Engineering Bursaries South Africa 2027

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How much can I earn within the Engineering field in South Africa?
Where can I find Engineering bursaries in South Africa?
Where can I study Engineering in South Africa?
What Matric results must I have to study Engineering?

The Engineering sector has many sub-sectors, each of them vitally important to the functioning of various systems and industries (such as factories, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals etc). Below we have compiled a brief description of each of the Engineering sub-sectors, the type of skills required and job descriptions, as well as the salaries relating to each of these sectors, so that you have a better idea of which branch of engineering you will be best suited to.

View all bursaries OPEN for application here

How much can I earn within the Engineering field in South Africa?

The engineering sector in South Africa offers a wide range of career opportunities across fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, mining, and industrial engineering. Salaries vary depending on qualifications, experience, and industry, with entry-level roles typically starting at moderate levels and increasing significantly as engineers gain experience and professional registration.

Senior and specialist engineers, particularly in high-demand sectors like mining and energy, can earn highly competitive salaries due to their technical expertise and leadership responsibilities.

Career	Entry Level (0–3 yrs)	Mid-Level (4–8 yrs)	Senior (8–15 yrs)	Specialist / Principal (15+ yrs)
Civil Engineer	R22,000 – R35,000	R40,000 – R65,000	R70,000 – R110,000	R110,000 – R165,000+
Mechanical Engineer	R20,000 – R35,000	R38,000 – R70,000	R70,000 – R120,000	R120,000 – R150,000+
Electrical Engineer	R22,000 – R40,000	R40,000 – R75,000	R75,000 – R130,000	R130,000 – R180,000+
Chemical Engineer	R25,000 – R45,000	R50,000 – R85,000	R85,000 – R140,000	R140,000 – R180,000+
Mining Engineer	R35,000 – R60,000	R60,000 – R100,000	R100,000 – R160,000	R160,000 – R250,000+
Industrial Engineer	R22,000 – R40,000	R45,000 – R80,000	R80,000 – R130,000	R130,000 – R170,000+
Structural Engineer	R22,000 – R40,000	R45,000 – R75,000	R75,000 – R120,000	R120,000 – R160,000+
Mechatronics Engineer	R25,000 – R45,000	R50,000 – R85,000	R85,000 – R140,000	R140,000 – R180,000+
Water / Environmental Engineer	R22,000 – R38,000	R40,000 – R70,000	R70,000 – R120,000	R120,000 – R160,000+

Where can I find Engineering bursaries in South Africa?

We bring you bursaries from big well-known organisations, such as Afrox, de Beer, Eskom, Engen, Sappi, Group Five, Sasol, SARS, FNB, Standard Bank and various departments of government.

Please note that some of the bursaries listed below may be closed. Always check the closing date of each bursary on the relevant bursary page.

Below is the LARGEST list of Engineering bursaries, scholarship and funding opportunities in South Africa – scroll down to find your field of study:

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Bioresource Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Construction Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Environmental Engineering
General Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Instrumentation Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechantronics Engineering
Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering
Mine Surveying or Mineral Surveying
Mining Engineering
Rock Engineering and Rock Blasting
Sound Engineering
Structural Engineering
Systems Engineering

AERONAUTICAL & AEROSPACE ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Aerospace Engineers develop and test aircraft and spacecrafts. They are also responsible for the design, maintenance and management of R&D for various types of spacecrafts, aircrafts, missiles and satellites. This sector of engineering is divided into 2 branches which overlap: astronautical engineering and aeronautical engineering. These professionals often work for defense contractors or for the government.

In order to pursue a career in this field, Aeronautical Engineers are generally required to have an Engineering degree (this can include electronic/ electrical/ mechanical/ industrial/ computer/ civil engineering qualifications).

Over and above the tertiary qualification, Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineers will need many years of working experience with aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and computational fluid dynamics. A high level of communication skills (both oral and written) is also required, as is team work and keeping up to date with new technology.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

BIORESOURCE ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Bioresource Engineering is a discipline that incorporates design, engineering, as well as biological sciences to enhance and increase the sustainability of the planet’s natural resources. Bioresource Engineers look for solutions to problems involving animals, plants, and the environment. Bioresource Engineers are responsible for designing, operating, maintaining, constructing, remediating, as well as upgrading systems containing biological components. They are also responsible for the design of the technological constructions used in such systems.

To become a Bioresource Engineer, you will need to have passed Matric with a minimum of 50% for English as a home or first additional language and a minimum of a Level 6 (+/- 70%) for Mathematics and Physics. Students who have an NSC with at least 33 equivalent points (excluding Life Orientation) are able to apply for entry into the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering and all admission is subject to both College and HESA approval.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Bioresource Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Chemical Engineers use chemical processes to find new ways to produce goods – from pharmaceuticals, cleaning solvents and fuels, to textiles and even food. These professionals are also involved in creating new ways to improve industrial processes by use of better chemical systems, as well as to limit inefficiency and waste within the industrial setting.

