Astron Energy Invites Eligible Applicants to Apply for the 2026 Engineering Bursary
The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 12 noon.
Quick Overview
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Astron Energy South Africa |
| Academic year covered | 2026 |
| Closing date | 10 Dec 2025, 12 pm |
| Who can apply | South African citizens under 35, full‑time engineering students entering their final year in 2026 |
| Degree levels | Only BSc or BEng (no diplomas or BEng Tech) |
| Supported fields | Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical (heavy & light), Metallurgical, Industrial Engineering |
| What the bursary pays | Tuition, textbooks, accommodation, food, a monthly stipend, mentorship, tutoring & other academic support |
| Work‑back requirement | One year of work with Astron Energy for each year of funding |
About Astron Energy
Astron Energy is a leading South African company that refines, distributes, and sells fuel across the country. They run a refinery in Cape Town and supply many service stations nationwide.
The company sees engineering as the key to South Africa’s future and has created this bursary to:
- Give top engineering students financial freedom
- Offer academic and emotional support
- Prepare students for real jobs
- Create chances for long‑term employment inside Astron Energy
What the Bursary Covers
- Full tuition – paid directly to the university
- Textbooks & study materials
- Housing – for on‑campus or off‑campus students (with a lease agreement)
- Food allowance & monthly stipend
- Tutoring – to keep grades strong
- Training – interview skills, workplace communication, industry expectations
- Mental‑health support – part of the “Excel@Uni” program
This combination of money, tutoring, and wellness help makes it one of the most complete engineering bursaries in South Africa.
Which Engineering Studies Qualify?
You must be studying or planning to study one of these BSc/BEng streams:
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (Light & Heavy Current)
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Do not apply if you are in a BEng Tech, diploma, or advanced diploma program. Only full‑time degree studies count.
Who Is Eligible?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship & Age | South African citizen, under 35 years old |
| Study level | Registered or planning to register for full‑time degree studies in 2026 (BSc, BEng, Honours, Masters or PhD). Must be in the final year of that qualification or doing a one‑year postgraduate program. |
| Academic record | Minimum 70 % average in the most recent year. Provide full transcripts. |
| Institution | Must be a DHET and SAQA registered school – public universities, private universities, universities of technology, or accredited engineering colleges. |
| Full‑time only | Part‑time study, full‑time or part‑time jobs, and undisclosed other bursaries will cause immediate cancellation and repayment of funds. |
Obligations of the Bursary Recipient
- Work‑back contract – For every year you are funded, you must work for Astron Energy for one year.
- Full‑time study – Any change to part‑time status or employment ends the bursary and you must repay.
- Maintain grades – Keep the required average and send regular updates.
- Sign the agreement – Funds are released only after you sign the contractual document.
- Deadline for response – If you haven’t heard back by 31 January 2026, your application is considered unsuccessful.
What You Need to Submit
| Document | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified SA ID (≤ 3 months old) | All applicants | |
| Motivational letter (1–2 pages) | All applicants | |
| CV | All applicants | Detail work & experience |
| Parents/guardians ID or death certificate | All applicants | |
| Disability docs (EEA1 + doctor’s letter) | If applicable | |
| NSFAS or other bursary agreements | If applicable | |
| Acceptance letter for 2026 | If you already have one | |
| Current students (2026 final year) | Full academic record, latest mid‑year results, matric certificate, 2025 fee statement, lease agreement (if off‑campus), proof of registration | |
| Gap‑year students | Matric certificate, latest transcript if previously enrolled, or a police affidavit if not currently studying | |
| Masters/PhD | Supervisor recommendation letter (must be included) |
All documents must be certified and not older than three months. Combine relevant files into one PDF for each category before uploading.
How to Apply
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Gather all certified documents.
- Create one PDF per category (e.g., “ID.pdf”, “Transcripts.pdf”).
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit before the 10 Dec 2025 deadline.
- If shortlisted, you will undergo a verification and further assessment.
Career Path After the Bursary
Graduates often start as:
- Graduate Engineers – work in refinery operations, manufacturing, energy efficiency, or fuel production.
- Process Engineers – design and optimise refinery processes.
- Project Engineers – support big engineering construction and maintenance projects.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers – keep refinery equipment safe and efficient.
- Energy & Sustainability Engineers – help reduce carbon, integrate renewable energy, and ensure environmental compliance.
Because the bursary comes with a work‑back contract, many recipients jump straight into a job with Astron Energy after graduation.
Related: Eastern Cape Dept. of Education Bursary Opportunities 2026 – Apply Now for Graduate Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it cover diplomas or BEng Tech? | No – only BSc and BEng degrees qualify. |
| Can I apply if I’m not in my final year in 2026? | No – only students entering their final year in 2026 may apply. |
| Can I work part‑time? | No – any paid job will end the bursary. |
| What is the required average? | Minimum 70 % in the last full academic year. |
| Will Astron Energy hire me after graduation? | Yes, due to the work‑back agreement. |
| Can Masters or PhD students apply? | Yes, but they need a supervisor’s recommendation letter. |
| Do private universities count? | Yes, as long as they are DHET/SAQA registered. |
| Will late applications be accepted? | No – the portal closes at 12 pm on 10 Dec 2025. |
| Will I get feedback if I’m not selected? | If you hear nothing by 31 Jan 2026, you were not chosen. |
| Can I apply while I have NSFAS? | Yes, but upload the existing bursary agreement. |
The closing date for applications is 10 December 2025 at 12 noon.
