DSI-CSIR: Bursaries 2024

Applications are now open for those interested in the bursary from The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Bursary Application Closing Date: 04 August 2024

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are inviting students to apply for the DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support (IBS) programme, for the 2024 academic year.

The IBS postgraduate bursary will be awarded for studies in the following Thematic Research Focus Areas:

• Aerospace
• Biotechnology (Biopharming, Bio-processing and Bio-catalysis)
• Composites
• Health
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) – (Bioprospecting research, product and process development)
• Information and Communications Technology
• Microsystems Technology
• Modelling and Digital Sciences (data science, biometrics, cybersecurity etc)
• Photonics (free space communication, fibre-optics, laser welding and optics)
• Titanium (manufacturing elements)

The bursary will also cover Honours, 4th year Engineering or Postgraduate Diploma studies in:

• Biotechnology and related majors
• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Engineering and related majors (Electrical and Computer, Electronic, Metallurgical, Aeronautical Engineering, etc)
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Health (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, etc)
• ICT (Information Systems, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems Management, GIS, etc)
• IKS (Indigenous Knowledge Systems)
• Physics
• Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics
• Statistics or Mathematical Statistics

Inter-Bursary Support (IBS) programme was established by the DSI in order to support capacity development in key and priority areas, as identified in key departmental strategies. The bursary is supported by the CSIR, with the aim of supporting the development of skills in these areas.

The bursary value will be determined by the level of study:

• Honours, 4th year Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma students will receive cover up to R100 000 per annum.
• Masters students will receive cover up to R120 000 per annum.
• Doctoral students will receive cover up to R140 000 per annum.

Bursary recipients will also receive a once-off laptop allowance of R10 000.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within 2 months of the closing date – if you do not receive any feedback by 4 October 2024, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

Candidates must download and read the following documents before applying:

• DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support Programme (IBS) General Guidelines (.pdf)
• DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support Programme (IBS) FAQ’s (.pdf)

Requirements

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 OR a South African permanent resident
• You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards one of the postgraduate qualifications listed above
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a degree that is aligned to specific thematic research areas and research themes/ technology streams
• You must be studying or registered to study at a public university in South Africa
• You must find a suitable supervisor and ensure that the supervisor supports your application
• You must NOT be employed on a full-time basis
• Preference will be given to students with disabilities and students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
• Honours applicants: you must NOT be older than 28 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% for all major subjects in your final year of undergraduate study
• Masters applicants: you must NOT be older than 30 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% for all major subjects in your Honours level or final year of a 4 year degree
• Doctoral applicants: you must NOT be older than 32 years old and you must have achieved a minimum average of 65% at Masters level

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online at: DSI-CSIR Bursary Application 2024

All applicants will receive an email confirmation after their application has been received.
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, if a South African citizen (certified copy)
• Passport and proof of permanent residency, if an international student (certified copies)
• University degree certificate (certified copy)
• Full university transcript/ record (on institutions letterhead)
• Proof of university application or registration (on institutions letterhead)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation letter from your Supervisor, if a Master’s or Doctoral applicant
• Admission letter showing full-time registration, if available (successful applicants will be required to submit this)