-performing students may be recognised through CSIR Excellence Awards, including certificates and gifts.
Possible Work Placement
Students may have opportunities for work placement at the CSIR and other affiliated organisations.
Interview Skills Training
Final-year students may receive interview skills training to help prepare them for entering the workplace.
Real-Life Research Projects
Students may have opportunities to work on real-life projects addressing socioeconomic challenges through their research, including CSIR co-supervision.
Mentorship
Students may be paired with senior CSIR professionals through a mentorship programme.
Vacation Work
Successful students may have access to vacation work opportunities of up to six weeks per year.
Student Support
Additional support may include:
- Psychosocial support
- Academic support
- Psychological support
- Student wellness programmes
Students may also participate in onboarding sessions and meet members of the CSIR and Sasol Foundation teams.
Work-Back Obligation
An important condition of the bursary is the work-back obligation.
Students are obligated to work back one year for each year that the CSIR and Sasol Foundation funded.
Applicants should carefully consider this obligation before accepting the bursary and should read the full bursary agreement for the applicable conditions.
Stipend / Allowances
The bursary information provided confirms that funding includes living allowances, as well as registration, tuition, books, accommodation and a once-off laptop allowance.
A specific monthly living allowance amount has not been confirmed in the information provided, so applicants should not rely on an estimated figure.
Location
The bursary is intended for students enrolling for full-time study at a South African public university.
The specific university and programme will depend on the applicant’s chosen qualification and the eligibility requirements of the bursary.
How to Apply
To apply for the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027:
- Visit the official CSIR bursary/application platform.
- Read the complete bursary advertisement and eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that your intended qualification is one of the supported fields.
- Prepare your CV and required supporting documents.
- Complete the application form accurately.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before the official closing date.
Applicants should use the official CSIR application platform and avoid submitting personal information through unofficial websites or individuals claiming to represent the programme.
Closing Date
The closing date should be confirmed from the official CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027 advertisement before applying.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Important Information for Applicants
The CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary is a competitive opportunity, and meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection.
Academic performance will be considered during the selection process, alongside the programme’s broader objectives.
Applicants should also make sure that all required documents are attached. Missing documentation may cause an application to be declared invalid.
Never pay someone to apply for a bursary on your behalf unless the official organisation explicitly states that a legitimate fee applies. Genuine bursary opportunities generally provide an official application process.
Why This Bursary Is Worth Considering
The CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary could be particularly valuable for students pursuing careers in engineering, computer science, data science, information technology, life sciences and other STEM-related fields.
The comprehensive financial support can help cover major university expenses, while additional opportunities such as mentorship, vacation work, interview preparation and possible workplace exposure can help students prepare for their careers.
The work-back obligation is an important consideration, however. Applicants should understand the commitment before accepting the bursary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary 2027 open for applications?
The programme is intended to support eligible students studying in 2027. Applicants should check the official CSIR bursary advertisement for the current application status and closing date.
Who can apply?
South African citizens who are academically qualifying Grade 12 learners or current university students intending to pursue eligible full-time studies may apply, subject to the programme requirements.
What fields of study are funded?
Fields include Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Industrial Engineering, Genetics/Cell Biology and other specified priority areas.
How much does the bursary pay?
A specific monthly amount has not been provided in the information available. The bursary does, however, include living allowances as part of its comprehensive funding package.
Does the bursary cover tuition fees?
Yes. The undergraduate bursary covers registration fees and tuition fees, as well as books, accommodation, living allowances and a once-off laptop allowance.
Does the bursary provide a laptop?
Yes. The bursary includes a once-off laptop allowance for undergraduate students.
Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes. Recipients are obligated to work back one year for each year funded by the CSIR and Sasol Foundation.
Where will students study?
Students must intend to enrol full-time at a South African public university, subject to the applicable programme requirements.
What documents are required?
Applicants must provide an updated CV, certified ID copy, latest academic record and, for current Grade 12 learners, Grade 11 final-year results.
Final Thoughts
The CSIR Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme 2027 offers an extensive funding package for eligible South African students pursuing selected science, engineering and technology qualifications.
Beyond university funding, recipients may benefit from mentorship, vacation work, interview preparation, research opportunities, wellness support and potential workplace exposure.
If you meet the academic requirements, carefully prepare your supporting documents and verify the latest application instructions, closing date and eligibility criteria through the official CSIR source before submitting your application.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.