Mechanical Engineering Bursaries in South Africa 2026
Mechanical and industrial engineering bursaries. Browse 17 funding opportunities — updated May 2026.
Mechanical and industrial engineering bursaries are among the most sought-after funding opportunities in South Africa, and for good reason. Because the country needs skilled engineers across manufacturing, mining, energy, automotive, water and infrastructure, employers are often willing to invest heavily in the people who will one day run their plants and design their systems. A full bursary in this field commonly covers tuition, registration and prescribed textbooks, and many also include accommodation, a meals or living allowance, a laptop or equipment stipend, and help towards transport. Some of the most generous offers come from corporates who treat the bursary as a recruitment pipeline, often pairing it with vacation work and, in many cases, a path to a job once you graduate.
These bursaries are typically offered by large companies in the engineering and industrial sectors (think manufacturing groups, mining houses, automotive and power-generation firms), by government departments and state-owned entities, by SETAs in areas like manufacturing, energy and chemicals, and by universities, professional bodies and private trusts. Many work hand-in-hand with NSFAS: where NSFAS covers the basics, a merit or corporate bursary can top it up or support students who fall just outside the NSFAS threshold. Eligibility almost always rests on strong marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, a solid overall NSC or current academic record, South African citizenship, and frequently a demonstrated financial need. Most are aimed at students accepted into (or already studying) a BEng, BEngTech, BSc Eng or a National Diploma in mechanical or industrial engineering at a recognised university or TVET college.
Timing matters more than students expect. A large share of corporate and SETA bursaries tend to open in the second half of the year for studies that begin the following academic year, so the strongest applicants are the ones watching the cycle early and applying the moment a programme opens, rather than scrambling in January. Read each requirement carefully, apply to several schemes rather than pinning your hopes on one, and keep your supporting documents ready so you never miss a deadline. A clear, well-prepared application that shows genuine interest in engineering will always stand out from a rushed one.
Quick tips
- →Keep your Maths and Physical Sciences marks as strong as you can — they are often the single biggest factor in mechanical and industrial engineering bursary decisions.
- →Have your documents ready in advance: certified ID, your latest results or NSC, proof of registration or acceptance, and proof of household income.
- →Apply early and apply widely — many corporate and SETA bursaries open in the second half of the year for the next academic intake, and you can apply to more than one.
- →In your motivation, show real interest in the field (a project, vacation work, or why engineering excites you) and confirm your citizenship and your university or TVET acceptance.
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.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is South Africa's most prestigious entrepreneurship-focused bursary, open to any field of study. No workback obligation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National Skills Fund (NSF) Bursary
National Skills Fund (NSF) — DHET
The NSF funds students in scarce and critical skills fields — including medicine, engineering, social work, and agriculture — at university and TVET level.
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.
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.
NRF Postgraduate Funding (Honours, Masters & PhD)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
The NRF funds postgraduate research students (Honours through PhD) across science, engineering, humanities, and social science fields. No workback, no financial need requirement.
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 Mechanical Engineering bursaries are available in South Africa in 2026?
There are 17 mechanical 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 Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering bursary?
Academic requirements vary by provider. Most mechanical engineering bursaries require a minimum average of 60–70%. Some merit bursaries require 75%+ while others prioritise financial need over marks.