Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

By | May 8, 2025

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa (2025/2026) – Fully Funded & High Value

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Engineering is one of the most in-demand, highest-paying careers in South Africa—yet it’s also expensive to study. The good news? You don’t have to pay a cent if you secure one of these top engineering scholarships for 2025/2026.

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

South African students dreaming of becoming engineers have access to some of the best fully funded scholarships from top companies and government departments. Whether you’re into civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, there are scholarships that pay for tuition, housing, books, meals, and even offer job placements. Here’s your complete guide to the best engineering scholarships in South Africa—who qualifies, what’s covered, and how to apply.

 Top 10 Engineering Scholarships in South Africa (2025/2026)

1. SASOL Engineering Bursary

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

  • Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stipend, laptop

  • Bonus: Vacation work + guaranteed employment

  • Deadline: 19 May 2025
    Apply Here

2. Eskom Bursary Scheme

  • Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Nuclear

  • Covers: Full university cost, transport, vacation work

  • Extras: Post-study employment in energy sector

  • Deadline: Expected July 2025
    Apply Here

3. Transnet Bursary

  • Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics

  • Covers: Tuition, housing, meals, vacation work

  • Perk: Job placement within Transnet infrastructure projects
    Transnet Bursary Portal

4. SANRAL Scholarship & Bursary

  • Field: Civil & Transportation Engineering

  • Covers: Full costs + internship + mentorship

  • Extras: Exposure to large-scale road development projects
    Apply at SANRAL

5. Hatch Engineering Bursary

  • Fields: Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, Systems

  • Covers: Tuition, stipend, laptop, vacation training

  • Extras: Mentorship and career coaching
    Hatch Bursary

6. AECI Engineering Scholarship

  • Fields: Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Process Engineering

  • Covers: Tuition, residence, allowance

  • Perk: Placement within AECI after graduation
    AECI Bursary Info

7. Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary

  • Fields: Civil, Hydrology, Environmental, Mechanical

  • Covers: Full university funding + job placement
    DWS Website

8. Murray & Roberts Bursary

  • Field: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical

  • Covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals

  • Extras: Vacation training and graduate program
    M&R Bursary

9. Motus Aftermarket Parts Engineering Bursary

  • Field: Mechanical, Electrical

  • Covers: Tuition, accommodation, allowance
    Apply Here

10. ArcelorMittal Bursary

  • Fields: Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical

  • Covers: Tuition, books, accommodation

  • Bonus: Work-back contract in steel industry
    ArcelorMittal SA

 What Do These Scholarships Cover?

Item Covered Most Scholarships
Tuition Fees
Accommodation
Meals/Living Stipend
Textbooks & Stationery
Laptop or Tech ✅ (SASOL, Hatch)
Vacation Work
Employment Guarantee ✅ (SASOL, Eskom)

 Who Can Apply?

Most scholarships require:

  • South African citizenship

  • Grade 12 with excellent results in Maths and Physical Science

  • Acceptance to study engineering at a public university

  • Strong academic record (65–70% minimum average)

  • Proof of financial need (for NSFAS-linked bursaries)

  • Motivation letter or career interest essay

 Required Documents

Be ready to upload:

  • ✅ Certified ID copy

  • ✅ Grade 11/12 results or latest university transcripts

  • ✅ Proof of application or admission

  • ✅ Proof of income (parents or guardians)

  • ✅ CV and short personal statement

  • ✅ Passport photo (for some programs)

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

 Application Deadlines Snapshot

Scholarship Deadline
SASOL 19 May 2025
Eskom July 2025
Hatch 1 September 2025
SANRAL 31 August 2025
Transnet 30 June 2025
ArcelorMittal October 2025

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Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

Conclusion

If you’re planning to study engineering in 2025/2026, there’s no need to go into debt. From power utilities to petrochemicals and infrastructure giants, South Africa offers some of the best engineering scholarships in Africa—many with job offers included. Whether you’re aiming for civil, chemical, or electrical engineering, the opportunities are real, and they’re waiting for you to apply.

Don’t miss out—submit your applications early and secure your future, fully funded.

Best Engineering Scholarships in South Africa

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which engineering field is most in demand in South Africa?
A: Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering are consistently in high demand due to infrastructure and energy sector needs.

Q2: Can I get a scholarship without financial need?
A: Yes. While some bursaries (like NSFAS) are means-tested, others like SASOL and Hatch focus on academic merit.

Q3: Do these scholarships include job placement?
A: Many bursaries from companies like SASOL, Eskom, and Transnet include post-study employment.

Q4: Can diploma students apply?
A: Some bursaries are open to students at universities of technology. Check specific criteria.

Q5: Where can I see more bursaries?
A: Visit zabusaries.com for an updated list of engineering bursaries and scholarships in South Africa.