Council for Geoscience 2026 Full-Time Bursary Opportunities for University Students Now Open
The Council for Geoscience invites eligible and motivated South African university students to apply for the CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary supports students who want to build careers in geoscience, environmental science, data science, and related technical fields that are critical to South Africa’s development.
The programme offers full financial support for approved studies and forms part of CGS’s mandate to develop scarce scientific and technical skills in the geoscience sector.
Closing date: 23 January 2026
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Council for Geoscience |
| Bursary type | Full-Time Bursary Programme |
| Academic year | 2026 |
| Study level | University full-time studies |
| Fields | Geoscience and related disciplines |
| Closing date | 23 January 2026 |
About the Council for Geoscience
The Council for Geoscience is a national science council mandated to collect, curate, and manage all geoscience data in South Africa, both onshore and offshore. Its head office is based in Silverton, Pretoria.
CGS provides geoscience solutions that support mineral development, environmental protection, infrastructure planning, disaster risk management, and water security. The organisation plays a key role in applying science to real world challenges that affect communities, industry, and government.
Skills development is central to CGS’s work. Through bursaries and training programmes, the council builds a strong pipeline of scientists and technical experts for the geoscience sector.
About the CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme 2026
The CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme is designed to create, enhance, and support expertise in geosciences and related technical fields. The bursary supports students who are studying full-time at recognised South African institutions of higher learning.
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support to cover core study costs. The programme also includes a work-back obligation, where bursary recipients may be required to work for CGS after completing their studies.
This bursary is suitable for students who are serious about contributing to South Africa’s scientific, environmental, and resource development priorities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must not be employed
- Must be available for vocational work during studies if required
- Must be available for work-back after completion of studies when required
- Must be enrolled full-time at a South African institution of higher learning for 2026
- Continuing students must have passed all modules from the previous academic year or semester
Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
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
Applicants must be studying in one of the listed fields to qualify.
What the CGS Bursary Covers
The CGS Full-Time Bursary provides comprehensive financial support linked to approved study costs. This allows students to focus on their studies without financial pressure.
The bursary covers:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport allowance
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meals
- Field excursions and laboratory analysis
- A once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients
Only costs linked to the approved bursary will be covered.
Work-Back Obligation
As part of the bursary conditions, successful applicants may be required to enter into a work-back agreement with the Council for Geoscience.
This means that after completing their studies, bursary recipients may be required to render service to CGS for a specified period. This supports skills retention and knowledge transfer within the public science sector.
Required Documents
Applications must be submitted with all required documents. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic record
- Certified copy of matric results
- University acceptance or admission letter
All certified documents must be clear and valid.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email.
Application steps:
- Download and complete the CGS bursary application form
- Attach all required supporting documents
- Email the completed application to: bursaries@geoscience.org.za
- Use the correct email subject line: BursaryFT-2026
Applications that do not follow these instructions may be rejected.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 23 January 2026.
Late applications or applications missing required documentation will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries only. Do not send applications to this address.
- Email: bursaryenquiries@geoscience.org.za
- Telephone: 012 841 1106 or 012 841 1118
Applications sent to the enquiry email address will not be accepted.
Important Notes
Applicants should note the following:
- Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants, but this is not limited
- Academic performance is a key consideration
- Accuracy and completeness of the application are critical
Final Note
If you are passionate about geoscience and want to contribute to South Africa’s scientific, environmental, and developmental future, the CGS Full-Time Bursary Programme 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity.
This bursary supports students with full financial backing while preparing them for meaningful careers in geoscience and related technical fields. Apply before 23 January 2026 to be considered.
