The Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme is accepting applications from eligible South African matriculants who plan to begin their first year of tertiary education in 2027. The programme supports young people who are interested in engineering and want to develop skills that could contribute to South Africa’s energy sector.
Applications close on 22 September 2026. The opportunity is intended specifically for current Grade 12 learners and applicants who completed matric in 2025 but have not yet started tertiary studies.
Applicants can choose from nine eligible diploma and Bachelor of Engineering Technology study options. However, Advanced Diploma applications will not be considered. See section 8 below to apply.
Table of Contents
1. Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme Overview
The Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme provides an opportunity for qualifying students to pursue selected engineering qualifications at a University of Technology.
The programme is aimed at developing skills in disciplines that are relevant to electricity generation, infrastructure, technology, water supply and the broader engineering sector.
The main bursary details are:
- Programme: Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme
- Intake year: 2027
- Reference number: eskom_bur_006320
- Application status: Online
- Industry: Electricity, Energy and Water Supply
- Applicant category: Matriculants, graduates and applicants with no experience
- Employment equity position: No
- Closing date: 22 September 2026
Although the listed job category mentions graduates, the programme introduction states that this particular opportunity is intended for current matriculants or people who matriculated in 2025 and will begin first-year studies in 2027.
2. Who May Apply for the 2027 Intake?
Applicants must meet the programme’s citizenship, education and funding conditions.
To be considered, an applicant must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be completing Grade 12 in 2026 or have completed matric in 2025
- Intend to begin first-year tertiary studies in 2027
- Have Grade 11 final results or a Grade 12 certificate
- Meet the minimum subject requirements
- Plan to study one of the listed engineering qualifications
- Not hold another bursary
This opportunity is not intended for students applying for an Advanced Diploma. Applicants should check the exact title and level of their chosen qualification before applying.
The requirement that applicants must not hold another bursary is important. Candidates should disclose their funding status honestly when completing the online application.
3. Nine Engineering Qualifications Supported
The Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme covers applications for the following nine fields of study:
1. Electrical Engineering: Heavy Current
Heavy-current electrical engineering focuses on electrical power systems, machines, transmission and distribution. It may suit students interested in large-scale electricity infrastructure.
2. Electrical Engineering: Light Current
Light-current engineering generally involves electronics, communication systems, control systems and lower-power electrical applications.
3. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering covers machinery, manufacturing, energy systems, maintenance and the design of mechanical equipment.
4. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering focuses on infrastructure such as buildings, roads, foundations, water systems and other constructed facilities.
5. Data Engineering
Data engineering involves collecting, organising and managing data so that it can be used effectively by organisations and technology systems.
6. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering applies scientific and engineering principles to industrial processes, materials, energy production and chemical systems.
7. Measurement Control and Instrumentation
This field deals with instruments and systems used to measure, monitor and control industrial processes.
8. BEng Tech in Electrical Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering develops practical and technical knowledge relating to electrical systems and technologies.
9. BEng Tech in Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering focuses on improving systems, processes, productivity, resource use and operational efficiency.
Applicants should research each qualification carefully instead of selecting a programme based only on its name. The subjects, practical work and career paths can differ considerably.
4. Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must submit either their final Grade 11 results or their Grade 12 certificate.
The minimum high school subject requirements are:
- English: Level 4
- Pure Mathematics: Level 4
- Physical Science: Level 4
Level 4 generally represents an achievement of 50% to 59% in the National Senior Certificate system.
Mathematical Literacy is not listed as an accepted alternative to Pure Mathematics. Applicants should therefore confirm that their school results show Pure Mathematics.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements allows a candidate to apply, but it does not guarantee that the bursary will be awarded. Selection may depend on the number and quality of applications received, final matric results and the complete assessment process.
5. University Acceptance Requirements
Applicants may provide conditional acceptance from a University of Technology to study one of the approved qualifications if it is available when they apply.
A conditional acceptance letter means that the institution may admit the student if certain outstanding conditions are met. For a current matriculant, final admission may depend on the learner’s 2026 Grade 12 results.
