Element Six Bursary Requirements and Online Application

The Element Six bursary is a targeted financial-aid programme offered by Element Six in South Africa. 

It supports students who are pursuing engineering, science or commerce related fields, and aims to develop scarce technical skills aligned with the company’s advanced materials business. 

Element Six is a global leader in synthetic-diamond super-materials, part of the De Beers Group of Companies. 

The bursary program in South Africa provides financial support to students studying approved undergraduate degrees in engineering, physics and finance/commerce in order to build the pipeline of talent in technical and commercial disciplines.

Which fields of study are eligible?

Each year the bursary invites applications for specific fields; for recent cycles the eligible fields include:

1. Chemical Engineering (BEng or BSc)
2. Industrial Engineering (BEng/BSc)
3. Mechanical Engineering (BEng/BSc)
4. Metallurgical Engineering (BEng/BSc)
5. Electrical Engineering (BEng/BSc)
6. Electronic Engineering (BEng/BSc)
7. Physics (BSc)
8. Finance (BCom)

Applicants should verify the exact list of fields in the 2026 advert, as fields may be updated.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the 2026 bursary applicants must typically meet the following criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Have completed Matric (National Senior Certificate) or are in final year and intend to enrol full-time for an eligible qualification.
3. Be registered for or intending to register for a full-time recognised degree (BEng, BSc or BCom) at a South African university in one of the eligible fields.
4. Have a strong academic record (past cycles specified minimum averages).
5. Demonstrate interest in a career in engineering/science/commerce aligned with the bursary provider’s business.

What does the bursary cover?

The bursary covers various costs to assist recipients with their study. According to recent listings:

1. Full cover for tuition fees in many cases.
2. Partial cover for study materials, books.
3. Accommodation support (depending on eligibility) in some cases.
4. Monthly stipend may also be included for some recipients.
   Applicants must check the 2026 bursary advert for exact coverage and obligations.

How to apply 

Here is the typical application process:

1. When the call for bursaries opens, visit the Element Six careers or bursary page to download the application or see instructions.
2. Prepare required supporting documents, which may include: certified copy of ID, Matric certificate or results, tertiary academic record (if already studying), proof of registration/acceptance at university, full CV, motivation letter.
3. Submit your application by email or online by the closing date. Ensure you use the relevant subject line (for example “Element Six Bursary 2026”).
4. Keep copies of your submission and check communications for any updates or shortlist notification.

What the selection committee will consider

Selection will be based on several factors:

1. Whether you meet all eligibility criteria (citizenship, study field, registration).
2. Your academic performance and potential to succeed in the chosen qualification.
3. Relevance of your chosen field of study to the bursary provider’s technical or commercial business areas.
4. Completeness and professionalism of your application dossier (documents, CV, motivation).
5. Commitment to the field (engineering/science/commerce) and possibly willingness to take internship/industry exposure.

Closing Date

For the 2025 bursary cycle, the closing date was listed as 06 December 2024.

For the 2026 intake, applicants should check the official advert for the exact deadline, apply ahead of time and ensure all documents are submitted early.