Key facts
- Status
- Applications closed Closed 18 November 2025
- Provider
- Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape
- Study level
- Postgraduate
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
The 2026 round closed on 18 November 2025 and the 2025 round on 29 November 2024.
VerifiedNo open round · the last round we could find closed on 18 November 2025 Expect it in October 2026 with a closing date in mid to late November 2026 . Latest update ↓
The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) funds Master’s and doctoral research in automotive engineering and manufacturing at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, the centre of South Africa’s motor industry. The money flows through two channels: a departmental bursary run by the Department of Mechatronics and the Advanced Mechatronics Technology Centre, and the AIDC-EC Chair in Automotive Engineering launched in 2023. Bursars work on industry problems with the Eastern Cape’s vehicle and component manufacturers.
About the NMU AIDC Postgraduate Bursary
- Chair bursary: R150 000 a year, for one year of Master’s study or two years of doctoral study, in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering and operations management, with preference for automotive project titles.
- Departmental bursary: financial assistance towards tuition fees, with possible contributions to research costs and a living allowance, for Master’s and doctoral research in automotive engineering and manufacturing.
- Bursars are expected to focus on industry-related problems and work closely with automotive partners in the Eastern Cape.
NMU AIDC Bursary eligibility requirements
- South African citizen, eligible to register at Nelson Mandela University.
- Master’s applicants: a BEng, BTech or other NQF level 8 qualification in electronics, electrical, mechanical, industrial or mechatronics engineering, with experience in electromechanical, mechanical and electronic systems design.
- Doctoral applicants: an MSc, MEng or MTech in one of those fields.
- Knowledge of programming, modelling, statistics and experimental design, and strong writing and presentation skills.
- Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to apply for the NMU AIDC Bursary
- Watch the NMU Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology pages and the AIDC-EC website for the 2027 advert from October 2026.
- Prepare a detailed CV and a covering letter that addresses each selection criterion. For the Chair bursary, add a certified ID, academic record, certified qualifications, proof of registration, a proposed dissertation title and a reference letter from your prospective supervisor.
- Email the application to the contact named in the advert (the 2026 departmental advert used Prof Khaled Abou-El-Hossein at khaled.abou-el-hossein@mandela.ac.za; the Chair bursary used Martin Sanne and Roshin Petersen) with the subject line “NMU / AIDC Bursary 2027”.
NMU AIDC Bursary closing date
The last confirmed closing dates were 18 November 2025 and 29 November 2024. Expect mid to late November 2026 for 2027.
Contact details
- Department of Mechatronics, NMU: khaled.abou-el-hossein@mandela.ac.za
- AIDC-EC Chair in Automotive Engineering: 041 504 3067
- Website: www.mandela.ac.za
Engineering postgraduates should also see our mechatronics engineering bursaries list, the Nelson Mandela University bursaries page and the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship.
FAQs
1. When does the NMU AIDC bursary close for 2027? +
The 2026 round closed on 18 November 2025 and the 2025 round on 29 November 2024, so expect the 2027 call in October 2026 with a closing date in mid to late November 2026.
2. Who funds it? +
The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), a provincial agency supporting the motor industry, together with the Department of Mechatronics and the Advanced Mechatronics Technology Centre at Nelson Mandela University, and through the AIDC-EC Chair in Automotive Engineering launched in 2023.
3. Which fields? +
Master's and doctoral research in automotive engineering and manufacturing, for graduates in mechatronics, mechanical, electrical, electronics or industrial engineering and operations management.
4. How much is it? +
The Chair bursary paid R150 000 a year, for one year of Master's study or two years of a doctorate. The departmental bursary covers tuition and may contribute to research costs and a living allowance.
5. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens with a BEng or BTech (for Master's) or an MSc, MEng or MTech (for doctoral) in a relevant engineering field, eligible to register at NMU, with programming, modelling, statistics and experimental design skills and strong writing ability. Candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged.
6. How do I apply? +
Email a detailed CV and a covering letter addressing the selection criteria to the contact named in the advert, with the subject line 'NMU / AIDC Bursary 2027', before the closing date.
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 round closed on 18 November 2025 and the 2025 round on 29 November 2024. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked. Expect it in October 2026 with a closing date in mid to late November 2026. The details below are from the last two adverts.
This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.
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