Group Five Bursary Requirements and Online Application
The Group Five Bursary was once one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available in the South African construction and engineering sectors.
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Group Five was a leading infrastructure, construction, and services group, and its bursary was highly sought after.
It is critical for students to know that the Group Five Bursary is permanently discontinued.
The company entered business rescue in 2019 and was ultimately liquidated in 2021.
Since Group Five no longer operates as a legal entity, the bursary programme does not exist and will not open for the 2026 academic period.
Students looking for funding in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, and related fields must redirect their applications.
We strongly recommend seeking bursaries from other active large South African construction firms, such as Aveng, Murray & Roberts, and Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO).
Group Five Bursary Eligibility Requirements
When the Group Five Bursary was operational, it looked for candidates with a strong commitment to the construction industry.
The requirements were strict and focused primarily on academic achievement.
- Must hold South African citizenship or valid permanent residency.
- Must be accepted or currently registered for full-time undergraduate studies at a South African university or university of technology.
- The field of study must align with Group Five’s core business needs.
- Must have achieved a minimum 65% academic average in Matric, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Must be able to commit to the company’s mandatory vacation work programme.
- Must be willing to sign a contract agreeing to the service obligation upon graduation.
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary provided support for qualifications that were essential for the company’s construction, manufacturing, and engineering divisions.
- Civil Engineering.
- Quantity Surveying.
- Construction Management (or Building Science).
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
What the Group Five Bursary Provided
The Group Five Bursary was renowned for offering comprehensive funding, covering all necessary educational costs.
- Full Tuition Fees.
- Accommodation and Meal Fees.
- An Allowance for prescribed textbooks and study materials.
- A Cash Stipend for monthly living expenses.
In addition to financial aid, bursars were integrated into the company environment.
They were given access to mentorship from senior engineers and professionals.
The mandatory vacation work provided crucial practical exposure to active large-scale construction projects.
Group Five Bursary Application Process
The application process for Group Five was formal and required a detailed submission.
This typically involved applying directly to the company’s Human Resources department.
- Download the Official Form: The application form was usually made available via the Group Five careers website when the programme was open.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the form clearly and ensure all sections related to academic history and personal details are complete.
- Gather and Certify Documents: Ensure all copies of supporting documents are recently certified.
- Write a Motivational Letter: The letter needed to express the applicant’s commitment to the construction industry and highlight their leadership potential.
- Submission: The complete application pack was usually submitted via email to a specific HR or Training mailbox, or sometimes delivered by post.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates were often required to attend an interview at the Head Office in Johannesburg.
Mandatory Documents
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate or Statement of Results.
- Latest full tertiary academic record (if already studying).
- Proof of registration or acceptance letter from a university.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- The formal Motivational Letter.
Group Five Bursary Closing Date
This bursary is discontinued, and there is no 2026 closing date.
Group Five Bursary Contact Details
FAQs
The bursary is permanently closed because the company, Group Five, was liquidated in 2021 and no longer operates. All company programs, including the bursary, ceased operations.
Students should focus on bursaries from other major construction firms like Aveng, WBHO, and Murray & Roberts. Also check the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) website.
No. The bursary focused on undergraduate studies. It aimed to support students pursuing Degrees in fields like Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying.
Recipients usually had to work for the company for a period equal to the number of years they received financial assistance. For a four-year degree, this meant four years of employment.
Yes. Participation in the company’s vacation work programme during university holidays was a compulsory part of the bursary agreement. This was essential for gaining practical experience.
The requirements were high. Students needed an average of at least 65% in Matric, with strong results, typically 70% or more, in both Mathematics and Physical Science.
It was a comprehensive award covering all tuition fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed books, and often included a monthly living allowance or stipend.
Yes. Shortlisted candidates, particularly those in the final stages, were typically called in for a formal interview with the Human Resources and Engineering departments.
The primary focus was on university degree programmes. While some specialised technical diplomas may have been considered, the main emphasis was on the Bachelor of Science in Engineering qualifications.
No. Submitting applications to former Group Five email addresses will be fruitless. The company is liquidated, and those inboxes are no longer monitored. Focus on current active bursaries.
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