The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is mandated to collect and curate all geoscience data in South Africa, both on and offshore. It aims to use these data to find meaningful geoscience solutions to respond to real-world challenges. With its Head Office situated in Silverton, Pretoria, the CGS takes pride in having and building a winning team of scientists within the various fields of geoscience.

The CGS invites university students to apply for a full-time CGS bursary for the 2027 academic year. The objective of the CGS bursary is to create, enhance and support expertise in the geosciences and related technical fields.

CLOSING DATE: 25 NOVEMBER 2026

To be eligible, you should:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Not be employed.
  • Be available for vocational work during studies and work back upon completion of studies, when required.
  • Be enrolled full-time at a South African institution of higher learning for the 2027 academic year.
  • Have passed all the modules of the previous year/semester if you are currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning.

The following research fields are strongly encouraged:

  • Engineering Geology/Geotechnical investigations (contributions to site characterisation or analysis methodologies)
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology (focus on groundwater modelling)
  • Geochemistry
  • Economic Geology/Mineral Economics
  • Data Science and Innovation Studies
  • Geo-informatics
  • GIS & Remote Sensing
  • Computational Geosciences
  • Mining Seismology/Seismology/Geohazards
  • Science Communication
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Science/Geology
  • Geochronology
  • Palaeontology
  • Geohydrology
  • Marine Geology
  • Exploration Geology, and other related disciplines

The bursary covers:

  • Registration and tuition fees
  • Accommodation/transport allowance
  • Prescribed books allowance
  • Meals allowance
  • PPE allowance
  • Field excursions and analysis
  • Once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursars

YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

  • Motivation letter
  • An updated CV
  • A copy of your certified identity document (ID)
  • A copy of your latest academic record
  • A copy of your certified Grade 12 results, or Grade 11 results and Grade 12 Term 3 results
  • Acceptance/admission letter from the institution of higher learning

How to apply:

Complete the CGS Full-Time Bursary 2027 Application Form and attach the required documents.

Please forward your application and documents to bursaries@geoscience.org.za with the reference ‘BursaryFT-2027’ in the subject line.

NB: Late submission or failure to submit the required supporting documentation will lead to the disqualification of your application. Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants.

Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged applicants, but all eligible candidates are welcome to apply.

All enquiries should be directed to bursaryenquiries@geoscience.org.za or Tel: 012 841 1106/1201. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR BURSARY APPLICATION TO THIS EMAIL, IT IS MEANT FOR ENQUIRIES ONLY.