Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, offering comprehensive financial and developmental support to qualifying South African university students.
This is an important opportunity for students pursuing qualifications in Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Digital Marketing, Business Administration and related fields.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
Unlike bursaries aimed at learners leaving Matric and entering university for the first time, the VWGA Bursary Programme 2027 is aimed at continuing undergraduate students who will be registered as full-time second-, third- or fourth-year students in 2027.
The bursary is particularly comprehensive because financial support is accompanied by vacation work, mentoring, development opportunities, additional study support and a laptop for study purposes.
Students interested in applying should first make sure that they meet the official eligibility requirements and that their qualification falls within one of VWGA’s approved fields.
Quick Overview: VWGA Bursary Programme 2027
| Information | Details |
| Bursary Provider | Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) |
| Programme | 2027 VWGA Bursary – Full-Time Students |
| Academic Year | 2027 |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible Years in 2027 | 2nd to 4th year |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Citizenship | South African-born citizens |
| Institution | DHET/CHE-accredited tertiary institution in South Africa |
| Minimum Grade 12 Average | 70% |
| Minimum Tertiary Average | 65% |
| Master’s/Doctoral Students | Not eligible |
| Applications | Open |
| Closing Date | 28 September 2026 at 12 midday |
| Application Method | Online |
| Funding Year | 2027 |
About the Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary Programme
Volkswagen Group Africa says the bursary programme forms part of its commitment to addressing skills shortages in South Africa while supporting the skills development of young people.
A limited number of comprehensive bursaries are being made available to qualifying candidates studying towards qualifications at formal accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa.
For students who are still investigating their university options, the Edupstairs University Explorer can be used to explore South African universities, undergraduate programmes, APS requirements, application information and student funding resources.
Students can also use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research careers and South African qualifications before deciding which academic and career pathway best fits their goals.
What Does the VWGA Bursary Cover?
The VWGA bursary provides much more than assistance with tuition fees.
According to the official bursary information, successful students can receive support covering:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books and stationery
- Vacation work
- Mentoring and development
- Additional study support where considered appropriate
- A laptop provided for study purposes
This combination of financial assistance, workplace exposure and developmental support makes the programme particularly valuable for students who want to build careers in industries relevant to Volkswagen Group Africa.
Important: There Is a Work-Back Obligation
Applicants need to understand that receiving the VWGA bursary comes with obligations.
Successful applicants will be required to sign an agreement with Volkswagen Group Africa setting out the bursar’s obligations.
This includes a work-back employment period with VWGA.
Students should therefore read the final bursary agreement carefully before accepting an award.
Successful applicants will also be required to provide their latest final academic transcript and proof of registration for 2027.
VWGA further states that an applicant or bursary recipient who is later found not to be studying full-time or to have paid employment may have their bursary offer or contract terminated and may be required to repay benefits already received.
Who Can Apply for the VWGA Bursary 2027?
The official requirements are important because this bursary is not open to every university student.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African-born citizen
- Be registered as a full-time student
- Be entering second, third or fourth year in 2027
- Study at a DHET/CHE-accredited tertiary institution
- Be studying towards one of the approved fields
- Meet the required academic performance standards
Postgraduate Students
The opportunity is not open to Master’s or Doctoral students.
Applicants should therefore carefully check their study level before completing the application.
Academic Requirements
VWGA has specified minimum academic performance requirements.
Grade 12
Applicants must have achieved: A Bachelor’s Pass with a minimum average of 70%.
University/Tertiary Studies
Applicants must have achieved: A minimum tertiary average of 65%.
Meeting these minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee a bursary.
Depending on the stage of the application process, candidates may be required to undergo:
- Screening
- Shortlisting
- Interviews
- Psychometric assessments
VWGA also states that preference will be given to applicants from Designated Groups, in accordance with the company’s Transformation objectives and Employment Equity Plan.
Fields of Study Funded by the VWGA Bursary
One of the strongest features of the Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary Programme is the range of qualifications considered.
Engineering
VWGA includes:
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Engineering students can use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate engineering occupations, qualifications, NQF information and potential career pathways.
