Council for Geoscience (CGS) Bursary South Africa

Pursue studies in geoscience with the CGS Bursary 2025! The Council for Geoscience supports students in disciplines like Geology, Hydrogeology, Geophysics and related fields with full financial aid—including fees, books, excursions, and more. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Council for Geoscience

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is South Africa’s national authority for geoscience research, data collection, and specialised geoscientific services. Based in Pretoria (Silverton) with regional offices across the country, CGS works in areas such as mineral resources, water geoscience, environmental geology, and earth system management. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the CGS Bursary

Ready to align your passion with a thriving career? The bursary supports these fields:

  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology (focus on groundwater modelling)
  • Engineering Geology
  • Geochemistry
  • Environmental Science / Environmental Geology
  • Remote Sensing
  • Geo-informatics
  • Seismology
  • Mineral Economics
  • Paleontology
  • Geochronology
  • Geohazards
  • Exploration Geology
  • Geotechnical Investigations
  • Marine Geology
  • Mining Seismology
  • Geomagnetism
  • Economic Geology

Expenses Covered by the CGS Bursary

This bursary covers essentials such as:

  • Tuition / registration fees
  • Prescribed books and learning materials
  • Accommodation or transport allowance
  • Meals
  • Field excursions and analysis / practical work costs
  • Once-off laptop allowance for first-time recipients

Eligibility Requirements for the CGS Bursary

Here is what you needed to apply for 2025:

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must have completed Matric, or be in Matric.
  • Minimum performance in Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric (level 6) for those who have completed.
  • Must be enrolled or intend to enroll full-time at a recognised South African university in one of the eligible fields.
  • If already a university student: must have passed all modules / courses from the previous year or semester.
  • Must not be currently employed (for full-time bursaries) and must be willing to work (work-back contract) after graduation when required.

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! Useful tips:

  • Make sure your Matric results / academic transcripts are certified and include level(s) for Maths and Physical Science clearly. Missing or weak subject results often disqualify applications.
  • Clear motivational letter: explain why you chose your field, how you will use the bursary, and your commitment to geosciences, especially CGS’s areas of work.
  • Have proof of acceptance or registration ready before applying.
  • Apply well ahead of the deadline—late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Keep in mind the possibility of a work-back contract; be ready to commit to working for CGS if that is required.

This page was updated on September 28, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the CGS Bursary

Start by completing the official application form:

Full-Time applications: Email completed form to bursaries@geoscience.org.za with subject “BursaryFT-2025”

Supporting documents needed (certified copies):

  • South African ID document
  • Matric certificate or latest school results
  • Academic transcript if already studying
  • Proof of registration or provisional acceptance at university
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Motivational letter

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the CGS Bursary

21 March 2025

This date has passed—applications for the 2025 cycle are no longer accepted.

Contact the Council for Geoscience

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

Council for Geoscience (CGS)
Tel: +27 12 841 1020 / +27 12 841 1911
Email: bursaryenquiries@geoscience.org.za
Website: https://www.geoscience.org.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Council for Geoscience Bursary.

1. What is the CGS Full-Time Bursary?+
The CGS Full-Time Bursary is a funding programme for South African students enrolled or intending to enroll full-time in geoscience-related fields at universities. It covers fees, books, accommodation / transport, meals, excursions, and a laptop for first-time recipients.
2. Who can apply for the CGS Bursary?+
South African citizens who have completed Matric (or are in Matric) with required pass in Maths & Physical Science; full-time study at accredited university; current students must have passed previous year’s modules; unemployed; willing to work for CGS after graduation as required.
3. Does CGS offer part-time bursaries?+
Yes. CGS offers a part-time bursary for its own employees who want to pursue postgraduate degrees in geoscience-related fields.
4. What fields of study are supported?+
Supported fields include Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Geo-informatics, Remote Sensing, Geohazards, and others listed above.
5. What documents do I need when applying?+
You need: SA ID document; Matric certificate or latest results; academic transcripts if at university; acceptance or registration proof; motivational letter; CV. All certified copies.
6. Is there a work-back contract?+
Yes. Recipients may be required to do vocational work during holidays and/or work for CGS after completing studies.
7. Does the bursary cover travel or accommodation?+
Yes—covers accommodation or transport allowance, meals, and field excursion/travel beyond certain distances.
8. Do I need to have enrolled already?+
If applying as a future student, you need proof of acceptance or registration; if already studying, you must have passed previous modules/subjects.
9. What is the deadline for 2025?+
The closing date was 21 March 2025. Applications submitted after that date were not accepted.
10. Who do I contact for help with the CGS Bursary?+
Contact CGS: Tel +27 12 841 1020 / +27 12 841 1911; Email bursaryenquiries@geoscience.org.za.