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
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Fields Covered: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining
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Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stipend, laptop
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Bonus: Vacation work + guaranteed employment
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Deadline: 19 May 2025
Apply Here
2. Eskom Bursary Scheme
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Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Nuclear
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Covers: Full university cost, transport, vacation work
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Extras: Post-study employment in energy sector
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Deadline: Expected July 2025
Apply Here
3. Transnet Bursary
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Fields: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics
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Covers: Tuition, housing, meals, vacation work
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Perk: Job placement within Transnet infrastructure projects
Transnet Bursary Portal
4. SANRAL Scholarship & Bursary
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Field: Civil & Transportation Engineering
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Covers: Full costs + internship + mentorship
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Extras: Exposure to large-scale road development projects
Apply at SANRAL
5. Hatch Engineering Bursary
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Fields: Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, Systems
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Covers: Tuition, stipend, laptop, vacation training
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Extras: Mentorship and career coaching
Hatch Bursary
6. AECI Engineering Scholarship
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Fields: Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Process Engineering
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Covers: Tuition, residence, allowance
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Perk: Placement within AECI after graduation
AECI Bursary Info
7. Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary
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Fields: Civil, Hydrology, Environmental, Mechanical
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Covers: Full university funding + job placement
DWS Website
8. Murray & Roberts Bursary
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Field: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
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Covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals
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Extras: Vacation training and graduate program
M&R Bursary
9. Motus Aftermarket Parts Engineering Bursary
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Field: Mechanical, Electrical
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Covers: Tuition, accommodation, allowance
Apply Here
10. ArcelorMittal Bursary
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Fields: Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical
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Covers: Tuition, books, accommodation
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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:
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South African citizenship
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Grade 12 with excellent results in Maths and Physical Science
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Acceptance to study engineering at a public university
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Strong academic record (65–70% minimum average)
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Proof of financial need (for NSFAS-linked bursaries)
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Motivation letter or career interest essay
Required Documents
Be ready to upload:
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✅ Certified ID copy
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✅ Grade 11/12 results or latest university transcripts
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✅ Proof of application or admission
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✅ Proof of income (parents or guardians)
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✅ CV and short personal statement
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✅ 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 |
Highly Recommended Topics
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Engineering bursaries South Africa
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Fully funded engineering scholarships
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Mechanical engineering bursaries 2025
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Civil engineering bursary applications
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How to Study Engineering for Free in South Africa
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Apply for Eskom/SASOL bursary
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Best Engineering Bursaries in South Africa
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.