Students interested in engineering should also explore the Edupstairs University Explorer to compare university programmes and admission information.
Digital Marketing
Students pursuing Digital Marketing may also be considered.
Digital marketing increasingly combines traditional marketing knowledge with analytics, online advertising, content, customer insights and digital technology.
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to investigate marketing-related careers and qualifications.
Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations
VWGA also lists qualifications in:
- Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain
- Production Management
- Operations Management
These fields are particularly relevant within automotive manufacturing, where procurement, production, logistics, warehousing and supply-chain management form major parts of the overall operation.
Students can also explore the Edupstairs SETA Platform to understand how South Africa’s 21 SETAs connect industries with skills programmes, learnerships, apprenticeships, qualifications, bursaries and workplace development opportunities.
Information Technology, Computer Science and Data Science
VWGA’s 2027 bursary has a particularly strong technology component.
Eligible study areas include:
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- BSc Data Science
- BSc Computer Science with a Data Science major
- BCom Informatics with Data Analytics
- BSc Statistics and Computer Science
- BSc Mathematical Systems
- BSc Informatics
- BCom Business Analysis
- BSc Information Technology with Business Security
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Networks)
- BSc Computer Networks
- BSc Information Networking
- Cyber Security specialisation
- Information Technology with Systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
Students considering these careers should explore the ICT and Digital career pathways available through the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer.
You can also use the Edupstairs SETA Platform to investigate ICT-related qualifications, skills programmes and other training pathways associated with South Africa’s SETA system.
Finance and Accounting
VWGA also accepts students pursuing:
- Finance
- BCom Finance
- Bachelor of Accounting Science
Students can use the Career & Qualification Explorer to research careers such as Accountant and other finance-related occupations.
Economics, International Relations and Business Administration
Additional eligible fields include:
- BCom Economics
- International Relations
- Business Administration
Because qualification titles can differ between universities, applicants should compare the exact qualification they are registered for with the official VWGA bursary requirements.
Check Your Qualification Before Applying
Do not apply simply because your degree sounds similar to one of the qualifications listed above.
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research South African qualifications, NQF levels and possible career connections.
The platform brings together thousands of South African qualification records and more than 1,500 OFO careers, making it useful for students trying to understand how their qualification connects to the labour market.
You can also read the Edupstairs guide on how to search SAQA qualifications, NQF levels, diplomas, degrees and career pathways for 2027.
Always confirm your final qualification and institutional information with the relevant university and official authorities.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare their documentation before beginning the online application.
VWGA lists the following documents for applicants:
All Applicants
- Certified copy of a valid South African identity document
- Motivation letter explaining why you would like to participate in the VWGA Bursary Programme
- Recent certified copy of parent/guardian South African ID or death certificate, where applicable
- Comprehensive CV
- Completed online application form
Certified documents must be less than three months old.
Where multiple documents are required for a single submission, applicants may need to combine or scan them into one file for uploading.
Current Undergraduate Students
Students who have already been studying at tertiary level should also prepare:
- Certified full tertiary academic records covering all years of tertiary study
- Certified latest/June 2026 official academic transcript or official institutional report
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- 2026 official university fee statement
- Lease agreement where applicable for off-campus accommodation
- Certified copy of 2026 proof of registration
Applicants should follow the exact instructions on the application portal where alternative documentation, such as an affidavit, is permitted in specific circumstances.
Optional Documents Where Applicable
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, VWGA may also request:
- Existing bursary or NSFAS agreement, letter or offer
- Relevant disability documentation
- Department of Employment and Labour EEA1 form where applicable
- Diagnosis letter from a doctor where applicable
- 2027 university acceptance letter, including provisional acceptance
Do not upload unnecessary documentation simply because it appears in this article. Follow the categories and instructions on the official VWGA application portal.
What Happens If You Are Shortlisted?
Applicants who progress to provisional acceptance may need to provide:
- Certified Matric certificate
- Certified latest official academic transcript
- 2027 proof of registration
There is an important financial planning issue here.
VWGA states that the bursary will only be awarded after the successful applicant has registered.