Chemical Engineers often work for industrial companies that create products by use of chemical compounds. The job role would then involve research and experimentation of chemical processes and coming up with new ways to develop or improve products with these compounds.

Apart from a tertiary qualification, Chemical Engineers are generally required to be skilled in the use of computers and automated chemical equipment.

Students entering the Chemical Engineering sector could apply for these bursaries:

CIVIL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Civil Engineers oversee the design, planning and construction of major infrastructures such as railways, highways, bridges, skyscraper buildings and water reservoirs. They assess material and labour costs, project deadlines and environmental impacts which will affect their projects.

These professionals can find employment in various sectors, including environmental, transportation and structural.

A Civil Engineering degree (bachelor’s or master’s) is definitely a prerequisite for this field. Skills required include the knowledge and practical experience using engineering design software and auto computer-aided design (CAD) software. They must also be able to work well within a team, have good communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and be able to train their juniors.

Here are all our bursary opportunities for Civil Engineering students:

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Construction engineers deal with the design, planning, management and construction of major infrastructures, including buildings, bridges, airports, tunnels, roads, railroads, dams, facilities and the like. Construction engineering is a sub-division of the Civil Engineering sector.

Some of the job responsibilities of a Construction Engineer, involves: creating cost estimates and project timelines, measuring areas of the construction site to ensure they are in line with construction plans, performing on-site observation and coordination, informing construction workers of engineering concepts and ideas, ensuring that materials are delivered to site when needed.

The average income for a construction engineer in South Africa, is around R305 000/ annum (depending on years experience). Planning on studying in this field – here are some bursary opportunities for the Construction Engineering sector.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Electrical Engineering involves the design and implementation of devices, as well as the components of devices which make use of electricity. This also includes researching and improving existing devices and products.

Electrical Engineering is made up of 2 sub-sectors: macro engineering, which involves the design of major projects; such as power grids for a city or roller coasters in an amusement park, and micro engineering which focuses on the design of smaller projects; such as a cars airbag sensors or digital cameras and MP3 players.

Skills requirements for the job include creative thinking, computer literacy, problem solving skills, excellent science and mathematical skills and project management.

Apply here for bursaries within the Electrical Engineering field:

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Electronics engineering deals with the design of electronic circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors and other devices by way of active and non-linear electrical components.

These professionals are responsible for designing, testing and maintaining of electronic parts and systems used in the automation, navigation, communication and related fields.

If this is the career path you wish to follow, here are some Electronic Engineering bursary opportunities for you:

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Environmental Engineers create solutions for environmental problems, by making us of engineering principles, as well as chemistry, biology and soil science. Their work involves addressing global issues such as climate change, water and air pollution, waste disposal, public health, recycling and environmental sustainability.

Professionals in this sector are generally required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a similar field. There is certainly a growing need for Environmental Engineers, as more global environmental issues are being uncovered.

Below you can find a list of bursary opportunities for students pursuing their studies within the Environmental Engineering field:

GENERAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Engineering defines the branch of technology and science that deals with maintenance, design, building, as well as the use of machines, engines, and structures.
A qualification in Engineering (General) is great for a student who is still unsure about what aspect of Engineering they would like to branch into, and most Universities offer a General Engineering degree in a student’s first year of studies and allow them to select a specific area of discipline in the second.

To qualify for a General Engineering degree, you need to have Mathematics and Physics as subjects in High School, however if you have not done these subjects, you can always do a foundation year or take additional assessment tests. Other subjects that may also aid you in General Engineering are design, humanities, and art as these subjects all contribute to the socio-economic and cultural factors in the world which are directly linked to engineering.

General Engineering equips you with team-working, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which will all benefit you in the workplace. With this degree, you can get a job in sensors, control engineering, data processing, computing, energy, telecommunications, utilities, transport, and more. Engineers also get to work in building sites, laboratories, and offices. Engineers are responsible for finding solutions to the world’s problems and are linked to many contexts, such as environmental, legal, social, economic, and political. They are therefore vital in the workplace as they help find solutions to complex technical problems a corporation/ company may be facing. They are responsible for designing, developing, and enhancing new products and solutions.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the General Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Industrial Engineers are responsible for determining ways to improve employee management; as well as the management of machinery; manufacturing processes and other assets, in order to improve the operations of their company. These professionals study reports based on process efficiency and create strategies which will improve said processes – this can include the use of new machinery, maintenance, employee and staff training.

Industrial Engineers generally work within an office, in an industrial plant or manufacturing facility. A bachelor’s degree is a standard requirement for the job, as is practical related working experience. Some of the skills that would be beneficial within this sector include: business process engineering, project management and process improvements.

