If you’re a young South African who dreams of becoming an engineer and contributing to the country’s power and energy future, this is your opportunity. Eskom, one of Africa’s largest and most influential state-owned companies, is officially inviting Grade 12 learners and aspiring university students to apply for its 2026 University Engineering Bursary Programme.
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
This bursary is one of the most sought-after funding opportunities because it offers far more than financial support — it opens a gateway into the engineering world through a reputable organisation that powers the nation.
In this full guide, we break down everything you need to know: requirements, how to apply, what the bursary covers, who should apply, future career opportunities, and professional advice to help you stand out.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Eskom University Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Location | Megawatt Park & Various Eskom Sites |
| Reference Number | 50907883NP |
| Department | Human Resources |
| Business Unit | Engineering Department |
| Position | University Bursars (BEng/BSc Engineering) |
| Eligible Fields | Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical (Light & Heavy Current), Electromechanical/Mechatronics, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgy Engineering |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 11 final results or Grade 12 certificate with required subjects and levels |
| Citizenship | South African citizens only |
| Who Can Apply | Learners with conditional university acceptance in approved engineering programmes |
| Closing Date | Not specified in the provided text (add once available) |
If you have always dreamed of designing power stations, building infrastructure, creating innovative technology, or being part of a team that keeps South Africa’s lights on — this bursary was made for you.
Every year, Eskom invests in the next generation of engineers who will shape the country’s future. The 2026 Eskom University Bursary Programme is not just about paying for your studies — it is about building South Africa’s future engineering leaders.
This could be your chance to study at a top public university for free, gain exposure to real-world engineering environments, and eventually join one of the most powerful engineering organisations in Africa.
Let’s break it all down so you can prepare a winning application.
About Eskom
Eskom is South Africa’s primary electricity provider, generating approximately 95% of the country’s power. With operations across coal, hydro, nuclear and renewable energy, Eskom is one of the largest engineering employers on the continent.
The organisation relies heavily on highly skilled engineers across multiple disciplines — from electrical and mechanical to industrial and computer engineering.
By offering bursaries, Eskom is intentionally building a pipeline of future engineers who can solve real-world challenges such as:
- Energy security
- Power plant design
- Grid expansion
- Renewable energy innovation
- Technology development
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Smart engineering solutions
If you want to be part of the future of energy in South Africa, Eskom is one of the best places to start your career.
What the Eskom University Bursary Programme Offers
Although the bursary advert does not list the full benefits, Eskom’s engineering bursaries traditionally cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation (residence or private accommodation allowance)
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
- Monthly stipend
- Paid work-integrated learning during holidays
- Pathway into Eskom’s Graduate-in-Training (GIT) programme
This makes it one of the most comprehensive bursary packages available in South Africa.
Minimum Requirements
To apply for the Eskom University Engineering Bursary Programme for 2026, you must meet the following criteria:
General Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have Grade 11 final results or a Grade 12 certificate
- Must have conditional acceptance to study engineering at a South African public university
- Applicants must not be receiving any other bursary
- Applicants must not be registered at any tertiary institution at the time of application
Academic Requirements (Selection Criteria)
Your school results will play a major role in your eligibility.
Minimum Required Subjects & Levels
- English: Level 4
- Pure Mathematics: Level 5
- Physical Science: Level 5
These are the standard subject levels required for most engineering degrees at South African universities.
Approved Fields of Study
You must have conditional acceptance to study one of the following:
- BEng / BSc Chemical Engineering
- BEng / BSc Civil Engineering
- BEng / BSc Computer Engineering
- BEng / BSc Electrical Engineering – Light Current
- BEng / BSc Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current
- BEng / BSc Electromechanical / Mechatronics Engineering
- BEng / BSc Industrial Engineering
- BEng / BSc Mechanical Engineering
- BEng / BSc Metallurgy Engineering
Important Note from Eskom
“Grade 11 year-end results with the above requirements will be considered, but final decision will depend on the 2025 matric results.”
This means learners currently in Grade 12 can apply early using Grade 11 results.
Why This Opportunity Matters
South Africa needs engineers now more than ever — to modernise energy systems, build infrastructure, support renewable energy transitions, and improve service delivery.
Eskom’s bursary programme is designed to:
- Address engineering skills shortages
- Empower young South Africans
- Create a skilled talent pipeline
- Support transformation in the engineering profession
- Offer world-class training and work exposure
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The process includes the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Certified ID copy
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
- Conditional acceptance letter from a public university
- Certified proof of home address
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Eskom bursary application form (if provided online)
Step 2: Visit the Eskom Careers Website below
Open the Bursary page Reference Number: 50907883NP.
Step 3: Fill in the Online Application
Ensure that all information is accurate and matches your documents.
Step 4: Upload All Required Documents
Missing documents = disqualification.
Step 5: Submit Before the Closing Date
Apply early — bursaries are highly competitive.
Step 6: Wait for Feedback
Applicants who do not receive communication within 28 days after the closing date should consider the application unsuccessful.
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Career Growth Path After Completing This Bursary
Eskom bursary recipients typically follow this pathway:
- Undergraduate Engineering Degree
Study at a top public university funded by Eskom.
- Vacation Work & Experiential Training
You may be placed at various Eskom sites, power stations, or engineering divisions.
- Graduate-in-Training (GIT) Programme
A structured programme that accelerates your early career development.
- Professional Registration Support
Eskom often supports engineers working towards ECSA registration.
- Permanent Employment Opportunities
While not guaranteed, many bursary recipients eventually become:
- Engineers in training
- Junior engineers
- Technologists
- Project engineers
- Maintenance engineers
- Control & instrumentation specialists
- Researchers and innovation engineers
A career with Eskom provides stability, growth, and opportunities across multiple engineering fields.
Edupstairs Advice to Help You Stand Out
To strengthen your application:
- Apply Early
Do not wait for your matric results — apply using Grade 11 marks if allowed.
- Make Sure Your Subjects Are Strong
Mathematics and Physical Science must be above average.
- Write a Strong Motivational Statement
Explain:
- Why engineering?
- Why Eskom?
- How will you contribute to the country?
- Attach All Proof of University Applications
Show that you are serious about studying engineering.
- Use a Clean, Professional CV
You can use the Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool to create a neat CV quickly.
- Triple-Check Your Application
One small mistake can lead to disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Does Eskom accept Grade 11 results?
Yes, but your final selection will depend on your 2025 matric results.
- Can I apply without a university acceptance letter?
No. Conditional acceptance to study engineering is required.
- Does Eskom fund students at private universities?
No. Only public universities are supported.
- Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
No. Applicants may not hold any other bursary or financial aid.
- Does the bursary guarantee a job at Eskom?
No, but bursary holders often enter the Graduate-in-Training programme.
CLOSING DATE: 28 NOVEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not an official Eskom representative.
We only share publicly available career opportunities for educational purposes.
Always confirm details on the official Eskom Careers Website before applying.
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