The Council for Geoscience (CGS) invites eligible and motivated South African university students to apply for its Full-Time Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is aimed at supporting students who are passionate about geoscience and related fields, while helping to build South Africa’s future capacity in scientific research and technical expertise.
The Council for Geoscience is a national science council mandated to collect, manage, and curate all geoscience data in South Africa, both onshore and offshore. With its head office based in Silverton, Pretoria, CGS plays a vital role in providing geoscience solutions that support infrastructure development, environmental protection, mining, water security, and disaster risk reduction across the country.
About the CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme 2026
The CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme is designed to create, strengthen, and sustain specialised skills in geosciences and related technical disciplines. The bursary supports students who are studying full-time at recognised South African institutions of higher learning and who demonstrate strong academic potential.
Successful bursary recipients will receive comprehensive financial support for the duration of their studies. The programme also includes a work-back obligation, meaning beneficiaries may be required to render service to the Council for Geoscience after completing their qualification, depending on organisational needs.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for the CGS bursary:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must not be employed
- Must be available for vocational work during studies and for work-back service after completion, if required
- Must be registered as a full-time student at a South African institution of higher learning for the 2026 academic year
- Continuing students must have passed all modules from the previous academic year or semester
Failure to meet any of the above requirements may result in the application being declined.
Fields of Study Covered
The CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme supports students studying in the following disciplines:
- Geology
- Engineering Geology
- Geophysics
- Hydrogeology, with a focus on groundwater modelling
- Geochemistry
- Economic Geology
- Environmental Science
- Data Science and Innovation Studies
- Geo-informatics
- Remote Sensing
- Computational Geosciences
- Mineral Economics
- Mining Seismology
These fields are critical to South Africa’s scientific advancement and sustainable development.
What the Bursary Covers
The CGS bursary provides extensive financial support to ensure students can focus fully on their studies. Coverage includes:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation or a transport allowance
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meal allowance
- Field excursions and laboratory analysis costs
- A once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients
The level of support offered makes this one of the most comprehensive bursaries available in the geoscience sector.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit all required documentation for their application to be considered. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
The required documents include:
- A detailed motivation letter
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest academic record
- A certified copy of your matric results
- A university acceptance or admission letter for 2026
All certified documents must be clear and valid.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow the application process carefully to avoid disqualification.
Application Process
Application Steps
- Download and complete the CGS bursary application form from the CGS website:
www.geoscience.org.za - Attach all required supporting documents
- Email your completed application to:
bursaries@geoscience.org.za
Email subject line (important):
BursaryFT-2026
When submitting your application, ensure that the email subject line is correctly written as required by CGS.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 23 January 2026. Late applications or applications missing required documentation will not be considered.
Enquiries
Enquiries related to the bursary programme can be directed to the CGS bursary enquiries office. Please note that applications must not be sent to the enquiries contact details.
Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only. Preference may be given to, but is not limited to, applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
This bursary presents a valuable opportunity for students who are committed to building a career in geoscience and contributing to South Africa’s scientific, environmental, and economic development.
