If you dream of becoming an Electronic/Electrical Engineer or Metallurgical Engineer, but financial challenges stand in the way, the Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Programme 2026 could be your chance to turn that dream into a reality. This bursary is designed for high-potential first-year and second-year BEng students at approved universities across South Africa — and it goes far beyond just funding tuition.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- 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 programme doesn’t only pay for your studies; it invests in your future career. Through financial support, structured industry exposure, and potential employment opportunities after graduation, the Isaac Joffe Fellowship gives young South Africans the chance to enter the engineering world fully prepared.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Bursary Name | Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Funding Type | External Funded Bursary |
| Study Level | Undergraduate (1st & 2nd Year BEng) |
| Fields of Study | Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering |
| Study Location | University of Pretoria & other approved SA universities |
| Sponsor | Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd |
| Faculty | Engineering, Built Environment & IT |
| Financial Support Covers | Tuition, registration, residence/meals or living allowance, books, personal allowance, once-off computer allowance |
| Application Email | IJF2026@capegate.co.za |
| Closing Date | 09 January 2026 |
| Shortlisting Notification | From 31 January 2026 |
About the Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary is administered by Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd, a respected South African company known for manufacturing high-quality steel and wire products used across Africa and globally.
Cape Gate values:
- Engineering excellence
- Skills development
- Youth empowerment
- Innovation in manufacturing
The company’s long-term strategy includes investing in young engineering students who will one day lead in technical roles, production environments, plant operations, metallurgical processes, and technologically-advanced engineering functions.
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship demonstrates the company’s commitment to:
- Supporting academically strong students with financial need
- Developing scarce engineering skills in South Africa
- Creating opportunities for future employment
This bursary is not just financial aid — it is a pipeline to a stable engineering career.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Engineering is one of South Africa’s most in-demand fields, especially in sectors such as:
- Steel manufacturing
- Mining
- Energy
- Industrial production
- Infrastructure development
- Metallurgy and materials science
However, studying engineering is expensive, and many talented young people are unable to continue due to financial pressure.
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship helps close this gap by offering:
- Full financial support
- Industry exposure through paid vacation work
- A possible job after graduation
- A structured, supportive learning pathway
For students who are serious about engineering and committed to academic excellence, this bursary can completely transform their future.
What the Bursary Covers
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship is a full-coverage bursary, offering one of the most comprehensive funding packages available.
Financial support includes:
- Full registration and tuition fees
Your entire academic year is covered — no stress about outstanding fees.
- Accommodation fees (including meals)
If you choose residence, your meals are included.
- Living out allowance
If staying privately, you receive a generous allowance.
- Book allowance
Covers prescribed textbooks and learning materials.
- Personal allowance
For day-to-day needs while studying.
- Once-off computer allowance
This helps bursars obtain a laptop suitable for engineering studies.
This level of support ensures that selected students can study with full focus and minimal financial stress.
Bursary Allocation Criteria
This programme is competitive, and applicants will be evaluated on the following:
- Academic Excellence
You must demonstrate outstanding Grade 12 results (for first-year applicants) or exceptional performance in your first year (for second-year applicants).
- Financial Need
This bursary focuses on students who are not currently funded by any bursary, scholarship, or NSFAS.
Only non-funded applicants will be considered.
- Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a selection interview to assess suitability, passion for engineering, and long-term potential.
Conditions & Obligations
Before applying, students must understand the expectations attached to this bursary:
- Full-time studies only
Funding is strictly for full-time engineering programmes in 2026.
- Compulsory paid vacation work
You will work at Cape Gate during:
- December
- January
This is a key opportunity to gain practical engineering experience.
- Annual renewal based on performance
Funding continues year-to-year, provided your academic results remain strong.
- Possible work-back contract
Cape Gate may require bursars to work for the company for a period equal to the years funded — at market-related salaries.
If you refuse, you will need to repay all bursary funds + interest.
Requirements to Apply
You must meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizen
- Accepted or studying toward BEng Electronic, Electrical, or Metallurgical Engineering
- First or Second Year level in 2026
- Outstanding academic record
- Financial need (no current funding)
- Willingness to work for Cape Gate during vacations and potentially after graduation
How to Apply
To apply, follow these steps:
- Request the official application form
Email: IJF2026@capegate.co.za
Subject Line Example: Request for Isaac Joffe Fellowship Application Form 2026
- Complete the form carefully
Ensure accuracy and honesty — incomplete forms are often disqualified.
- Attach all required documents
(Standard required documents include ID copy, proof of results, etc., depending on the form)
- Submit your application
Send the completed form to: IJF2026@capegate.co.za
Deadline: 09 January 2026
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified (from 31 January 2026)
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- 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
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- 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
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you’re passionate about engineering and looking for a full-support bursary with real industry exposure, this is one of the best opportunities in South Africa. Make sure you:
- Apply early
- Attach all documents
- Prepare for the interview
- Highlight your academic strengths
- Explain your financial need clearly
- Show passion for engineering and innovation
This is more than funding — it’s an opportunity to build a long-term engineering career.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Once accepted into this programme, your engineering journey can follow exciting and well-paid career avenues.
Electronic / Electrical Engineering career paths:
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Control & Instrumentation Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Manufacturing Plant Engineer
Metallurgical Engineering career paths:
- Metallurgical Process Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Quality Control Engineer
- Manufacturing Metallurgist
- Mining & Mineral Processing Engineer
- Failure Analysis Specialist
- Casting & Heat Treatment Engineer
With industry experience gained during vacation work and a strong corporate connection through Cape Gate, bursars are positioned to become top candidates for engineering roles across South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Does the bursary cover everything?
Yes — tuition, residence or living allowance, books, personal allowance, and a once-off computer allowance.
- Can NSFAS-funded students apply?
No. Only non-funded students will be considered.
- Does the bursary guarantee a job?
Not guaranteed — but the company may require you to work for them after graduating. This is decided at Cape Gate’s discretion.
- Is vacation work compulsory?
Yes. It is a key part of the bursary.
- Do applicants need to attend interviews?
Yes. Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
- When will applicants be notified?
From 31 January 2026.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimers
- Edupstairs does not accept applications on behalf of the organisation.
- We only share verified opportunities to assist youth in making informed career decisions.
- Always apply directly to the official email provided.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive feedback.
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