Transnet Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 6 October 2025
Provider: Transnet
Field of study: Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science
Study level: Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2026 round closed on 6 October 2025.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

No open round · the last round we could find closed on 6 October 2025 Transnet advertises in August or September through its careers portal, so expect a closing date in late September or early October 2026. Latest update ↓

Transnet, the state-owned ports, rail and pipelines company, runs one of the largest bursary programmes in the country. It funds engineering and commercial students in full and takes them into its graduate and experiential training programmes, with a work-back obligation that gives bursars a job on graduation.

About the Transnet Bursary

The bursary covers tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and experiential training, and is renewed each year on academic performance. Two streams are offered:

Engineering (BSc or BEng): electronic, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering, and metallurgy.
Specialist commercial (degree or national diploma): accounting science, computer science, data science, environmental science, geographic information systems and information systems.

Bursars may be required to do vacation work in June and July or December and January, and after graduating they serve Transnet for a period equal to the years funded, subject to vacancies.

Transnet Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen under 25.
In Matric, or have completed Matric.
At least level 5 (60%) in English and in the subjects relevant to the field: Mathematics and Physical Science for engineering, and the relevant subjects for commercial fields.
Studying, or accepted, for full-time undergraduate study at a recognised South African institution.
A top-performing student with strong communication, computer, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Preference for designated employment equity groups; students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to apply for the Transnet Bursary

Watch the careers section of transnet.net for the 2027 bursary advert and open the online application.
Complete the form and upload certified copies of: your ID; your Matric results or certificate; your academic records if already studying; proof of registration or acceptance; and a CV. Incomplete applications are not considered.
Submit before the closing date. Shortlisted applicants complete assessments and interviews before awards are confirmed.

Transnet Bursary closing date

The 2026 round closed on 6 October 2025. Expect the 2027 round to close in late September or early October 2026.

Contact details

Transnet bursary office: 011 584 1194
Email: bursaries@transnet.net
Website: www.transnet.net

Transnet also runs work-integrated learning placements for diploma students who need practical hours. Engineering students should apply to Eskom, Sasol and the funders on our engineering bursaries list as well.

FAQs

1. When does the Transnet bursary close for 2027? +

The 2026 round closed on 6 October 2025. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked; Transnet advertises in August or September, so expect a closing date in late September or early October 2026 on the Transnet careers portal.

2. Which fields are funded? +

Engineering: electronic, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering and metallurgy (BSc or BEng). Commercial: accounting science, computer science, data science, environmental science, geographic information systems and information systems (degree or national diploma).

3. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens under 25, in Matric or with Matric, with at least level 5 (60%) in English and the subjects relevant to the field, such as Mathematics and Physical Science for engineering, studying or accepted for full-time undergraduate study at a recognised institution. Preference goes to designated employment equity groups and students with disabilities.

4. What does it cover? +

Tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and experiential training, renewable each year on results, with vacation work during university holidays.

5. Is there a work-back? +

Yes. Bursars serve Transnet after graduating for a period equal to the years funded, subject to vacancies.

6. How do I apply? +

Online through the Transnet careers portal, uploading the completed form, a certified ID, Matric results or certificate, academic records, proof of registration and a CV. Queries go to bursaries@transnet.net or 011 584 1194.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 round closed on 6 October 2025. The 2027 call had not been published when we checked. Transnet advertises in August or September through its careers portal, so expect a closing date in late September or early October 2026. The details below are from the 2026 advert.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About Transnet

State-owned company (freight rail, ports and pipelines)

Transnet SOC Ltd, the state-owned freight and logistics company, runs South Africa's freight rail network, its major commercial ports and its fuel pipelines. Transnet's head office stands at 96 Rissik Street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Registered nameTransnet SOC LtdTypeState-owned…

Read the full Transnet profile →

Address: Carlton Centre, 150 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, 2001
Phone: +27 11 308 3000
Website: transnet.net