Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd (MTN South Africa)

MTN South Africa is one of the country’s largest telecommunications companies, providing mobile network, data and digital services to more than 30 million customers in South Africa, according to a provider record checked in August 2026. MTN South Africa is part of the Johannesburg-based MTN Group, which operates across Africa and the Middle East.

Registered name

Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd (MTN South Africa)

Type

Private company (telecommunications, MTN Group subsidiary)

Fields funded

Technology, engineering and commerce fields, varying by year

Website

mtn.co.za

Email

MTNBursaries@mtn.co.za

From 1994 to a continental group

MTN launched in South Africa in 1994, the year of the country’s first democratic elections, as one of the first two mobile networks alongside Vodacom. MTN Group later expanded into markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon, becoming one of Africa’s largest mobile operators. MTN Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and its fintech business, MoMo, offers mobile money services in many of its markets.

Why MTN funds students

Running networks and digital platforms for tens of millions of customers requires a steady stream of engineers, computer scientists and technology specialists. MTN frames its bursary programme as part of a broader push to build local digital skills, support economic growth and develop young leaders in telecommunications.

The bursary also feeds MTN’s Global Graduate Development Programme, which sources and develops top graduates from across Africa and the Middle East. Because MTN’s needs shift with the business, the funded fields change from year to year, though accounting, computer science and software development have featured consistently. MTN bursars are generally expected to work back a period equal to the years MTN funded, and MTN invests in mentorship, leadership training and internships during their studies.

Conflicting dates online

BursariesAfrica found no official MTN bursary call for 2027, and dates on other websites conflict. MTN’s South African about page returned a “not found” message when BursariesAfrica checked on 15 September 2026, so this profile relies on the provider record, our earlier guide and widely reported company history.

How to verify an MTN bursary

Check the careers section of MTN’s official website and email MTN’s bursary address before relying on any date. Fake MTN bursaries and job offers circulate on WhatsApp and social media, sometimes asking for airtime or fees; MTN never charges applicants. Ask your university’s careers office whether MTN recruits on campus, since graduate programmes often run through campus visits.

Students interested in telecommunications should also apply to other network and technology companies rather than waiting for one call.

See the Vodacom Bursary Programme and our ICT bursaries list.