If you’ve been waiting for a real opportunity to fund your studies in 2026, this is your sign. The Shell Bursary Programme 2026 is officially open, and it is targeting bright South African learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study STEM qualifications (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
- 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 bursary is not just about paying fees — it’s about unlocking your future and giving you a fair chance to build a career in a world that is powered by skills, innovation, and education.
In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about the Shell Bursary Programme 2026, including who qualifies, what documents to submit, how to apply, and what your next steps should be to avoid missing the closing date.
Quick Overview
Bursary Name: Shell Bursary Programme 2026
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Who Can Apply: South African citizens starting first year in 2026
Study Level: First-year students (2026 intake)
Study Fields: STEM-related courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Institution: Must have applied to a mainstream public university or TVET college (NOT private)
Minimum Marks Required:
- At least 75% overall average in Matric
- 75% or more in Pure Maths, Physical Science, and English
How to Apply: Email your application
Application Email: shellbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
Who Can Apply?
According to the bursary poster, here is exactly who qualifies for the Shell Bursary Programme 2026:
1) You must be a South African citizen
This bursary is specifically for South African applicants.
2) You must have passed Matric with strong results
You must have:
- At least 75% overall average
- 75% or more in:
- Pure Mathematics
- Physical Science
- English
This requirement shows that the bursary is highly academic and competitive. If you meet it, you should absolutely apply — even if you feel unsure. Let the selection team decide.
3) You must come from a disadvantaged background
The bursary is designed for learners who need real support. If financial background has been a barrier for you, this bursary is meant to help level the playing field.
4) You should be starting your first year in 2026
This opportunity is for students entering first-year studies in 2026.
5) You must have applied at a mainstream institution (not private)
You must have applied to:
- A recognised public university, OR
- A TVET college in South Africa
Private institutions are not accepted for this bursary.
6) Your course must be STEM-related
Your qualification must be focused on STEM:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
If your course is strongly linked to these fields, you should apply.
What to Submit (Documents Required)
One of the biggest reasons students get rejected is not because they don’t qualify — but because their documents are incomplete or unclear.
Shell requires the following:
- Certified copy of your ID
Make sure it’s clearly scanned and not cut off.
- Your latest Grade 12 results (and Matric certificate once confirmed)
If you are still waiting for your final Matric certificate, submit your most recent official results as instructed.
- Acceptance letter from a recognised mainstream university (not private)
This is very important.
It must show you have been accepted (or provisionally accepted) at a public institution.
- Motivation letter
Your motivation letter matters a lot. It’s your opportunity to explain:
- Where you come from
- What you want to study and why
- Why you deserve support
- What you plan to do after graduating
A strong motivation letter can help you stand out even when many applicants have similar marks.
How to Apply
The bursary application is done via email.
Step-by-step application process:
- Prepare your documents
- ID (certified)
- Grade 12 results / matric certificate
- Acceptance letter
- Motivation letter
- Scan everything clearly
Use PDF format if possible. - Name your files properly
Example:- ID_NhlanhlaMkhwanazi.pdf
- MatricResults_ NhlanhlaMkhwanazi.pdf
- AcceptanceLetter_ NhlanhlaMkhwanazi.pdf
- MotivationLetter_ NhlanhlaMkhwanazi.pdf
- Email your application
Send to: shellbursary@ttibursaries.co.za - Apply before the deadline
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Do not wait for the last day, because email delays and document issues can cost you the opportunity.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- 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
Tips to Make Your Application Stronger
Even if you meet the requirements, it’s still competitive — so here are simple ways to improve your chances:
1) Make sure your motivation letter sounds real
Don’t write a robotic “I am writing to apply…” letter only. Speak like a real person. Let them feel your story, your determination, and your goals.
2) Mention your STEM passion clearly
Explain why you chose your course and how it connects to solving problems in South Africa.
3) Show future impact
Organisations love to fund people who want to give back, build communities, and make a difference.
4) Keep your documents neat
A messy application looks careless, even if you are smart.
5) Use a professional email subject line
Example subject line:
Shell Bursary Programme 2026 Application – [Your Full Name]
Edupstairs Advice (Important!)
If you qualify, apply immediately. Don’t delay. Many students lose bursary opportunities because they think they have time, or they underestimate how many people are applying.
Here is our advice to applicants:
- Apply even if you feel “not perfect” – if you meet requirements, submit.
- Write your motivation letter like a winner – confident but humble.
- Don’t submit blurry documents – it can disqualify you.
- Use a professional email address – avoid funny usernames.
- Keep proof – save your sent email and attachments.
- Keep applying to multiple bursaries – don’t rely on only one.
Funding is out there — but only for students who keep trying and stay organised.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Winning a bursary like this can be the start of something massive.
Here’s a realistic career growth path after completing your STEM studies:
Stage 1: First-year to final-year student
- Build academic results
- Learn professional skills (communication, teamwork)
- Develop computer skills and problem-solving confidence
Stage 2: Vacation work / internships
Depending on opportunities you find, you can apply for:
- Student internships
- Vacation work programmes
- Work-integrated learning placements
Stage 3: Graduate programmes
Once you graduate, you can apply for:
- Graduate internships
- Engineering-in-training roles
- Junior developer roles
- Entry-level technician roles
- Data analyst internships
Stage 4: Mid-level career opportunities
With experience, you can grow into:
- Project engineer
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Energy specialist
- Process engineer
Stage 5: Leadership and specialist roles
In the long term, STEM careers can lead to:
- Senior engineer
- Technical manager
- Head of department
- Innovation specialist
- Research lead
In short: if you’re serious about building a high-income, high-impact career, STEM is one of the strongest paths to take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Can I apply if I got 70% average in Matric?
Based on the advert, you need at least 75% average and 75% in Pure Maths, Physical Science and English. If you don’t meet that, you may not qualify for this bursary.
2) Can I apply if I did Maths Literacy?
No. The bursary clearly requires Pure Maths, not Maths Literacy.
3) Can I apply if I’m studying at a private college?
No. The advert says mainstream university (not private) or TVET college.
4) Is this bursary for returning students?
It is aimed at students starting first year in 2026, so returning students may not qualify.
5) What courses are accepted?
Any course that is STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Examples include engineering, IT, computer science, data science, and other STEM programmes depending on the institution.
6) Do I need an acceptance letter before applying?
Yes — one of the required documents is an acceptance letter from a recognised institution.
7) How do I submit my application?
You must email your documents to: shellbursary@ttibursaries.co.za
8) What is the closing date?
The closing date is: 30 January 2026.
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
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Disclaimers
- Edupstairs is not affiliated with Shell or the bursary administrators.
- This article is published for educational and informational purposes.
- Applicants must always confirm details directly using the official application email address provided.
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding, as bursaries are competitive and limited.
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