Eskom Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity utility, offers a bursary program aimed at developing the next generation of engineers and technical professionals to meet the country’s infrastructure and energy‑sector needs.

For the 2026 academic year, the programme remains active and has opened applications.

Eskom Bursary Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria depending on whether they apply for University (degree) or University of Technology (diploma) studies:

  1. Must be a South African citizen.
  2. For University (degree) applicants: Must be in Matric or have completed Matric, and must intend to study one of the approved engineering degrees (e.g., Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical (Heavy/Light Current), Electromechanical/Mechatronics, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgy) in 2026.
  3. Minimum Matric achievement for degree applicants: by past calls at least Level 4 for English, Level 5 for Pure Mathematics, and Level 5 for Physical Science.
  4. For University of Technology (diploma) applicants: similar citizenship and Matric criteria, must intend to study an approved engineering diploma programme, and minimum Matric achievements, such as Level 4 for English, Level 4 for Pure Mathematics, and Level 4 for Physical Science.
  5. Must have conditional acceptance or registration at a recognised South African public University or University of Technology.
  6. Must not already hold or be receiving another bursary for the same qualification (as indicated in some sources).
  7. Students with disabilities and historically disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply.

What does the Eskom Bursary Cover?

The bursary covers tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation fees, meal allowance, book allowance, and, in some cases, a laptop allowance (for University bursaries) for approved study.

The bursary is aligned with Eskom’s business needs in engineering and technical disciplines, so awardees may have employment or service obligations afterwards (see contract details on Eskom’s site).

Eskom Bursary Application Process

  1. Visit Eskom’s official bursary page for students and follow the link for the 2026 bursary applications.
  2. Choose the correct stream: University (degree) or University of Technology (diploma) and register your online application using the reference number provided (for 2026: University studies Ref 50907883NP; UoT studies Ref 50907752NP).
  3. Upload or attach the required supporting documents: certified ID copy; Matric certificate or recent results; proof of conditional acceptance at the institution.
  4. Submit your application before the closing date (see next section). Late or incomplete applications are typically disqualified.
  5. Shortlisted candidates may be notified within around 28 days after closing, and the final selection will depend on Matric final results and other criteria.

Eskom Bursary Closing Date

The closing date for the 2026 Eskom Bursary is 14 November 2025 (for both University and University of Technology streams).

Eskom Bursary Contact Details / Where to Apply

FAQs

1. What is the Eskom Bursary?
The Eskom Bursary is a funding programme by Eskom to support South African students in engineering and technical disciplines at universities or technikons/universities of technology.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens who are in Matric or have completed Matric, intend to study one of the approved engineering degrees or diplomas in 2026, meet the required Matric levels, have conditional acceptance at a tertiary institution, and are not already holding another bursary for the same qualification.
3. Which fields of study are accepted?
Fields include Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering (light & heavy current), Electromechanical/Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy Engineering (for degree stream); a subset of these for diploma stream.
4. What costs are covered by the bursary?
The bursary covers tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation fees, meal allowance, book allowance, and sometimes a laptop allowance for the University stream.
5. What is the application closing date for 2026?
The closing date for the 2026 intake is 14 November 2025.
Which documents do I need to submit?
You need a certified copy of your South African ID, your Matric certificate or latest results, proof of conditional acceptance at a university or university of technology, and any other documents specified in the online application.
7. Can I apply if I already hold a bursary?
No. The bursary requirements indicate you must not be in receipt of another bursary for the same qualification if applying for this Eskom bursary.
8. Are students with disabilities eligible?
Yes. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply and are considered among designated groups.
9. Will I have to work for Eskom after graduating?
Yes. Eskom’s bursary scheme includes a work‑back or employment obligation after graduation. Applicants should refer to the bursary contract on the Eskom site.
10. How will I know if my application was successful?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within about 28 days after the closing date. If you are not contacted within that time, you may consider your application unsuccessful. Final selection depends on Matric final results and other criteria.

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)