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 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 development of skills in these areas.

The bursary will be awarded for Postgraduate studies (Honours/ 4th year Engineering/ Postgraduate Diploma/ Masters/ Doctoral), in the following Thematic Research Focus Areas:

• Bio-catalysis
• Biopharming
• Bioprocessing
• Health
• ICT
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
• Microsystems Technology
• Mining
• Modelling and Digital Sciences
• Titanium (Manufacturing Elements)
• Photonics

Read more about the Thematic Research Focus Areas on the DSI-CSIR Inter-Bursary Support Programme (IBS) General Guidelines (.pdf)

Requirements:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You may be a South African citizen OR a South African permanent resident
• You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a postgraduate qualification in one of the Thematic areas listed above, in 2024
• You must be studying or registered to study at a public university in South Africa
• You must NOT be employed on a full-time basis
• 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
• Masters and Doctoral applicants: you must have supervisor endorsement and motivation
• Preference will be given to students with disabilities and students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds

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.

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