Applicants should make separate applications to suitable Universities of Technology. Applying for the Eskom bursary does not automatically count as an application for admission to a tertiary institution.
Students should also check whether their selected university uses slightly different names for the approved qualifications. When uncertain, they should confirm the programme’s level and content with the institution and Eskom.
6. Important Conditions Applicants Should Understand
Current Grade 12 learners may apply using their final Grade 11 results if they meet the required subject levels. However, the final bursary decision will depend on their 2026 matric results.
Applicants may also be asked to complete a psychometric assessment. This type of assessment may evaluate abilities, reasoning, interests or other characteristics relevant to the selection process.
Candidates should complete any assessment independently and follow all instructions carefully. Being invited to an assessment should not be interpreted as a final bursary award.
Eskom also states that it is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. Preference may be given to applicants from under-represented designated groups in line with the organisation’s employment equity goals. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Eskom reserves the right not to award or fill opportunities as advertised.
7. Documents to Prepare
Although the provided notice does not list every upload required by the online system, applicants should prepare clear digital copies of documents commonly needed for a bursary application.
These may include:
- A South African identity document
- Final Grade 11 results or a Grade 12 certificate
- An updated CV, if requested
- Proof of application to a University of Technology
- A conditional acceptance letter, if available
- Any additional documents requested on the official application page
Applicants should rely on the document list shown on Eskom’s official application portal when completing the form.
Files should be readable, correctly named and uploaded in the required format. Candidates must not alter their academic results or submit misleading information.
You May Also Be Interested In: The Eskom Non-Technical Degree Bursary Programme for 2027
8. How to Submit an Application
Applications for the Eskom Engineering Diploma Bursary Programme must be completed online.
Eskom Official Bursary Application Portal
Applicants should:
- Click on Eskom’s official bursary application platform above.
- Confirm the bursary with reference eskom_bur_006320
- Read all eligibility and application instructions.
- Click on the “Apply” button located at the beginning or end of the post.
- Create an account or sign in if required.
- Complete every compulsory section of the application.
- Upload the requested supporting documents.
- Check that all information is correct.
- Submit the application by 22 September 2026.
- Save the confirmation or reference provided after submission.
Applicants should use only an official Eskom recruitment platform or a link published through an official Eskom channel. They should never pay a person who claims to guarantee a bursary.
9. What Happens After Applying?
Applications will be reviewed according to the programme’s requirements and selection criteria. Some candidates may be contacted for further information or a psychometric assessment.
The bursary notice states that applicants who are not contacted within 28 days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Candidates should ensure that their telephone number and email address are correct and regularly monitored. They should also check their spam or junk email folders for possible application correspondence.
The advert does not specify which study expenses will be covered. Applicants should not assume that tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals or allowances are included unless these items are confirmed in official bursary terms provided by Eskom.
10. Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm that:
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are currently in matric or completed matric in 2025.
- You will start first-year tertiary studies in 2027.
- You have at least Level 4 in English.
- You have at least Level 4 in Pure Mathematics.
- You have at least Level 4 in Physical Science.
- Your intended qualification appears on the approved list.
- You are not applying for an Advanced Diploma.
- You do not currently hold another bursary.
- Your supporting documents are complete and readable.
- You used reference number eskom_bur_006320.
- You submitted your application by 22 September 2026.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can current Grade 12 learners apply?
Yes. Current matriculants may apply using their final Grade 11 results. However, the final decision will depend on their 2026 matric results.
Can someone who completed matric in 2025 apply?
Yes, provided the applicant will begin first-year tertiary studies in 2027 and meets all the other requirements.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
The listed requirement is Pure Mathematics at Level 4. Mathematical Literacy is not stated as an accepted substitute.
Can students who already have another bursary apply?
No. Applicants should not be holding another bursary.
Are Advanced Diploma programmes included?
No. The notice specifically states that applications for Advanced Diploma qualifications will not be considered.
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