General Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Find on this page a List of General Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026. Are you a passionate South African student interested in designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure, machinery, and technologies that shape our world? If you dream of pursuing a career in Engineering but face financial challenges, applying for a General Engineering bursary for the 2026/2027 academic year could be your gateway to exciting opportunities in the engineering and technology sector. With industries such as manufacturing, construction, energy, and transport relying heavily on skilled engineers, the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. Fortunately, many institutions, government bodies, and private organizations are offering General Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026, providing essential financial support to students eager to advance their studies in this critical field.
What Is General Engineering?
General Engineering is a broad field that applies scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems, design systems, and innovate technologies. It encompasses various disciplines, from mechanical and electrical engineering to civil, chemical, and industrial engineering. Studying General Engineering equips students with problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and technical expertise, making it one of the most versatile and in-demand professions in South Africa and globally.
Major Fields of Engineering Studies
In South Africa, General Engineering studies can include a variety of specializations such as:
- Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on designing and maintaining machines, engines, and mechanical systems.
- Civil Engineering: Deals with infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.
- Electrical Engineering: Concentrates on power generation, electronics, and telecommunications systems.
- Chemical Engineering: Combines chemistry and engineering to design processes for producing chemicals, fuels, and materials.
- Industrial Engineering: Optimizes systems, processes, and operations in manufacturing and production.
- Environmental Engineering: Develops solutions to protect the environment, including waste management and sustainable design.
Career Opportunities in Engineering in South Africa
Graduates in General Engineering can pursue diverse career paths across multiple industries, including:
- Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineer
- Project Manager in construction or infrastructure development
- Research and Development (R&D) Specialist
- Industrial or Systems Engineer
- Environmental and Sustainability Consultant
- Engineering Consultant or Technician
- Technical Sales or Product Development Specialist
With South Africa’s growing focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, and technological innovation, skilled engineers have significant opportunities both locally and internationally.
Why Apply for General Engineering Bursaries in 2026?
Pursuing formal education in Engineering can be costly, with expenses such as tuition fees, textbooks, lab equipment, software, and accommodation. Fortunately, many universities, government programs, and private sponsors offer General Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026/2027. These bursaries often cover tuition, study materials, living costs, and sometimes mentorship programs, industry exposure, and internships, helping students gain practical experience while advancing their careers.
Applying for a General Engineering bursary not only reduces financial pressure but also connects students with professional networks and industry opportunities, increasing their chances of securing rewarding engineering careers.
List of General Engineering Bursaries in South Africa Available for 2026
Below, you will find the list of General Engineering bursaries in South Africa for 2026, provided by reputable institutions, engineering councils, and organizations supporting technical education. Each listing includes eligibility criteria, fields of study, application instructions, and deadlines to help you plan your future in Engineering.
Absa Fellowship/ Scholarship Programme
African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) Bursary
Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bursary
Air Products South Africa (Pty) Limited Bursary
Allan Gray Orbis Fellowship Bursary
Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality Bursary
BASF South Africa Trust Bursary
Black Management Forum (BMF) Bursary
Black Mountain Study Trust Bursary
Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary
Calvin and Family Group (CFG) Bursary
Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary
Capricorn District Municipality Bursary
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary
Department of Correctional Services Bursary
Drakenstein Municipality Bursary
DSI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarship
Dynamics Corporate Consulting Bursary
Energy Mobility Education Trust Scholarship
Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Bursary
Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary
FirstRand Foundation Trust Bursary
Gallagher Foundation Scholarship
Gert Sibande District Municipality Bursary
Greater Letaba Municipality Bursary
IDB Education Trust Bursary Loan
Imperial Stellenbosch University Bursary
John Davidson Educational Trust Bursary
Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme
Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
Mineral Processing Guru (MPG) Bursary
Mtema Mashao Consulting Engineers Bursary
Northern Cape Provincial Government Bursary
Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Bursary
Reatile Foundation Trust Bursary
Rustenburg Municipality Bursary
SAB (South African Breweries) Bursary
SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Bursary
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Bursary
Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) Bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
The Paul Mthimunye Bursary Fund
Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary
UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science Bursary
Upstream Training Trust Bursary