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.
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
The CGS is mandated to collect, curate, and manage all geoscience data in South Africa, both onshore and offshore. With its Head Office based in Silverton, Pretoria, the Council plays a critical role in providing geoscience solutions to real-world challenges while building a strong pipeline of skilled scientists and technical experts in the geoscience sector.
About the CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme 2026
The objective of the CGS bursary is to create, enhance, and support expertise in geosciences and related technical fields. Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support while studying full-time at a recognised South African institution of higher learning.
The bursary also includes a work-back obligation, where beneficiaries may be required to render service to CGS upon completion of their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must not be employed and must be available for vocational work during studies and work-back after completion (when required)
- Must be enrolled full-time 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
Fields of Study Covered
The CGS awards full-time bursaries 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
What the Bursary Covers
The CGS Full-Time Bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport allowance
- Prescribed books
- Meals
- Field excursions and laboratory analysis
- Once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients
Required Documents
Your application must be accompanied by the following documents. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic record
- Certified copy of matric results
- University acceptance or admission letter
How to Apply
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
Closing Date
- 23 January 2026
Late applications or applications missing required documentation will not be considered.
Enquiries (Do Not Send Applications Here)
- Email: bursaryenquiries@geoscience.org.za
- Tel: 012 841 1106 / 012 841 1118
Please note: This email address is strictly for enquiries only. Applications sent to this address will not be accepted.
Important Notes
- Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only
- Preference will be given to, but not limited to, previously disadvantaged applicants
If you are passionate about geoscience and want to contribute to South Africa’s scientific and developmental future, this bursary offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your studies with full financial support.
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