Here are a list of the top Industrial Engineering bursary opportunities for South African students:

INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Instrumentation engineers focus on automated systems, pneumatic domains and the operation and principles of measuring instruments used herein.

People in this sector generally work for manufacturing or chemical plants, with the aim of improving the productivity, stability, optimisation and reliability of the system in question.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Instrumentation Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Mechanical Engineers are the brains behind the design of anything with a mechanical process, often called the “general practitioners” of engineering, as they can work in various sectors. To work within this sector, you will need Computer Aided Design (CAD) and project management experience.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Mechanical Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

MECHATRONICS/ MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Mechantronics is a division of the Science field that is made up of a combination of electronics, control engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering and telecommunications engineering.

Mechantronics was originally the combination of mechanics and electronics, but has since expanded to include more technical areas.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Mechantronics Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

METALLURGY & METALLURGICAL BURSARIES FOR 2027

Metallurgy studies the behaviour of metallic elements (both chemical and physical), their intermetallic compounds and alloys. Metallurgy also involves the production of metals to be used in products for manufacturers and consumers.

Here are bursaries and scholarship funding opportunities for studies within the Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering field:

MINE SURVEYING & MINERAL SURVEYING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Mine Surveyors are responsible for ensuring that mine workings are accurately measured and recorded. They play an important role in the mining industry as their observations, in the form of mining plans, are critical to the safety, design, and planning of all mining activities.

A Mineral Surveyor is similar; they are responsible for the preparation of mineral sites. They do this by organising surveys that investigate the commercial potential of mining, or predict the environmental impacts, quarrying, assess risk, and map the deposits of minerals.

Mining and Mineral Surveyors use many technological tools and methods that are essential to mining- the work with maps and GIS data to see where they can use new resources. They also use this to determine if the mining sites may be used in the future as well as their potential protection and/ or profitably.

Mine/ Mineral Surveying uses many advanced technologies and programs to achieve their daily tasks, however, it also requires a key understanding of mining engineering and the legal aspects of it. Mining/ Mineral Surveyors need to understand the properties of rocks and deposits to find the associated minerals. To achieve this, an educational background, as well as training in science, community, and technology, is essential. Mine/Mineral Surveyors mostly work in the agricultural and engineering fields, owing to this, skills in geosciences, as well as engineering geology services, are necessary.

To qualify for a degree as a Mining/Mineral Surveyor, you will need Mathematics, Physics, and Geography as subjects in high school. In university, you should look at a degree related to geography or another applied science, Math, geography, geology- as well as gain knowledge and skills in GIS and AutoCAD. All qualifications should be ABET-accredited and some related degrees to Mining/ Mineral Surveyors are Environmental Microbiology, Geodesign, Earth Science, Forensic Anthropology, and Biological Science.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Mine Surveying or Mineral Surveying sector, here are some options for you:

MINING ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Mining Engineers are responsible for creating systems that extract, locate, and transport natural resources. They are mainly responsible for creating equipment and techniques that ensure the safety of the environment and tend to specialise and focus on a specific mineral or metal. Mining Engineers get jobs at mining companies, extraction companies, quarrying companies, large construction and manufacturing companies, environmental consultancies, and mining consultancies. They are important to these companies as they ensure the safety and productivity of all mining plans, leading to all extractions being done correctly.

The path to becoming a Mining Engineer is usually 4 to 6 years. Degrees that are similar to Mining Engineering, such as a Bachelors Degree from a respected engineering program are essential to become a Mining Engineer. There are also a number of Graduate programs that will aid you in career advancements, such as mining and geological programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).

Subjects that you could major in that are directly linked with Mining Engineering are thermodynamics, physics, mine safety, mathematics, fluid mechanics, chemistry, mining operation, metallurgy, mine design, and environmental reclamation.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Mining Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

ROCK ENGINEERING & ROCK BLASTING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Rock Engineers are responsible for supporting and designing excavations that are stable in rock. They do this by having a key understanding of the properties of a rock quantitatively as well as the quality of the design of stable excavations in mines. Rock Engineers need to have a key understanding of the rock types to ensure the necessary support needed for their excavations. When doing this, Rock Engineers need to consider safety, economics, and the length of service as their factors. Rock Engineers need to have an understanding as well as knowledge of mining-induced seismicities such as mechanisms and mine layouts to support rockburst damage. Rock Engineers are essential to the economy as they have played a vital role in enhancing the mineral wealth of South Africa.

Rock Engineers have an important role in the industry and workplace as they are responsible for consulting engineers within the various mine groups. They are responsible for providing rock mechanics with service for mining policies, finding solutions to problems, and the long-term planning of mines. To become a Rock Engineer, you will need a Bachelor of Engineering degree with majors in geotechnical engineering or mining. Thereafter, you will need to spend 3-4 years as a Graduate Mining Engineer before you can become an industry professional.