Provisionally successful students should therefore make arrangements for the initial registration process rather than assuming that the bursary will necessarily pay registration costs before registration takes place.
How to Apply for the VWGA Bursary Programme 2027
Applications are completed online through the official Volkswagen Group Africa bursary application platform.
Apply for the Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary Programme 2027
The application portal also allows candidates to continue an existing application and track a completed application.
Before submitting:
- Check that you meet the year-of-study requirement.
- Confirm that your qualification is included.
- Calculate your current academic average.
- Prepare all certified documentation.
- Prepare your motivation letter.
- Check that uploaded documents are clear and readable.
- Verify your email address and telephone number.
- Review every section before final submission.
- Keep a copy or record of your application.
Closing Date
Applications close on: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 12 midday.
Applicants should take particular note of the 12 midday cut-off and should not assume that applications remain open until midnight.
Already Applied for the VWGA Bursary Before?
Students who previously applied for VWGA bursary funding should not assume that their previous application automatically carries over.
VWGA states that anyone who applied in 2026 will need to apply again for the 2027 opportunity.
University Students: Explore Your Study Options on Edupstairs
The VWGA bursary is aimed at students studying through accredited tertiary institutions.
The Edupstairs University Explorer allows students to explore South African universities, courses, admission requirements, APS information, funding guidance and application resources.
This can be particularly useful if you are researching the relationship between your current qualification and future postgraduate, professional or career opportunities.
What About TVET College Students?
The advertised VWGA opportunity is targeted at qualifying university-level undergraduate students in the specified fields.
TVET College students should therefore not automatically assume that this particular bursary applies to their programme.
However, students interested in automotive, electrical, mechanical, engineering and artisan careers can use the Edupstairs TVET College Explorer to explore all 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa, including programmes, campuses, entry requirements, application resources and NSFAS guidance.
Students planning for 2027 can also consult the TVET College Applications for 2027 guide covering all 50 public colleges.
For apprenticeships, occupational qualifications, learnerships and industry-linked skills development, use the Edupstairs SETA Platform.
Which SETA Is Relevant to Volkswagen and Automotive Careers?
Students interested in automotive manufacturing should also understand the role of South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authorities.
The Edupstairs SETA Platform brings all 21 SETAs into one platform and allows users to explore more than 1,000 programme records across different industries and NQF levels.
For a broader introduction, read the Edupstairs guide to the 21 SETAs in South Africa and their learnerships, bursaries, apprenticeships and skills programmes.
This is particularly useful for students who want to understand alternative routes into engineering, manufacturing, automotive, ICT, business and technical careers.
Latest Bursaries on Edupstairs
Do not stop searching for funding after submitting one bursary application.
Students should consider applying for several bursaries for which they genuinely meet the requirements.
Here are other bursary opportunities recently published or currently relevant on Edupstairs:
Eskom Engineering Degree Bursary Programme 2027
This opportunity targets current Matric learners and qualifying 2025 Matriculants who intend beginning first-year university engineering studies in 2027. Supported fields include Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Software, Data and Renewable Energy Engineering, among others.
Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Bursary Applications 2027
This bursary targets qualifying undergraduate students pursuing Archives and Records Management and Library and Information Science studies in Gauteng.
Standard Bank Group Bursary Programme 2027
The Standard Bank bursary supports qualifying students in fields including commerce, engineering, technology, data science, agriculture and mathematics.
Santam Bursary Programme 2027
Students studying Actuarial Science, Data Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Agriculture, Finance, Economics, Mathematics and Risk Management should investigate this opportunity.
National Department of Agriculture Bursary Programme 2027
This programme supports qualifying students pursuing selected agriculture, food science, veterinary, animal science and related qualifications.
CISCO Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
This opportunity is particularly relevant to students pursuing Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Information Technology qualifications.
Sappi Undergraduate Engineering Bursary Programme 2027
Students pursuing selected engineering and forestry-related qualifications can also investigate the Sappi bursary opportunity.
Bookmark the Edupstairs Bursaries section and continue checking for new 2027 funding opportunities as they are announced.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice
The Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary Programme should be particularly attractive to students who want more than financial assistance.
