If you are a Grade 12 learner who wants to become an engineer, the Eskom Engineering Degree Bursary Programme could fund your first year of university study in 2027 – but the deadline is fast approaching.
What the bursary offers
Eskom is funding full‑time engineering degrees for the 2027 intake. The bursary covers a wide range of specialisations, including Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Software, Data, Renewable Energy, Electromechanical, Metallurgy, Measurement‑Control and Instrumentation engineering.
Who can apply
- South African citizens only.
- Current Matric learners (2026) or learners who finished Matric in 2025.
- Intend to start the first year of university in 2027.
- Plan to enrol at a public university.
- Do not already hold another bursary.
- Meet the minimum subject levels:
- English – Level 4 (≈ 50‑59 %).
- Pure Mathematics – Level 5 (≈ 60‑69 %).
- Physical Science – Level 5 (≈ 60‑69 %).
- Have conditional acceptance for an approved BEng or BSc engineering programme (if already secured).
What you gain
- Financial support for tuition, textbooks and accommodation for the first year of study.
- The chance to build a career in South Africa’s electricity, energy and water‑supply sectors.
- Potential exposure to future employment with Eskom or its partners.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Check eligibility. Confirm your citizenship, Matric year, subject results and that the engineering degree you intend to study is on Eskom’s approved list.
- Gather documents. Have your final Grade 11 results (or Grade 12 certificate if you have already completed Matric) and any conditional university acceptance letters ready.
- Visit the Eskom careers portal. Go to the official application page and create a profile if you do not already have one.
- Search using the bursary reference. Enter eskom_bur_006224 and verify that the title reads “Eskom Engineering Degree Bursary Programme – Grade 12 Applicants (2027 intake)”.
- Complete the online form. Fill in all personal and academic details accurately. Do not exaggerate marks or provide false information.
- Upload required files. Attach clear copies of your results, identification document and any university acceptance letter.
- Submit before the deadline. The closing date is 22 September 2026. Submit early to avoid technical issues.
- Official application link: Apply for the Eskom Engineering Degree Bursary Programme 2027.
Tips to improve your chances
- Do not apply for BEng Tech programmes – Eskom explicitly excludes them.
- Pure Mathematics is required; Mathematical Literacy does not count.
- Keep your Matric marks high. The bursary may consider Grade 11 results, but the final decision depends on your 2026 Matric results.
- Read all communications from Eskom promptly. Some applicants are asked to complete a psychometric assessment.
- Apply for other engineering bursaries as well – competition is strong and you may receive multiple offers.
- Use SETA SA’s Career & Qualification Explorer and University Explorer to confirm the exact name of your intended degree and to compare admission requirements.
Next steps
Start by checking your eligibility today. If you meet the requirements, gather your documents and begin the online application well before the 22 September deadline. While you wait for a response, keep applying for other reputable bursaries and submit your university applications early.
Remember: a bursary is only one piece of your 2027 study plan. Strong grades, a clear career goal and multiple funding options will give you the best chance of success.