Rock Blasters use explosives and various other methods to break rocks for excavation. This practice is used in mining, civil engineering, and quarrying for dams and road construction. To become a Rock Blaster you will need a high school diploma/ equivalent, however, post-secondary education will be advantageous. You will need to take lectures, exams, and pay for various courses and materials needed during the program/course. To become a rock blaster, you will need to undergo a learnership programme-Mining Operations Underground Hard Rock (Conventional Mining) Level 2 and 3 or obtain a National Certificate: N2 Surface Mining and partake in a Learnership – NC: Surface Mining and Quarrying Level 3.

Mine Blasters play an important role in the mining industry as they ensure that all plans and investigations for the designated blasting area are organised; they assemble and load all the explosives correctly, ensure that explosives happen and note any misfires all whilst keeping records and following safety protocols.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Rock Engineering and Rock Blasting sector, here are some options for you:

SOUND ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

A Sound or Audio Engineer plays a very important role in the production, film, marketing, music, and advertising industries. They are responsible for working with the technical aspects of sound during mixing, recording, and production. They provide assistance to musicians and record producers to ensure that their work reaches the post-professional and highest quality sound. Sound Engineers mix, manipulate, and reproduce the equalization and electronic effects of sound. They are not just limited to working in studios, but also work at live events, controlling microphones, outputs, and sound levels and using their key knowledge of acoustics to ensure the best quality sound

Some of the sub-disciplines of Sound Engineering are Mix Engineering, Studio Engineering, Game and Audio Design Engineering Mastering Engineering, Assistant Engineering Recording Engineering, Live Sound Engineering, Systems Engineering, Monitor Engineering, and Audio Post Engineering.

To become a Sound Engineer you will need to have English and Mathematics as high school subjects. Recommended additional subjects in school are Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Drama, and Information Technology (IT.) The minimum requirement to become a Sound Engineer is an NSC/ National Vocational certificate with an admission/ exemption to a Bachelor’s degree/ equivalent. Some universities may also require you to have an APS (Admission Point Score) for entry into their programs.

If you are looking for bursaries or funding for the Sound Engineering sector, here are some options for you:

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Structural engineering involves calculating and predicting the rigidity, strength and stability of built structures and non-built structures. Structural engineers are responsible for developing designs and supervising the construction of their designs.

Here are bursaries and scholarship funding opportunities for studies within the Structural Engineering field:

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Systems engineering is the discipline of enabling successful systems that will satisfy not only the needs of customers, but also users and stakeholders.

Here are bursaries and scholarship funding opportunities for studies within the Systems Engineering field:

Where can I study Engineering in South Africa?

In South Africa, there are several accredited universities and institutions where you can study engineering, depending on the field you want to specialise in (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, mining, etc.). Most engineering careers require a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) or BSc Engineering, followed by possible professional registration with ECSA.

Public Universities (Most Common Path)

University of Cape Town (UCT)
Stellenbosch University (SU)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
North-West University (NWU)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of Limpopo (Engineering pathways via extended programmes)

Universities of Technology (More Practical / Applied Engineering Focus)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)

Varsity College (limited engineering-related pathways)
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) (mainly tech/engineering support programmes)
Boston City Campus (engineering support or related diplomas in some cases)

(Note: Full professional engineering degrees must be ECSA-accredited, so always verify accreditation carefully.)

Common Engineering Qualifications

BEng (4 years) – Professional engineering degree (most universities like UCT, UP, Wits)
BSc Engineering (4 years) – Similar professional route
BEngTech (3–4 years) – More practical/applied engineering (universities of technology)
Diploma in Engineering (3 years) – Entry-level technical route
Advanced Diploma / Postgraduate studies – Specialisation or career advancement

To become a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) in South Africa, your qualification must be:

Accredited by ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa)
Followed by supervised work experience and professional registration

What Matric results must I have to study Engineering?

To study engineering in South Africa, your Matric results (NSC) need to be strong in specific subjects—especially Mathematics and Physical Sciences, because engineering is highly competitive and maths-heavy.

Most universities require the following minimum Matric results (note these may change between universities and qualification types):

Mathematics: Minimum 60%–70% (Level 5–6) (Top universities usually want 70%+)
Physical Sciences: Minimum 60%–70% (Level 5–6) (Also often 70%+ for competitive programmes)
English (or language of instruction): Minimum 50%–60% (Level 4–5)
APS (Admission Point Score): Usually 28–34+ minimum / Top universities (UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP): often 34–42+

To qualify, you almost always need:

Mathematics (Pure Maths — not Maths Literacy)
Physical Sciences
English
Sometimes Engineering Graphics & Design (helpful but not required everywhere)

If your marks are slightly below the requirement, universities may still offer:

Extended/Bridging engineering programmes (5-year degrees)
Diplomas in engineering at universities of technology