Want a Job in South Africa’s Biggest Industry?
South African Petroleum Refineries (SAPREF) is offering a full bursary for the 2026 academic year. This means students who do well in school and want a career in engineering, science, or business can get all of their tuition covered and a clear path to a job in one of the country’s most important sectors.
Quick Snapshot
| What You Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary Type | Full |
| Who’s Offering | SAPREF |
| Who Can Apply | First or second year university students in 2026 |
| Where | Any public or mainstream South African university |
| Fields Covered | Engineering, Environmental Science, Finance, HR, Logistics |
| Citizenship | South African only |
| Apply By | 12 Feb 2026 |
| How to Apply | Email your papers to recruitmentapply@sapref.com |
Which Degrees Are Covered?
SAPREF backs degrees that line up with the skills it needs. These are the courses that can open doors in South Africa and around the world.
Business & Management
- BCom Finance
- BCom Logistics
- BCom Supply Chain Management
- BCom Human Resource Management
Engineering
- BSc Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering
- BSc Mechanical Engineering
- BSc Chemical Engineering
Science
- BSc Environmental Science
These programs have good job prospects. If you’re studying one of them, you could earn a full bursary and later get a good job in the industry.
Minimum Requirements
You must tick all of these boxes to be considered:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be admitted to a public, mainstream university in South Africa (private schools are not eligible).
- Show strong academic results – “excellent” grades are required.
- Be starting your first or second year in 2026.
- Be studying one of the listed degrees.
Only applications that meet every point will be read.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Step 1 – Get Your Papers Ready
Send these to SAPREF:
- A detailed CV
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Your latest transcript or results statement
- Proof of university registration or an official acceptance letter
Step 2 – Email Your Application
Drop all documents in an email to recruitmentapply@sapref.com. Use a clear subject line, like “SAPREF Bursary Application 2026 – Chemical Engineering.”
Step 3 – Wait for a Reply
If you don’t hear back within three weeks after the 12 Feb deadline, your application was not successful. SAPREF does not send individual rejection emails.
How Edupstairs Can Help
We’re not just posting the offer; we help you win it.
Before You Apply
- Use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder to update your CV.
- Double‑check that all documents carry a valid certification stamp.
- Pick a professional email subject line – see the example above.
If You Don’t Get In
- Keep trying. Apply for other bursaries.
- Raise your grades and try again next year.
- Remember, rejection is just a redirection.
What Happens After the Bursary
The bursary isn’t the finish line; it’s the launch pad.
Graduates from SAPREF programmes often move into:
- Graduate Development Programmes
- Engineering trainee roles
- Supply chain and logistics analyst positions
- Environmental compliance and sustainability roles
- HR and finance jobs in big industrial firms
Having a SAPREF bursary on your CV makes you a strong candidate for:
- Energy & petrochemical companies
- Manufacturing and processing plants
- Engineering consulting firms
- Government and state‑owned technical departments
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply if I’m still in high school? | No. The bursary is only for first or second year university students. |
| Can TVET college students apply? | No. Only mainstream public universities are accepted. |
| Do I need top grades? | Yes. SAPREF requires excellent academic results. |
| Is there a form online? | No. Submit everything by email only. |
| Can I apply for a similar degree not on the list? | It’s not recommended. Apply only if your qualification matches the listed fields. |
| When is the deadline? | 12 Feb 2026. |
Closing Date
12 Feb 2026
Disclaimer
- Edupstairs is not linked to SAPREF.
- This information comes from official sources but may change.
- SAPREF can modify or cancel the bursary anytime.
- Always double‑check details directly with SAPREF before sending personal data.
Risk Assessment (Verified / Low Risk)
- Organisation: SAPREF
- Source: Official website / career portal
- Apply via: Email
- Reference: SAPREF_BURSARY2026
This is a reliable opportunity. Always verify with SAPREF before sharing any information.
