Call for Application – DSTI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme 2025/2026 for Fulltime Postgraduate Studies In South African Universities.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) established the Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) to support postgraduate studies and capacity development in critical, strategic and priority areas identified in key departmental strategies. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) supports the DSTI in developing skills in these areas.
1. Eligibility
All students who have been accepted or registered for full-time studies at any South African public university.
All students who intend to register or are registered for the following:
Honours/fourth-year engineering/postgraduate diploma;
Master’s; and
Doctorate.
Academic performance:
A minimum average of 65% for the final undergraduate year of study for honours, 4th-year engineering, and postgraduate diploma bursaries.
A minimum average of 65% at the honours level for the master’s bursary.
A minimum average of 65% at the master’s level for the doctoral bursary.
DSTI-CSIR IBS applications are restricted to students whose degrees align with the thematic research areas and research themes/technology streams indicated below. Supervisor endorsement and motivation will be required for each bursary application for master’s and doctoral studies.
Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and people living with disabilities.
2. Funding Amounts
| Level of Study | Funding Amount | Once-off Allowance | Laptop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours | R130,000 | R10,000 | – |
| Master’s | R140,000 | R10,000 | – |
| Doctorate | R160,000 | R10,000 | – |
3. Payment Process and Conditions of the Bursary
The full bursary amount will be credited to the student’s university account to cover registration and tuition fees. The balance will be allocated to the student on a monthly or quarterly basis by the university.
This funding cannot supplement existing bursaries from other government sources (e.g., National Research Foundation (NRF) or other government-derived bursaries). If a student applies for more than one government-derived bursary and becomes successful in more than one, they must select only one before accepting this award. Once the funds are deposited into the student’s university account, they cannot be reversed later during the academic year.
Funding allocated for each bursary is for the specific academic year in which it was awarded. For first-time registration:
Honours/4th-year engineering/postgraduate diploma: 1 year
Master’s: 2 years
Doctorate: 3 years
Funding is only guaranteed for one year. Continuation of funding depends on the student’s performance and the availability of funds from the sponsor.
The period of the award is calculated from the first year of study or research registration, regardless of the IBS funding. (Example: A master’s student who obtains support in their second year of registration will only be funded for one year.)
4. Feedback
Applicants can check their application status using the login details supplied during the initial application process.
Communication will be sent to all applicants within two months of the deadline to notify them of their application status.
5. Reporting Requirements
Honours/4th-year engineering/postgraduate diploma: Students must submit results at the end of each semester.
Master’s and doctoral students:
Submit mid-year progress reports (signed by the supervisor).
Submit an Annual Progress Report (APR) at the end of the academic year (an official template will be provided).
6. Work-Back Requirements
No work-back agreement with the CSIR is required upon completion of studies.
7. Thematic Research Focus Areas
Preference will be given to projects within the following fields:
Biotechnology:
Biopharming, Bioprocessing, Bio-catalysis
Health:
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science), Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Physiology
Information & Communications Technology (ICT):
Information Systems, Computer Science, IT, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Systems Management
Indigenous Knowledge Systems:
Bioseconomy (food security, health, technology), Agriculture (Indigenous Practices), Climate Change, Ethnobotany
Energy & Engineering:
Renewable Energy, Mining Engineering, Rock Engineering, Mechatronics, Software Engineering
Water Research:
Water Science, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering
Photonics & Advanced Manufacturing:
Quantum Optics, Laser Research, Titanium Manufacturing
Data Science & AI:
Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Bioinformatics
8. Continuation of Funding
Renewal for master’s/doctoral students depends on fund availability and academic progress (based on APR).
Students must indicate in their APR if continuation support is needed.
9. Application Process
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required documents:
South African ID (or passport for international students).
Academic transcripts proving a minimum 65% average.
Students must secure a supervisor’s endorsement for master’s/doctoral applications.
Contact:
For queries, email [email protected].
For more Information: Vsit the website for DSTI-CSIR Inter-Programme Bursary Scheme 2025/2026