GAST Global

GAST is a South African engineering, construction and specialist materials group headquartered in Pretoria. GAST began in 1961 as a chemicals business making waterproofing compounds and industrial coatings, and the company grew under the Gast family, including Dr Kevin Gast, who became chairman in 1983.

Registered name

GAST Global

Type

Private company (engineering, construction and specialist materials)

Fields funded

Engineering and construction management

Website

gastglobal.com

About this page’s research

GAST’s South African web page returned a not-found error when BursariesAfrica researched this profile on 15 September 2026. This page relies on a provider record checked in August 2026 and on BursariesAfrica’s earlier guide to the GAST bursary, so readers should confirm details with GAST.

From waterproofing to geosynthetics

GAST has grown from chemical waterproofing into a diversified international business. GAST now works in geosynthetics, meaning geomembranes, geotextiles, geogrids and clay liners, as well as waterproofing, civil engineering, construction, mining support products and lagoon systems for water and wastewater.

GAST holds patents that include an early dam-lining and soil plasticisation technology developed in the early 1980s. According to the provider record, GAST has completed more than 13 000 projects and operates in more than 30 countries, with much of its work in water, sanitation, mining, agriculture and civil construction.

The GAST bursary

The GAST Global bursary has supported full-time undergraduate study in engineering and construction management fields, aiming to develop skills for GAST’s infrastructure work, according to BursariesAfrica’s earlier guide. Our guide has not been refreshed with 2027 dates.

How to research GAST before applying

Contact GAST’s Pretoria head office and ask whether a bursary will run for 2027, which engineering disciplines qualify and whether bursars gain site experience on lining or waterproofing projects. Civil and chemical engineering students have the most natural connection to GAST’s work.

Learn what geosynthetics do before an interview. Liners that stop mine waste or sewage from leaking into soil and groundwater protect the environment, and a student who can explain that shows genuine interest.

GAST’s long list of completed projects includes mining and agricultural work in rural areas, so engineering students from farming or mining regions may find GAST’s projects familiar. Ask GAST whether bursars can gain experience on projects outside Gauteng, and whether GAST’s international operations offer placements abroad.

Civil and chemical engineering students interested in lining and waterproofing work can find more funders on our Construction Bursaries page.