Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

By | May 8, 2025
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Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa (2025/2026)

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Engineering dreams shouldn’t be crushed by tuition fees! With fully funded scholarships, you can study engineering in South Africa—100% free, plus extra perks like internships and job placements.

Studying engineering in South Africa can cost hundreds of thousands of rands—but not if you’re awarded a fully funded scholarship. These golden opportunities cover everything: tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and even stipends. In this article, we reveal the top fully funded engineering scholarships available in South Africa for 2025/2026, who can apply, what they cover, and how to land one.

What is a Fully Funded Engineering Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship means that every essential cost is paid for:
✅ Tuition fees
✅ Accommodation
✅ Meals
✅ Textbooks & materials
✅ Transport (in some cases)
✅ Monthly allowance or stipend
✅ Laptop or study device (some bursaries)

These scholarships often also include vacation work, mentorship, and guaranteed employment after graduation.

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Best Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa (2025/2026)

1. SASOL Engineering Scholarship

  • Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, books, laptop, stipend

  • Fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Civil

  • Extras: Vacation work, guaranteed job placement

  • Deadline: 19 May 2025
    Apply via SASOL Bursaries

2. Eskom Scholarship Scheme

  • Disciplines: Electrical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Civil

  • Coverage: Full tuition, housing, meals, books, and monthly allowance

  • Bonus: Strong focus on practical training and post-study employment

  • Deadline: 15 July 2025
    Eskom Bursary Portal

3. Transnet Bursary Programme

  • Focus Areas: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Industrial

  • Covers: Full tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and books

  • Other Perks: Vacation work + potential Transnet employment

  • Deadline: 30 June 2025
    Transnet Bursary Info

4. Anglo American Scholarship

  • Fields: Mining, Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, Chemical

  • Offer: Full cost of studies + mentorship and job offers

  • Eligibility: Strong academic record, preference for rural applicants

  • Deadline: August 2025 (check annually)
    Anglo American Bursary Page

5. Hatch Engineering Scholarship

  • For: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems Engineering students

  • Includes: Full tuition, books, laptop, internship opportunities

  • Added Value: Career coaching and leadership development

  • Deadline: 1 September 2025
    Hatch Careers

6. Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary

  • Degrees Funded: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Hydrology, Geology

  • Coverage: Full funding + internship placement after graduation

  • Requirement: South African citizens only
    DWS Bursary Info

7. FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship (Postgraduate)

  • Target Group: South African citizens studying abroad

  • Field: Any engineering discipline (postgrad)

  • Award Value: Up to R1.5 million
    FirstRand Scholarships

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Engineering Fields Covered by These Scholarships

  • ✅ Civil Engineering

  • ✅ Mechanical Engineering

  • ✅ Electrical/Electronic Engineering

  • ✅ Mining & Metallurgical Engineering

  • ✅ Mechatronics & Systems Engineering

  • ✅ Chemical Engineering

  • ✅ Computer/Software Engineering

  • ✅ Industrial Engineering

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

General Requirements for Fully Funded Scholarships

To be eligible, you usually need:

  • South African citizenship or permanent residency

  • Matric certificate with distinction in Mathematics & Physical Sciences

  • Acceptance into a recognized South African university

  • Proven financial need (for most bursaries)

  • Consistent academic excellence

  • Commitment to work-back contracts (in many cases)

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Application Deadlines – Quick View

Scholarship Scheme Application Deadline
SASOL 19 May 2025
Transnet 30 June 2025
Eskom 15 July 2025
Anglo American August 2025
Hatch 1 September 2025
FirstRand (Postgrad) September 2025

Required Documents Checklist

✔️ Certified copy of ID
✔️ Latest academic results
✔️ Matric certificate or Grade 12 results
✔️ Proof of university registration (if applicable)
✔️ Motivation letter
✔️ Parent/guardian proof of income (if means-tested)
✔️ Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter

Your motivation letter can make or break your application. Keep these in mind:

  • Be specific about why you chose engineering

  • Link your passion to community or national development

  • Highlight financial need (if required)

  • Share long-term goals and how the bursary helps

  • Keep it under 500 words, clear and authentic

Why These Scholarships Have High CPC Potential

These scholarships target:

  •  University-level students (ready to spend or engage)

  •  High-value sectors (engineering = high ROI)

  •  High search intent (students actively looking to apply)

  •  Brands with deep marketing budgets (Eskom, SASOL, etc.)

Conclusion: Your Engineering Degree Can Be Free

If you’re passionate about building, innovating, and solving problems—but don’t have the money to fund your education—these fully funded engineering scholarships are your golden ticket. Apply early, be authentic, and don’t give up. A debt-free, engineering degree is absolutely within your reach.

FAQs: Fully Funded Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Q1: Are these scholarships only for undergraduates?
A: Most are for undergrads, but some (like FirstRand) support postgrads too.

Q2: Do I need work experience?
A: No, but vacation work or school projects can help strengthen your application.

Q3: Can I apply while in Grade 12?
A: Yes! Many bursaries accept matric students based on prelims or final results.

Q4: What happens after graduation?
A: Some scholarships require you to work for the funder for 1–3 years (called a “work-back obligation”).

Q5: Where can I get updates on new scholarships?
A: Visit zabusaries.com or follow companies like SASOL, Transnet, and Eskom on LinkedIn for real-time alerts.

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