Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa

By | May 8, 2025

Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa

Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa 2025/2026 – Fully Funded Opportunities Await

Planning to build bridges, roads, or cities—but worried about the cost of studying civil engineering? These top South African bursaries can help you study 100% tuition-free—and even pay you while you learn!

Civil engineering is one of the most in-demand careers in South Africa—but the qualification doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, many government departments, private companies, and engineering firms are offering civil engineering bursaries for 2025/2026. This guide highlights the best fully funded bursaries, their benefits, how to apply, and application deadlines.

What Does a Civil Engineering Bursary Cover?

Most fully funded civil engineering bursaries include:

  •  Tuition fees

  •  Accommodation

  •  Meals or stipend

  •  Prescribed textbooks

  •  Study equipment or laptop

  •  Vacation work or internship

  •  Job placement after graduation (in some cases)

 Best Civil Engineering Bursaries in South Africa (2025/2026)

1. Department of Transport Bursary

  • Covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, and more

  • Eligibility: South African students pursuing civil/transport engineering

  • Extras: Possible internship with DOT
    DOT Bursary Details

2. Transnet Civil Engineering Bursary

  • Coverage: Full cost – tuition, accommodation, meals, books

  • Added Benefits: Vacation work and possible employment

  • Deadline: 30 June 2025
    Apply at Transnet

3. SASOL Bursary

  • Relevant Fields: Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical

  • Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, books, laptop

  • Deadline: 19 May 2025
    SASOL Bursary Portal

4. Hatch Bursary Programme

  • Fields Funded: Civil, Electrical, Structural, Mechanical

  • Benefits: Tuition, books, laptop, mentorship & internship

  • Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
    Hatch Careers

5. Murray & Roberts Bursary

  • Focus: Civil Engineering and Construction Management

  • Covers: All academic costs + vacation training

  • Extras: Graduate development program
    Murray & Roberts Bursaries

6. AECOM Bursary South Africa

  • Eligible Fields: Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical

  • Coverage: Tuition, prescribed textbooks, possible travel costs

  • Advantage: International engineering exposure
    AECOM South Africa

7. SANRAL Bursary

  • Specialty: Civil/Transportation Engineering

  • Covers: Full study costs including laptop and monthly stipend

  • Extra: Work-back obligation with SANRAL
    Apply via SANRAL

 Who Can Apply?

Most bursary providers expect the following:

  • ✅ South African citizenship

  • ✅ Matric with at least 60–70% in Maths & Physical Science

  • ✅ Acceptance into a civil engineering programme

  • ✅ Good academic performance

  • ✅ Financial need (in most cases)

  • ✅ Commitment to serve after graduation (for work-back bursaries)

 Required Documents

Here’s what you typically need to apply:

  •  Certified copy of ID

  •  Latest academic transcripts

  •  Proof of university registration or acceptance

  •  Motivation letter

  •  Proof of household income

  •  Matric certificate (if applicable)

 Civil Engineering Bursary Deadlines (2025/2026)

Bursary Scheme Application Deadline
SASOL 19 May 2025
Transnet 30 June 2025
AECOM August 2025
Hatch 1 September 2025
SANRAL 31 August 2025
Murray & Roberts October 2025

Tips for a Winning Application

  • Apply early! Don’t wait for the deadline

  • Customize your motivation letter for each application

  • Highlight your passion for civil engineering and service

  • Double-check your documents – many applicants are disqualified for incomplete files

  • Use your academic achievements and extracurriculars to stand out

  • Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa

Highly Recommended Topics

Why Civil Engineering Bursaries Have High CPC Potential

  •  Engineering is a high-paying field

  •  Scholarship intent signals financial readiness

  •  Students search actively for applications and deadlines

  •  Niche + high demand = high advertiser competition

Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa

 Conclusion

Civil engineering isn’t just about buildings and bridges—it’s about building a future for yourself and your country. With fully funded bursaries available from top companies and government departments, you don’t need to stress about tuition costs. Start applying today, stand out with a strong application, and take your first step toward becoming a qualified civil engineer—100% debt-free.

Civil Engineering Bursary Applications South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply while in Matric?
A: Yes! Many bursaries accept applications from Grade 12 learners based on preliminary results.

Q2: Can I apply to more than one bursary?
A: Absolutely. It’s encouraged to apply to multiple schemes to improve your chances.

Q3: Do bursaries come with job guarantees?
A: Some do—especially from companies like SANRAL, Transnet, or Hatch, which offer “work-back” agreements.

Q4: Will I need to repay the bursary?
A: Not financially. However, many bursaries require you to work for the sponsoring organization for a few years after graduation.

Q5: Where can I find updated civil engineering bursaries?
A: Bookmark and visit zabusaries.com for regular updates.