Ready to embark on your engineering journey? These bursaries from key industry leaders and institutions offer financial backing, skills development, and post-study opportunities—tailored to shape tomorrow’s engineers.
1. Sasol Mainstream & Foundation Bursaries
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Sasol is a leading energy and chemicals company committed to building South Africa’s technical skills and supporting future engineers. Their bursaries offer a full support package, with a clear work-back pathway post-study. sasolbursaries.com
- Deadline: For the 2026 academic year, the deadline was 18 May 2025 at 16:00.
- Requirements:
- South African citizen, under age 30
- Current Grade 12 or university student with strong performance (Mathematics & Physical Science Level 6; English Level 5)
- Enrollment in one of several full-degree engineering or data science disciplines (e.g., Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Data Science) sasolbursaries.com
- How to Apply: Register on the official Sasol bursary portal, choose your bursary type (Undergraduate or Postgraduate), upload all required documents, and apply before the deadline
- What’s Covered: Full tuition, registration, books, accommodation, meals, pocket money, laptop/calculator allowance; postgraduate bursars receive stipends and technical mentorship, with potential Graduate Development Programme placement
- Apply Via: Sasol Bursary Portal
2. BASF External Bursary Programme
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
BASF, a global chemical company, empowers South African youth by investing in engineering and related sciences, providing holistic academic and professional support. BASFsavarsitystudent.co.za
- Deadline: Not explicitly stated for 2026—past cycles closed early in the year. Applicants should monitor the BASF careers bursary page for updates. BASFStudentRoom.co.za
- Requirements:
- South African citizen, full-time student or provisional enrolment
- Minimum average of 65% on academic record
- Registered or accepted in engineering disciplines (e.g., Chemical, Industrial, Mining, Mechanical, Metallurgical, Biomedical) BASF
- How to Apply: Apply online via the BASF External Bursary Programme page under “Careers → Bursary Programme.” BASF
- What’s Covered: Tuition, accredited university housing, textbook allowance, first-year laptop allowance, meal allowance; plus mentorship, vacation work, wellness programming, and branded support materials BASF
- Apply Via: BASF Bursary Programme
3. CSIR–Sasol Foundation Bursary Programme
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
The CSIR, together with the Sasol Foundation, helps drive South Africa’s innovation ecosystem by supporting students in science and engineering—especially those from underrepresented groups. ResearchBunnySelibeng.com
- Deadline: 29 August 2025 for the 2026 academic intake. ResearchBunnySelibeng.com
- Requirements:
- South African citizen
- Grade 12 learner (English Level 5; Math & Physical Sciences Level 6) or university student who has passed all courses
- Enrolling in priority fields such as Mechatronic, Electronic, Computer, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, IT, Data Science, Systems Engineering, and more ResearchBunnySelibeng.com
- How to Apply: Apply via the CSIR BursaryConnect platform. ResearchBunny
- What’s Covered: All study-related costs (registration, tuition, books, accommodation, living allowances, one-off laptop); plus wellness and mentorship, vacation work, ESW support, and potential placements in CSIR projects. ResearchBunny
- Apply Via: CSIR–Sasol BursaryConnect
4. Western Cape Government – Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
The Western Cape Government aims to uplift underprivileged youth in the region by funding studies in engineering and built environment fields, with a clear public service pathway post-graduation.
- Deadline: Previously set for 31 August 2025 for the 2026 intake. (Timing likely similar annually.)
- Requirements:
- Western Cape residents or citizens, prioritizing women, students with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities
- Studying or accepted to study engineering or related built environment fields (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Quantity Surveying, Architecture)
- How to Apply: Access the application form on the Western Cape Government bursary page, complete it, and submit along with supporting documents before the deadline.
- What’s Covered: Financial support for tuition, accommodation, and potential internships or placements within the provincial infrastructure network.
- Apply Via: Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme
5. Anglo American – Kumba Iron Ore Bursaries
Who They Are & Why They Offer It
Anglo American/Kumba Iron Ore supports talented students to pursue engineering careers in mining—bolstering the talent pipeline for their operations and advancing sectoral transformation.
- Deadline: Typically opens mid-year and closes around July–August 2025. Scribd
- Requirements:
- South African citizens; high academic achievers in Math and Science
- Pursuing engineering disciplines related to mining and mineral processing (e.g., Mining, Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering) Scribd
- How to Apply: Via the Anglo American/Kumba careers and bursaries portal. Scribd
- What’s Covered: Full or part funding for engineering studies, access to graduate recruitment programmes, and early career pathways within the company.
- Apply Via: Anglo American/Kumba Bursaries
Summary Table
| Provider | Deadline (2025 for 2026 intake) | Fields Covered | Why They Offer It | How to Apply & Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sasol | 18 May 2025 | Multiple engineering, data science fields | Build future sustainability-focused engineers | Sasol Bursary Portal |
| BASF | Varies—past closed early year | Engineering sciences | Empower youth through academic & career support | BASF Bursary Programme |
| CSIR–Sasol Foundation | 29 August 2025 | Engineering, IT, data science | Support underrepresented students in STEM & innovation | CSIR BursaryConnect |
| Western Cape Government | 31 August 2025 | Engineering & built environment | Promote regional capacity in critical infrastructure | Masakh’iSizwe Programme |
| Anglo American / Kumba | ~July–August 2025 | Mining-related engineering | Build mining talent for operations | Anglo/Kumba Bursaries |
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