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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Bursaries in South Africa 2026
1. What is a bursary?
A bursary is financial assistance given to students to help cover the costs of their studies. In South Africa, bursaries are usually offered by government departments, private companies, universities, and NGOs. Depending on the provider, a bursary may cover tuition fees only, or it may also include accommodation, textbooks, and living allowances. Unlike loans, most bursaries do not have to be repaid, although some come with conditions such as maintaining good grades or working for the sponsor after graduation.
2. Who qualifies for a bursary?
Eligibility depends on the bursary provider, but most bursaries require applicants to:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Be accepted or enrolled at a recognized university or TVET college.
- Have good academic performance.
- Show financial need (for need-based bursaries).
- In some cases, demonstrate leadership potential or community involvement.
3. Do bursaries cover accommodation and living expenses?
Yes, some bursaries are full-cost bursaries, which means they pay for tuition, residence, meals, transport, and study materials. Examples include Sasol, Old Mutual, and some government bursaries. Others may only cover tuition or provide a partial contribution. Always read the bursary terms carefully to understand what is included.
4. Can I apply for more than one bursary?
Yes, students can apply for multiple bursaries at the same time. This increases your chances of being funded. If you are awarded more than one bursary, you will normally have to choose one. Some providers also ask you to declare whether you are receiving other financial assistance.
5. Do I have to pay back a bursary?
Most bursaries do not need to be repaid. However, some include a work-back obligation, which means you will have to work for the sponsoring company or government department for a certain number of years after graduation. This is common in bursaries from banks, law firms, and big corporations, and it ensures you gain practical work experience.
6. What happens if I fail my studies while on a bursary?
Most bursary contracts require students to maintain a minimum average, often around 60–65%. If you fail a module or do not meet the performance standard, your bursary funding could be suspended or cancelled. Some bursary providers allow students to repeat failed modules, but this depends on the contract terms.
7. When should I apply for bursaries for 2026?
Bursary applications for the 2026 academic year usually open between April and October 2025. Each bursary has its own deadline, so it’s important to keep track. Large organizations like Sasol, Nedbank, and Shoprite often open applications mid-year, while university bursaries may close later in the year.
8. Do bursaries guarantee me a job after graduation?
Not all bursaries guarantee employment, but many corporate bursaries (like those from banks, retailers, and law firms) include a job offer or internship after graduation. Government bursaries also sometimes place graduates in public service roles. Always check the bursary conditions to know whether a work placement is included.
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