Top 10 Engineering Bursaries in South Africa: The 2026/2027 Guide

Key Takeaways: The “Golden Handshake”

The Reality: Engineering is the most funded degree in South Africa. Companies are desperate for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical engineers.

The “Full Cost” Rule: Top bursaries (like Sasol and Anglo American) don’t just pay fees. They pay for your Res, Food, Books, Laptop, and give you a monthly Stipend.

The “Work-Back” Contract: In exchange for millions of Rands in funding, you must work for the company for the same number of years you studied (e.g., Study for 4 years = Work for 4 years).

The Marks: You generally need Level 6 (70%) in Pure Maths and Physical Science to qualify. Maths Literacy is almost never accepted.

The Timeline: Most of these bursaries open for applications in March/April 2026 for the 2027 Academic Year. Do not wait until Matric finals to apply.

Engineering degrees are notoriously expensive. A BSc in Engineering at Wits or UCT can cost over R600,000 once you add accommodation and living costs over four years.

Fortunately, the engineering sector in South Africa views students as investments, not charities. Mining giants, energy parastatals, and construction firms are willing to pay for your entire life in exchange for your future labor.

Here is the definitive list of the Top 10 Engineering Bursaries you should apply for this year.

1. Sasol Bursary (The “Platinum Standard”)

Sasol is arguably the most prestigious engineering bursary in the country. It is comprehensive and comes with a guaranteed job pipeline.

Target: Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering.
The Package: 100% Tuition, Accommodation, Meals, Book Allowance, Laptop, and a generous monthly stipend.
The Catch: You must maintain high academic standards. If you fail a year, you may lose the funding.
Eligibility:
- South African Citizens.
- Maths & Physics: Level 6 (70%+) or higher.
- English: Level 5 (60%+).
Application Window: Usually opens May and closes September.
Website: www.sasolbursaries.com

2. Anglo American Platinum Bursary

Mining is the backbone of the SA economy, and Anglo American invests heavily in “Hard” engineering.

Target: Mining, Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical (Heavy Current), and Rock Engineering.
The Package: Full cost of study, medical aid cover, computer allowance, and vacation work (where you actually visit the mines).
The “Work-Back”: You will likely work at a mine in Limpopo or North West after graduation. Do not apply if you are not willing to live in a mining town.
Eligibility:
- Maths & Physics: Level 6 (60-70%).
- Acceptance: You must be provisionally accepted at a University.
Application Window: Opens April/May.
Website: www.angloamerican.com/careers

3. Eskom Bursary Scheme

Despite its challenges, Eskom remains the largest employer of electrical engineers in the country. They need fresh talent to maintain the grid and build new transmission lines.

Target: Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current), Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.
The Package: Tuition, residence, meals, and book allowance.
The Unique Benefit: Exposure to massive infrastructure projects that you can’t see anywhere else (like power stations).
Eligibility:
- Maths & Physics: Level 5 or 6.
- Focus: They prioritize students from rural areas.
Application Window: Usually July to October.
Website: www.eskom.co.za

4. Transnet Bursary

Transnet runs the ports, railways, and pipelines. They need engineers to keep the logistics network moving.

Target: Industrial, Mechanical, Civil, and Electronic Engineering.
The Package: Comprehensive coverage including tuition, accommodation, and a book allowance.
The “Work-Back”: You will likely be placed at a port (Durban/Cape Town) or a railway depot.
Eligibility:
- Maths & Physics: Level 5 (60%+).
Application Window: Varies, but often opens May/June.
Website: www.transnet.net

5. Jones & Wagener Bursary (The Specialist)

This is a niche consulting engineering firm. Unlike the massive mining companies, they offer a more personalized mentorship experience.

Target: Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering.
The Package: Tuition and residence fees.
Why choose them? If you want to be a Consulting Engineer (designing solutions in an office) rather than an Operational Engineer (fixing machines on site), this is the better choice.
Eligibility:
- Maths & Physics: Level 6 (70%+) is non-negotiable. They look for academic excellence.
Application Window: Closes 31 July annually.
Website: www.jaws.co.za

6. Hatch Bursary

Hatch is a global multidisciplinary management, engineering, and development consultancy. They work on massive international projects.

Target: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
The Package: Full bursary (Tuition, accommodation, allowances).
The Vibe: Very corporate and professional. They are looking for “Future Leaders,” not just technicians.
Eligibility:
- Academic Average: You typically need a 65% average if you are already at university.
Application Window: Usually closes August/September.
Website: www.hatch.com

7. Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary

The automotive sector is huge in KZN and Gauteng. Toyota needs Mechatronics experts to run their robotics and assembly lines.

Target: Mechatronics, Mechanical, Industrial, and Electrical Engineering.
The Package: Tuition, books, accommodation, and laptop.
The “Work-Back”: Likely placement at the massive Prospecton Plant in Durban.
Eligibility:
- Maths & English: 65%+.
- Physics: 65%+.
Application Window: Managed via StudyTrust, usually closes 30 September.
Website: toyota.co.za/careers

8. Department of Public Works (State Bursary)

This is a government bursary designed to build capacity in the state sector.

Target: Civil, Structural, Transport, and Construction Engineering.
The Package: Full cost of study.
The Goal: To produce engineers who can manage public infrastructure (bridges, roads, schools).
Eligibility:
- Citizenship: Strictly South African citizens.
- Marks: Grade 12 with Maths and Science.
Application Window: Watch the DPSA circulars and Department website in mid-year.
Website: www.publicworks.gov.za

9. Standard Bank / Investec (Banking Engineering)

Banks hire engineers? Yes. “Financial Engineering” and “Data Engineering” are massive fields.

Target: Computer Engineering, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, and Industrial Engineering.
The Package: Full cost (Investec is known for its very high-touch mentorship).
The Difference: You won’t work on a mine; you will work in Sandton. This is for students who love engineering logic but prefer a corporate environment.
Application Window: Managed via StudyTrust, closes 30 September.
Website: www.investec.com

10. Glencore Bursary (Coal & Ferroalloys)

Glencore is one of the world’s largest natural resource companies. Their bursary is specifically for operations.

Target: Mining, Electrical, Mechanical, and Metallurgical Engineering.
The Package: Full tuition, residence, and a monthly allowance.
The “Work-Back”: Vacation work is compulsory. You will get your hands dirty.
Eligibility:
- Maths & Science: Level 6 or 7.
- Location: They often prioritize students from their host communities (Mpumalanga/Limpopo/North West).
Application Window: Usually closes October/November.
Website: www.glencore.com/careers

Summary: How to Win

Applying for these bursaries is a job in itself. You are competing against the top 5% of students in the country.

The Strategy:

Don’t wait for your final Matric results: You apply with your Grade 11 or Grade 12 June marks. If you wait for finals, the applications will be closed.
The Motivation Letter: Everyone has good marks. You need to explain why you want to be an engineer. (e.g., “I want to solve the water crisis in my village” is better than “I like maths”).
Apply for All 10: Engineering bursaries are a numbers game. Do not pin your hopes on just Sasol.

Action Plan:

March: Certify your ID and Grade 11 results.
April: Check the Sasol and Anglo American websites daily.
June: Ensure you have applied for at least 5 bursaries.

Next Step:

If you don’t qualify for these corporate bursaries because of the income criteria (maybe you are “Missing Middle”), you should check the ISFAP funding model, which specifically targets engineering students from middle-income homes.

ISFAP Bursary Requirements: The “Missing Middle” Lifeline

Disclaimer: Bursary values and closing dates change annually based on company profits. Always consult the official career portal of the specific company.