Vacation work, mentoring, development support and the work-back component mean that this bursary has a direct relationship with future workplace development.
That makes your choice of qualification important.
Do not apply merely because your degree contains a word such as “Engineering”, “IT” or “Business”.
Compare the exact title of your qualification with VWGA’s approved fields.
Use the Career & Qualification Explorer to understand the career pathway connected to your studies, the University Explorer to investigate university programmes, and the SETA Platform to explore industry-linked skills development opportunities.
Most importantly, do not rely on one bursary application.
If you meet the requirements for VWGA, Eskom, Santam, Standard Bank, Sappi, CISCO or another bursary, consider submitting multiple well-prepared applications.
One eligible application gives you one opportunity.
Several carefully targeted applications can significantly broaden your funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary applications open for 2027?
Yes. Applications for the 2027 VWGA Full-Time Students Bursary are currently open.
-
When does the VWGA Bursary 2027 close?
Applications close on Monday, 28 September 2026 at 12 midday.
-
Can a Grade 12 learner apply?
The advertised 2027 opportunity requires registration as a full-time second- to fourth-year student. It should therefore not be treated as a general first-year bursary for current Matric learners.
-
Can first-year university students apply?
A student who is currently in first year in 2026 and will progress to second year in 2027 may potentially meet the year-of-study requirement, subject to all the other eligibility criteria.
-
What university average do I need?
VWGA requires a minimum tertiary average of 65%.
-
What Matric average is required?
Applicants require a Bachelor’s Pass with a minimum Grade 12 average of 70%.
-
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The published benefits include accommodation.
-
Does Volkswagen pay tuition fees?
The bursary includes registration and tuition fees.
-
Does the bursary provide a laptop?
Yes. VWGA states that a laptop is provided for study purposes.
-
Are books covered?
Yes. Books and stationery are included.
-
Is there vacation work?
Yes. Vacation work forms part of the bursary support.
-
Does the VWGA bursary have a work-back requirement?
Yes. Successful applicants must sign an agreement containing their bursary obligations, including a work-back employment period at VWGA.
-
Can Master’s students apply?
No. The advertised programme excludes Master’s and Doctoral students.
-
Are Computer Science students eligible?
Yes, provided the student’s qualification meets one of VWGA’s specified eligible study fields and the applicant satisfies the other requirements.
-
Does VWGA fund Data Science?
Yes. Data Science and several data-related, IT, Computer Science and Informatics study areas are included.
-
Does VWGA fund engineering students?
Yes. Eligible fields include Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical and Industrial Engineering.
-
Can accounting students apply?
Yes. Bachelor of Accounting Science is among the listed fields, alongside Finance/BCom Finance.
-
Can I apply if I applied previously?
Yes, but you must submit a new application for the 2027 opportunity. Previous applicants are required to apply again.
-
Where can I research careers connected to the funded qualifications?
Use the Edupstairs Career & Qualification Explorer to research South African careers and qualifications.
-
Where can I compare university programmes?
Use the Edupstairs University Explorer to explore university programmes, APS requirements, applications and funding information.
Closing Date: 28 September 2026 at 12 midday
Because the deadline is at midday rather than midnight, applicants should submit well in advance.
Apply Here
Apply Online for the Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should rely on the official VWGA bursary portal for the final eligibility requirements, documentation instructions and application process.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not Volkswagen Group Africa and does not administer or award the VWGA Bursary Programme.
This article has been prepared to help South African students understand the published bursary opportunity. Requirements, selection processes, funding arrangements and other conditions remain subject to Volkswagen Group Africa’s official bursary terms.
Applicants should verify all information through the official application platform before submitting an application.
Never pay anyone who claims they can secure, accelerate or guarantee a Volkswagen bursary.
Editorial Integrity
Edupstairs independently researches and explains education, employment, bursary, learnership, internship and skills-development opportunities to help South Africans make informed decisions.
Official eligibility criteria have been distinguished from Edupstairs guidance wherever necessary. Where Volkswagen Group Africa has not specified a requirement, Edupstairs does not present assumptions as official criteria.
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