BMW Bursary 2026 Requirement & Application Guide

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is a German multinational corporation that is well known for its luxury vehicles and motorcycles.

Founded in 1916, BMW has established itself as a global leader in automotive innovation and design.

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their products, as evidenced by their investment in developing future talent through the BMW Bursary program.

About the BMW Bursary

BMW South Africa is part of the global BMW Group, a renowned leader in automotive innovation. 

In South Africa, BMW offers bursaries through its “SpeedUp” programme to nurture future professionals in sectors aligned with its operations.

Fields of Study Funded

The BMW SpeedUp Bursary supports full-time undergraduate students studying one of the following at a recognized South African university:

• Industrial Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Benefits for Recipients

• Covers tuition, registration, prescribed textbooks, examination fees, and accommodation
• Offers paid vocational work experience, exposure to individual projects, and interaction with BMW staff
• Opportunities to join the BMW SA Graduate Programme after graduation

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

• South African citizen
• Completed Matric
• Registered full-time in your second to final year of study in a qualifying field
• Minimum academic average of 70% across relevant subjects
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

How to Apply

1. Applications are submitted online via the official BMW South Africa Student Funding portal.
2. You must first create a user account, complete your profile, and upload the required documents:
   • Certified ID copy
   • Certified Matric certificate
   • Full tertiary academic transcripts
   • A compelling motivational letter
   • A professional Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Required Documents

Submit clear, certified copies of:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate or latest results
• Academic transcripts from university
• Motivation letter explaining your suitability
• Curriculum Vitae

Closing Date

BMW has not officially confirmed the 2026 closing date. 

In previous years, application windows have run from August through November, with some sources citing 1 November as the closing date. 

You must check BMW’s official bursary portal regularly and submit your application well before the confirmed deadline.

Contact Details

For queries regarding the bursary:

• Email: careers.bmwza@bmw.co.za
• Tel: 0800 600 555