Do you want to study engineering at a South African university but you’re worried about the cost? Eskom, the country’s biggest electricity company, has a chance for you. They’re offering the Eskom Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary is a scholarship that will help pay for your tuition if you’re about to start a university or university‑of‑technology degree in any of the approved engineering fields. The application deadline is 14 November 2025.
Eskom Bursary Programme 2026 – What It Is
Eskom is the national electricity provider and they want to make sure South Africa has a steady supply of engineers who know how to design, build and maintain the country’s energy network and related infrastructure. Every year they give out scholarships to help students who show promise in engineering. For 2026 they will award 138 bursaries: 79 for university degree studies (bachelor’s level) and 59 for university‑of‑technology diploma studies.
What You’ll Need to Study
University (Bachelor’s) Courses
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current
- Electrical Engineering – Light Current
- Electromechanical / Mechatronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy Engineering
University‑of‑Technology Courses
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current
- Electrical Engineering – Light Current
- Mechanical Engineering
Who Can Apply
Only South African citizens qualify. You must either still be in high school (matric) or have finished it. Your high‑school grades need to meet the minimum set by Eskom. For university degree applicants:
- English – Level 4
- Pure Mathematics – Level 5
- Physical Science – Level 5
For university‑of‑technology diploma applicants the minimum is:
- English – Level 4
- Pure Mathematics – Level 4
- Physical Science – Level 4
Beyond those grades you must have a conditional offer from a public South African university or university‑of‑technology (written on official letterhead). You also cannot receive any other bursary at the same time. Eskom will give special consideration to students from under‑represented groups and they welcome applications from students with disabilities.
Documents You Need to Upload
All documents must be clear, certified copies if possible, and you should attach them when you submit your application online. The required papers are:
- South African ID document
- Grade 11 final results, plus the latest results if you’re still in matric
- Matric certificate if you have already finished school
- A copy of the conditional offer letter from your chosen university or university‑of‑technology
If any of these documents are missing you could be disqualified.
How the Selection Works
After the closing date, the jury will review all applications. Shortlist holders will hear from Eskom within 28 days. Final winners are chosen based on their final matric results. If you don’t get any contact in that time frame, your application was not successful.
How to Apply Online
Everything is done on Eskom’s official bursary website. There are two separate links, one for university degree studies and one for university‑of‑technology diploma studies. To make it easier you can copy the names below and paste them into a new browser tab.
Apply for Eskom Bursary 2026 – University Studies (Reference 50907883NP)
Apply for Eskom Bursary 2026 – University of Technology Studies (Reference 50907752NP)
Important Date
Make sure you submit everything by 14 November 2025. Applications received after that will not be considered.