Electrical Engineering Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Electrical and electronic engineering bursaries. Browse 19 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Electrical and electronic engineering bursaries are some of the most sought-after funding opportunities in South Africa, and for good reason. Skilled electrical engineers are needed almost everywhere, from the national power grid and renewable energy projects to telecommunications, mining, manufacturing and electronics design. Because the demand for this talent is so high, a wide range of organisations invest in students who want to qualify. These bursaries typically cover the big study-related costs, such as tuition and registration fees, prescribed textbooks, and often a laptop or equipment allowance, accommodation and a monthly living stipend. Many also include valuable extras like mentorship, vacation work and a work-back placement once you graduate, which can set you up for a career before you even finish your degree.
The funders behind electrical engineering bursaries usually fall into a few groups. Large corporates in the power, energy, mining, manufacturing and telecoms sectors are often the biggest sponsors, alongside government departments and state-owned enterprises that run the country's energy and infrastructure programmes. You will also find support from SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) linked to energy and manufacturing, from universities and TVET colleges offering merit or need-based awards, and from private trusts and foundations. Eligibility tends to follow a familiar pattern: a strong matric (NSC) pass or solid university results, good marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences in particular, and acceptance into or current enrolment in an accredited electrical or electronic engineering qualification. Most require South African citizenship, and many give preference to students who can show genuine financial need.
Timing and preparation make a real difference. Many corporate and SOE bursary programmes open their applications in the second half of the year, often around August to October, for the following academic year, so it pays to apply early and keep your documents ready. A strong application usually means certified copies of your ID and results, proof of registration or acceptance, and supporting documents that show financial need, all submitted before each closing date. If full funding is competitive, remember that NSFAS can cover qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges, and combining sources is sometimes possible. Browse the live list below to find electrical engineering bursaries that are currently open, check each one's specific requirements, and apply to as many as you genuinely qualify for.
Quick tips
- →Push for strong marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, as these subjects carry the most weight for electrical engineering applications.
- →Many corporate and SOE bursaries open in the second half of the year (often around August to October) for the next academic year, so check dates and apply early.
- →Have certified copies of your ID, latest results, and proof of registration or acceptance ready before you start, so closing dates never catch you out.
- →Apply to several bursaries you qualify for rather than just one, and always check any work-back commitment so you know what you are agreeing to.
- →If a bursary does not cover everything, look into NSFAS and combining funding sources to close the gap.
Related fields:
Sasol Bursary Programme
Sasol
Sasol's flagship bursary programme funds South African students in engineering, IT, and commerce — covering tuition, accommodation, and vacation employment.
Anglo American Bursary
Anglo American
Anglo American funds mining engineering, geology, and related engineering students with a full bursary including vacation employment at their operations.
Eskom Bursary Programme
Eskom
Eskom bursaries fund engineering, IT, and finance students across South Africa — covering the full cost of study plus vacation employment.
NSFAS Bursary
National Student Financial Aid Scheme
The NSFAS bursary provides financial assistance to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing higher education, covering a range of study costs.
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Engineering Bursary
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Assmang award bursaries to promising first-year BSc Engineering students from the Cato Ridge area of KwaZulu-Natal. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance.
MQA Bursary Scheme - Continuation Application 2026
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The MQA Bursary Scheme offers existing beneficiaries an opportunity to renew their funding for the 2026 academic year, supporting careers in the mining and minerals sector across South African HEIs and TVETs.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) 2027 Postgraduate Bursaries
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
SANSA provides postgraduate degree bursaries to contribute to the development of skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Vodacom External Bursary Programme 2026
Vodacom Foundation
This academic merit bursary from Vodacom Foundation supports ambitious, driven South African students in their first, second, or third year of study.
South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Scholarship Programme 2026
South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)
SANRAL offers a scholarship programme for young South Africans, supporting studies in fields related to civil infrastructure and roads.
University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) 2027
University of Pretoria
A fully-funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Pretoria, supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Sasol Foundation Mainstream Bursary Programme 2027
Sasol Foundation
The Sasol Foundation offers a comprehensive, fully funded bursary programme for young South Africans pursuing studies in various fields critical to industry.
Glencore / Merafe Resources Engineering Bursary
Glencore / Merafe Resources
Glencore and Merafe Resources fund mining engineering, geology, and related engineering students with a full bursary and vacation employment at South African mining operations.
Women in Engineering Bursary (WISA/ECSA)
Various Engineering Companies (WISA Programme)
Multiple engineering companies offer bursaries exclusively for women in engineering. Targeted at addressing gender equity in South Africa's engineering sector.
MERSETA Bursary & Learnership Programme
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA)
MERSETA funds engineering and manufacturing students at both university and TVET level. A key funding option for students in technical disciplines who need support alongside NSFAS.
MICT SETA Bursary & Learnership
Media, Information and Communication Technologies SETA (MICT SETA)
MICT SETA offers bursaries and learnerships for ICT and media students at both university and TVET level. NSFAS-compatible with no workback.
Transnet Engineering Bursary
Transnet SOC Ltd
Transnet offers engineering bursaries to South African students studying mechanical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineering — with vacation employment at their logistics operations.
Harmony Gold Mining Bursary
Harmony Gold Mining
Harmony Gold funds mining engineering, geology, and engineering students in South Africa with a full bursary including vacation employment at their gold mines.
Telkom Foundation Bursary
Telkom Foundation
The Telkom Foundation funds ICT, computer science, and electrical engineering students. Notably, this bursary has no workback obligation and is NSFAS-compatible.
MTN South Africa Bursary
MTN South Africa
MTN funds engineering, ICT, and data science students with a full bursary including vacation employment at South Africa's largest mobile network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Electrical Engineering bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 19 electrical engineering bursaries currently listed on our platform, including corporate, government, and SETA-funded opportunities. They range from partial tuition bursaries to full cost-of-study awards.
When do Electrical Engineering bursary applications open?
Most corporate bursaries open between August and October for the following academic year. Some government bursaries accept applications year-round. Always check the official provider website for exact dates.
What marks do I need for a Electrical Engineering bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most electrical engineering bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.