Apply for Funding under 2027 DSTI CSIR Inter programme Bursary Scheme South Africa, The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) established the Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) to support postgraduate studies and build skills in critical, strategic, and priority areas identified through key departmental strategies.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) works alongside DSTI to strengthen skills development and support the growth of expertise in these strategically important fields.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 15^th September 2026

Apply for Funding under 2027 DSTI CSIR Inter programme Bursary Scheme South Africa

Eligibility

The Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) is open to students who meet the following requirements:

• University: Students must be accepted or registered for full-time study at a South African public university.
• Eligible study levels: Applicants must intend to register or already be registered for:
  • Honours, fourth-year Engineering, or a Postgraduate Diploma
  • Master’s degree
  • Doctoral degree (PhD)

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 65% at the relevant level of study:

• Honours / Fourth-year Engineering / Postgraduate Diploma: 65% average in the final undergraduate year.
• Master’s: 65% average at Honours level.
• Doctorate: 65% average at Master’s level.

Why This Bursary Opportunity Is Important

The Inter-programme Bursary Scheme (IBS) provides valuable financial support to postgraduate students pursuing studies in critical, strategic, and priority areas aligned with South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation goals.

Key benefits include:

• Supports postgraduate education: Helps students pursue Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies.
• Builds specialised skills: Encourages the development of expertise in areas considered strategically important to the country.
• Strengthens South Africa’s talent pipeline: Contributes to developing highly skilled graduates who can support research, innovation, and economic development.
• Encourages academic excellence: With a minimum 65% academic requirement, the scheme supports students demonstrating strong academic performance.
• Creates opportunities for advanced research: Doctoral and Master’s students can build deeper expertise and contribute to knowledge and innovation.
• Supports national priorities: The bursary is aligned with key departmental strategies and priority areas in science, technology, and innovation.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Confirm your eligibility first
   Ensure you are enrolled or accepted for full-time study at a South African public university and meet the required academic threshold.
2. Highlight your academic performance
   Clearly demonstrate that you meet or exceed the required 65% minimum average for your level of study.
3. Clearly explain your study programme
   State your qualification, field of study, university, and current or intended year of registration.
4. Connect your studies to priority areas
   Where applicable, explain how your chosen field contributes to critical or strategic science, technology, and innovation priorities.
5. Present a clear career objective
   Explain how the qualification will strengthen your expertise and contribute to your future academic, research, or professional goals.
6. Provide accurate documentation
   Ensure academic records, proof of registration or acceptance, and any other required supporting documents are complete, current, and consistent.
7. Proofread before submitting
   Check your application carefully for missing information, errors, and inconsistencies before submission.
8. Follow the application requirements exactly
   Pay close attention to the required format, supporting documents, submission process, and deadline.

How to apply?

To apply, click on this link: https://bursaryconnect.csir.co.za.

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.

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the IBS bursary?

The bursary is open to students accepted or registered for full-time studies at a South African public university, subject to the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

2. Which levels of study are supported?

The scheme supports students pursuing Honours, fourth-year Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral studies.

3. What is the minimum academic requirement?

Applicants must generally have a minimum average of 65% at the relevant preceding level of study: undergraduate level for Honours/fourth-year Engineering/Postgraduate Diploma, Honours level for Master’s, and Master’s level for Doctoral studies.

4. Can students from any university apply?

The eligibility criteria specify that applicants must be accepted or registered for full-time study at a South African public university.

5. Why should postgraduate students consider applying?

The IBS offers an opportunity to receive support while pursuing advanced qualifications in critical and strategic areas, helping students develop specialised skills and contribute to South Africa’s research, science, technology, and innovation landscape.

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