Inqubeko Training Academy Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Inqubeko Training Academy is a Johannesburg-based skills development company that builds talent pipelines for South African employers. Companies in mining, manufacturing and the motor industry fund its programmes from their skills development and B-BBEE budgets, and Inqubeko takes learners from primary school STEM foundations through high school, tertiary bursaries and mentorship into junior management roles.

Inqubeko’s programmes

  • Rising Leaders primary school foundations: STEM readiness and teacher training in partner primary schools.
  • High school leadership development: mathematics and science support through Inqubeko’s app and workshops, career exploration and soft skills for Grade 10 to 12 learners.
  • Tertiary bursary administration: Inqubeko manages university and college bursaries funded by sponsors for learners who come through its school programmes.
  • Bridge mentorship and coaching: support for bursars during study and into their first jobs.
  • Fast-track managerial programme: leadership training for graduates entering sponsor companies.

The 2023 Future of Manufacturing Bursary

The last open round, funded by Inqubeko’s shareholders for the automotive industry, ran from 27 May to 30 November 2023. It offered Matric learners:

  • A mobile device loaded with the Inqubeko mathematics and science app, with more than 3 000 exercises per grade, video explanations and digital tutoring.
  • In-person workshops to prepare for the Grade 12 examinations.
  • Character development and communication skills training, and mentorship by corporate leaders.
  • An accredited short course in workplace management, and the chance to progress to a two-year automotive manufacturing programme.

Eligibility requirements in the last round

  • South African citizen living near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • In Matric, or recently completed Matric.
  • At least 60% in Mathematics and in Physical or Technical Science in the latest results.
  • Self-motivated and interested in a manufacturing career.

How applications were made

Applicants downloaded the form, completed it and emailed it with a certified ID and their most recent results to training@inqubeko.com with the subject line “Inqubeko Training Academy Bursary”. If a public round opens again it will be advertised on Inqubeko’s website and Facebook page.

Closing date

The last confirmed closing date was 7 May 2023. No 2027 closing date exists.

Contact details

Matric learners with strong maths and science should apply directly to the employers on our engineering bursaries list, most of which close between September and November 2026.

FAQs

1. Is the Inqubeko bursary open for 2027? +
There is no open public call. The only publicly advertised round was the 2023 Future of Manufacturing bursary, which closed on 7 May 2023. Since 2025 Inqubeko has run its programmes on behalf of sponsoring companies, which select learners from partner schools. Email bursaries@inqubeko.com to ask whether a public application exists.
2. What is Inqubeko? +
A Johannesburg training academy that runs STEM and leadership programmes from primary school to first job, funded by companies' skills development and B-BBEE budgets. Its programmes include primary school foundations, a high school leadership programme, bursary administration, mentorship and a fast-track managerial programme.
3. What did the 2023 bursary offer? +
A four-month programme for Matric learners near Durban with at least 60% in Mathematics and Science, giving them a mobile device with Inqubeko's maths and science app, exam workshops, mentorship by corporate leaders, an accredited short course and the chance to progress to a two-year automotive programme.
4. How were applications made? +
By emailing the completed form, a certified ID and recent results to training@inqubeko.com with the subject line 'Inqubeko Training Academy Bursary'.
5. Does Inqubeko fund university study? +
It administers tertiary bursaries on behalf of sponsoring companies for learners who come through its school programmes, rather than running an open university bursary.
6. Who do I contact? +
011 568 5419, training@inqubeko.com or bursaries@inqubeko.com.
Update note (checked September 2026): the only publicly advertised bursary round was the 2023 Future of Manufacturing bursary for Matric learners near Durban, which closed on 7 May 2023. Since then Inqubeko has run its programmes for sponsoring companies, which select learners through partner schools rather than open applications. There is no public 2027 call. Learners and parents should contact Inqubeko to ask which schools and companies are participating.

🎓 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)
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