Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa (2025/2026) – Fully Funded Opportunities for Future Engineers

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Studying engineering can be expensive, but what if we told you that your entire degree could be paid for, with zero student debt? From civil to software engineering, South Africa offers some of the best bursary programs to kickstart your dream career!

Engineering students are in high demand across South Africa, and many institutions and companies are offering generous bursaries to support future talent. Whether you’re in matric or already enrolled at university, there are dozens of bursaries available for various engineering disciplines. This guide will break down the best engineering bursaries for 2025/2026—who offers them, what they cover, how to apply, and key deadlines.

Top Engineering Bursaries in South Africa for 2025/2026

1. Transnet Bursary

Disciplines Covered: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and vacation work
Who Can Apply: Matriculants and university students with excellent academic performance
Apply Here

2. Eskom Bursary Scheme

Disciplines: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Nuclear
Benefits: Full bursary – includes registration, tuition, residence, meals, books, and stipend
Bonus: Practical training and guaranteed employment upon graduation
Eskom Bursary Application

3. SASOL Bursary Programme

Fields: Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Mining, Mechatronics
Type: Full-cost bursary
Perks: Career mentorship, vacation work, and job placement after studies
Requirements: Strong academic performance in Maths, Science, and English
SASOL Careers Page

4. Hatch Engineering Bursary

Specialties: Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering
What’s Covered: Full university funding, including laptop allowance
Additional: Paid internships and coaching
Hatch Bursary Details

5. AECOM Bursary

Disciplines: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical
Support Offered: Tuition, prescribed textbooks, and limited travel costs
Ideal For: Students with a passion for infrastructure and sustainability
Apply on AECOM Site

6. Toyota South Africa Bursary

Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics
Type: Full bursary
Eligibility: South African citizens with strong academic records and financial need
Toyota Bursaries

7. FNB Bursary (FirstRand Foundation)

Relevant Fields: Electrical, Electronic, Software, and Computer Engineering
Offerings: Tuition, laptops, textbooks, accommodation, and mentorship
Note: Prioritizes employment equity and high academic performers
FNB Bursary Info

 What Makes a Bursary “The Best”?

When evaluating the best engineering bursaries in South Africa, consider:

• ✅ Full financial coverage

• ✅ Vacation work or internships

• ✅ Guaranteed employment

• ✅ Support beyond academics (mentorship, career guidance)

• ✅ Availability across engineering disciplines

Engineering Disciplines Commonly Funded

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechatronics

• Mining Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Software/Computer Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

General Requirements to Apply

• South African citizenship

• Matric certificate with high marks in Mathematics and Physical Science

• Acceptance or current enrollment at a South African university

• Strong academic performance

• In some cases: financial need or previously disadvantaged background

Bursary Application Deadlines (2025/2026)

Note: Deadlines may vary—always double-check the official websites for updates.

What to Include in Your Application

• Certified ID copy

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of university registration or acceptance

• Motivation letter

• Parent/guardian income proof (if required)

Highly Recommended Topics

• Engineering bursaries South Africa

• Fully funded engineering scholarships

• Mechanical engineering bursaries 2025

• Civil engineering bursary applications

• Free university for engineers in SA

• Apply for Eskom/SASOL bursary

• Best engineering scholarships South Africa

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Quick Tips for Winning a Bursary

• Apply early – Don’t wait until the last minute

• Tailor your motivation letter – Show your passion for engineering

• Highlight leadership and community work

• Double-check documents – Missing papers = disqualification

• Apply to more than one bursary!

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Conclusion

Engineering is one of the most valuable—and expensive—careers to study in South Africa. Thankfully, bursaries are available from top employers and institutions that want to invest in young talent like you. From SASOL to Eskom and beyond, these fully funded bursaries can help you graduate debt-free and step straight into a job.

So don’t wait! Start applying today and build the foundation of your future—brick by brick, byte by byte.

Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for more than one engineering bursary?
A: Absolutely! You’re encouraged to apply for multiple bursaries to increase your chances.

Q2: Do these bursaries cover postgraduate studies?
A: Some bursaries (like those from NRF or company research funds) do, but most listed here focus on undergraduate degrees.

Q3: What if I fail a subject during my bursary?
A: Most bursars have academic performance requirements. You might need to repeat the year at your own cost or risk termination—read the fine print.

Q4: Can I apply if I’m studying through a TVET college?
A: Most engineering bursaries are for university studies, but some companies also support TVET qualifications—check each scheme’s eligibility criteria.

Q5: Where can I get updates on new engineering bursaries?
A: Follow sites like zabusaries.com and subscribe to email alerts from your university’s financial aid office.