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Council for Geoscience (CGS) Bursary

Offered by Council for Geoscience (CGS)

Closed Usually closes around January

Apply on the official site How to apply

The Council for Geoscience Bursary funds students in geology-related fields such as economic and engineering geology, geochemistry, geo-informatics and environmental science. It is comprehensive, includes field excursions, and has a work-back requirement.

Fields of study

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following fields

  • Computational Geosciences
  • Data Science and Innovation Studies
  • Economic Geology
  • Engineering Geology
  • Environmental Science
  • Geo-informatics
  • Geochemistry
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology (focus on groundwater modeling)
  • Mineral Economics
  • Mining Seismology
  • Remote Sensing

Who can apply

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Have completed Matric
  • Be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above, in 2026
  • Be studying or registered/ enrolled to study at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
  • Have passed all the courses you have registered for, if currently studying
  • Not be currently employed and you must be willing and able to work for the CGS after graduation, when required
  • Preference will be given to but not limited to previously disadvantaged applicants

What the bursary covers

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Prescribed books
  • Meals
  • Accommodation/ transport allowance
  • Field excursions
  • Analysis
  • A once-off laptop allowance for first-time bursary recipients
  • Vacation work at the company may be required during university holidays.
  • A work-back period applies: you may need to work for the funder after graduating, usually for as long as you were funded.

What a work-back bursary means

Documents you will need

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate (certified copy)
  • Most recent academic record/ transcripts, if currently studying (certified copy)
  • Proof of acceptance/ admission at university (on institutions letterhead)
  • Motivational letter to support your application (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

  1. Check the requirements

    Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

  2. Prepare your documents

    Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

  3. Apply through the official channel
    Email [email protected]Email [email protected]

    Download and complete the CGS Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

  4. Submit before the closing date

    Usually closes around January. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Council for Geoscience (CGS)

The Council for Geoscience is South Africa's national geoscience research agency and the successor to the Geological Survey of South Africa.

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StudentBursaries.co.za is an independent directory and is not affiliated with the bursary provider. Logos and trademarks belong to their owners. Always confirm the details on the official website before you apply. Last checked: October 2026.