Illovo Sugar Bursary Requirements and Online Application

Illovo Sugar South Africa (Pty) Ltd is one of the largest sugar producers on the African continent. 

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As part of its commitment to developing skills and supporting local communities, Illovo Sugar has historically offered a limited number of comprehensive bursaries. 

These bursaries are focused on specific, critical engineering fields that are essential for the sugar manufacturing industry.

The Illovo Sugar Bursary programme is usually announced and opened annually, typically toward the end of the year. 

However, the most recent official application period found through public searches was for the 2023 academic year, closing in late 

Eligibility Requirements for the Illovo Sugar Bursary

The bursary targets high-performing South African students who are committed to a career in the engineering sector relevant to the sugar industry.

  1. You must be a South African citizen and reside within the country.
  2. You must have successfully completed your Matric certificate.
  3. You must be registered or provisionally accepted to study at an accredited and recognised South African University or University of Technology.
  4. You must be studying towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the company’s specified fields of study.
  5. You must be in your first or second year of undergraduate study at the time of application.
  6. You must have a strong academic record, maintaining a good average in your studies.
  7. You must not be receiving any other bursary award, grant, or NSFAS funding for the same academic period.
  8. Preference is often given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and those from communities surrounding Illovo SA operations.

Fields of Study Supported

The Illovo Sugar Bursary programme traditionally focuses on technical qualifications directly related to its operations.

  1. Chemical Engineering
  2. Electrical Engineering (both heavy and light current)
  3. Industrial Engineering
  4. Mechanical Engineering

Illovo Sugar Bursary Coverage and Value

The Illovo Sugar Bursary is a comprehensive award designed to cover the full cost of study.

This means selected students can focus completely on their academics without worrying about funding.

The bursary typically provides full coverage for the following expenses:

  1. Registration fees charged by the university
  2. Tuition fees for the academic year.
  3. Examination fees.
  4. Prescribed textbooks and required study materials
  5. Meals and accommodation at a university residence or approved external housing.

Application Process for the Illovo Sugar Bursary

The application process is usually conducted online via a dedicated portal managed by the company or its bursary administrator. 

Follow these steps carefully when the 2026 applications officially open.

  1. Monitor the Official Website: Regularly check the Illovo Sugar careers or opportunities section for the official 2026 bursary advertisement and link.
  2. Prepare Certified Documents: Gather all supporting documents and ensure they are certified copies, dated not older than three months. Required documents usually include your ID, Matric certificate, and university academic record 
  3. Access the Online Portal: Once applications open, click on the official application link. You will typically be required to register a user account before you can log in.
  4. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all sections of the application form accurately and truthfully. Do not leave any mandatory fields blank.
  5. Upload Supporting Documents: Scan and upload the clear, certified copies of all required documents to the online system as instructed.
  6. Submit: Once you have double-checked all information and uploads, submit your application before the closing time.

Illovo Sugar Bursary Contact Details

For all enquiries regarding the Illovo Sugar Bursary Programme, once the window is open, applicants are usually directed to contact the third-party administrator, Fundi.

Illovo Sugar Bursary Closing Date

The official closing date for the Illovo Sugar Bursary for the 2026 academic year is To Be Confirmed.

FAQs

1. Is the Illovo Sugar Bursary open for 2026 applications yet? +
The official application announcement for the 2026 academic year has not been widely released yet. Students must monitor the official Illovo Sugar website for the opening date. The latest public intake was for the 2023 academic year.
2. Which academic years are eligible to apply for this bursary? +
The bursary is typically awarded to students who are currently in their first or second year of undergraduate studies. Matriculants who are not yet registered at a university are generally not considered.
3. Which fields of study does the bursary cover? +
The bursary focuses on critical engineering fields such as Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (heavy and light current), Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
4. Does the Illovo Sugar Bursary provide full funding? +
Yes. The bursary is generally comprehensive, covering tuition, registration fees, examination fees, prescribed books, meals, and accommodation.
5. What is the main condition regarding other funding? +
A major condition is that you must not be a recipient of any other full bursary, including NSFAS funding, for the same academic period.
6. How are applications usually submitted? +
Applications are submitted online via a dedicated application portal. Email or hard-copy applications are typically not accepted.
7. Is there a work-back obligation after graduation? +
As this is a company bursary focused on industry skills, successful applicants are generally required to enter into a service contract to work for Illovo Sugar for a period equal to the duration of the bursary.
8. What is the typical closing date for this bursary? +
The typical closing date falls around the end of November of the year preceding the study period. For the 2026 academic year, this is likely to be late November 2026.
9. What is required for proof of registration? +
You must provide a certified copy of your full academic record or transcript and proof of registration at a recognised South African university or university of technology.
10. Is preference given to students from specific areas? +
Yes. Preference is usually given to students who come from the communities that surround Illovo Sugar’s South African operations.

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