Applications for the Eskom bursary 2027 programme are open, and the deadline is close: 22 September 2026. If you are writing matric this year, or already studying, this is one of the largest fully funded bursary schemes in South Africa and it is worth applying before the window shuts.
The programme runs in three streams — Engineering Degree, Engineering Diploma and Non-Technical Degree — with separate listings for Grade 12 applicants and for students already at university. All are live on Eskom’s own careers portal.
Eskom Bursary 2027: Key Details
- Closing date: 22 September 2026
- Bursary reference (Grade 12 engineering): eskom_bur_006224
- Status: Online and accepting applications
- Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
- Who can apply: Matriculants and current first or second year university students
- Where to apply: Eskom careers portal (link below)
Minimum Requirements
Eskom lists the following minimum requirements for the Engineering Degree bursary for Grade 12 applicants:
- You must be a South African citizen
- Grade 11 final results or a Grade 12 Certificate
- Conditional acceptance to study engineering in a specified discipline at a public university, if available
- You must not already hold another bursary
Subject requirements
The selection criteria set minimum National Senior Certificate levels:
- English — Level 4
- Pure Mathematics — Level 5
- Physical Science — Level 5
Note that Pure Mathematics is specified. Mathematical Literacy does not meet this requirement.
Which Degrees Are Funded
Eskom is offering university bursary opportunities within its Engineering Department for the following qualifications:
- BEng/BSc Industrial Engineering
- BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering (Heavy current)
- BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering (Light current)
- BEng/BSc Electrical & Computer Engineering
- BEng/BSc Electronic Engineering
- BEng/BSc Mechanical Engineering
- BEng/BSc Mechatronics Engineering
- BEng/BSc Civil Engineering
- BEng/BSc Data Engineering
- BEng/BSc Chemical Engineering
- BEng/BSc Electro Mechanical Engineering
- BEng/BSc Metallurgy Engineering
- BEng/BSc Software Engineering
- BEng/BSc Measurement Control and Instrumentation
- BEng/BSc Renewable Energy Engineering
Important: Eskom states plainly that applications for BEng Tech qualifications will not be considered. Check the exact name of the qualification you have been accepted for before applying.
Other Streams in the Eskom Bursary 2027 Programme
Alongside the Grade 12 engineering listing, Eskom has separate listings on the same portal for:
- Engineering Degree Bursary — Current Degree Students (2027 intake), reference eskom_bur_006319, for first and second year university students in engineering disciplines
- Non-Technical Degree Bursary — Grade 12 Applicants (2027 intake), reference eskom_bur_006226
Apply for the listing that matches your situation. Each is a separate application.
How to Apply for the Eskom Bursary 2027
- Go to the Eskom careers bursaries page.
- Find the listing that matches your stream and whether you are a matriculant or a current student.
- Create a profile on the portal. You will need an email address, a password and your South African ID number.
- Upload your supporting documents as clear scans — ID, latest results, and proof of conditional university acceptance where you have it.
- Submit before 22 September 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
What Happens Next
Shortlisted candidates are contacted within 28 days of the closing date. If you have not heard from Eskom in that time, treat the application as unsuccessful. Final selection also depends on your matric final results, so your November marks still matter.
Apply Elsewhere Too
Bursaries are competitive and one application is rarely enough. Other schemes currently open for the 2027 academic year include StudyTrust, which covers several funders in one application, and the IDC External Bursary for STEM, Commerce and Law — both closing around 30 September 2026 — and ISFAP for “missing middle” households, closing 31 October 2026.
NSFAS and Funza Lushaka for 2027 are not yet open. At the time of writing, NSFAS still shows the 2026 cycle and Funza Lushaka’s last advertised round was for 2026. Both are expected to open later in 2026, so prepare your documents now and check the official sites rather than relying on unofficial announcements.
A Word on Bursary Scams
No legitimate bursary charges an application fee. Eskom’s application is free and is made only through its official careers portal. If someone asks you to pay to apply, to “reserve a place” or to have your application processed, it is a scam. See our Career Advice section for more, and browse current openings on our Jobs page.
Details on this page were taken from Eskom’s official careers portal on 14 September 2026. Always confirm against the official listing before applying. We are not the funder and do not receive or process applications.