The Eskom Bursary 2026 is one of South Africa’s most sought-after corporate bursary programs, offered by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd through its main bursary scheme and the Eskom Foundation. It targets high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue scarce-skills and technical qualifications at recognized South African universities and universities of technology.
Eskom offers full-cost bursaries with a strong focus on engineering and science fields critical to the energy sector. Successful applicants receive comprehensive funding and are expected to complete vacation work at Eskom and, upon graduation, join the company on a graduate program (subject to performance and vacancies).https://bursariesopennow.co.za/
Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches
Quick Summary OF ESKOM BURSARY APPLICATION
| Bursary Name | Eskom Bursary 2026 (Eskom Foundation & Mainstream Bursaries) |
|---|---|
| Company / Organization | Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd & Eskom Foundation |
| Fields Covered | Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Accounting, Information Technology, and related technical disciplines |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens studying or intending to study at recognized SA universities / universities of technology |
| Closing Date | Applications typically close around 31 July 2026 (early applications strongly recommended) |
| How to Apply | Online only via Eskom bursary portal: www.eskom.co.za/bursaries or Eskom career site |
Who the Eskom Bursary is For
The Eskom bursary is primarily for:
- South African citizens
- Learners currently in Matric (Grade 12) or already studying at tertiary level
- Students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds (strong preference)
- High academic achievers with strong results in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English
- Individuals intending to study full-time at a recognized South African public university or university of technology in 2026
Fields of Study Covered By the Eskom Bursary
Eskom priorities scarce and critical skills aligned with South Africa’s energy needs. Funded fields for 2026 include:
Undergraduate
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy/ Light Current)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Accounting / Finance
- Information Technology
- Quantity Surveying
Postgraduate (limited)
- Honors, Master’s, and PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, and related technical disciplines
What the Eskom Bursary Covers
The Eskom bursary is full-cost and covers:
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- Accommodation (residence or private accredited allowance)
- Meals/incidental allowance
- Laptop allowance (once-off)
- Personal allowance
- Transport allowance (where applicable)
Successful students also receive paid vacation work opportunities at Eskom (compulsory) and potential permanent employment upon graduation (subject to performance and company needs).
Eligibility Requirements when applying for the Eskom Bursary
To qualify for the Eskom bursary 2026, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be studying or intending to study full-time in 2026 at a recognized South African public university or university of technology
- Meet the academic thresholds:
- Current Matric learners: Minimum 60–65% average in Math, Physical Science, and English (exact cut-off varies yearly)
- University students: Minimum 65% average in previous academic year
- Come from a historically disadvantaged background (preference given)
- Not be receiving other full-funding bursaries (partial bursaries may be topped up)
- Be willing to complete compulsory vacation work and potential employment with Eskom post-graduation
Required Documents When applying for the Eskom Bursary
When applying online, you will need to upload:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your latest academic results (Matric or tertiary transcripts)
- Proof of provisional university acceptance (if already obtained)
- Proof of household income (parents’ pay slip, affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or affidavit)
All documents must be certified and in PDF format.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Eskom Bursary
- Visit the official Eskom bursary portal: www.eskom.co.za/bursaries
- Click on “Apply Now” or “2026 Bursary Application”
- Register an account on the online portal
- Complete the application form with personal, academic, and financial details
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Monitor your application status on the portal or via email/SMS updates
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for assessments/interviews
Closing Date For the Eskom Bursary
The Eskom bursary 2026 application window typically closes on 31 July 2026. Early applications are strongly recommended as funding is limited and the process is highly competitive.http://www.eskom.co.za/bursaries
Selection Process
Eskom uses a multi-stage selection process:
- Online application screening (academic results, income, field of study)
- Psychometric assessments (online)
- Panel interviews (virtual or in-person)
- Medical examination and background checks
- Final offer and acceptance (subject to university acceptance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do Eskom bursary 2026 applications open? A: Applications usually open in January or February 2026.
Q: Does Eskom fund private universities? A: No – funding is only for public universities and universities of technology.
Q: Is the bursary a loan or a grant? A: It is a full bursary (no repayment required upon successful completion and employment with Eskom).
Q: Do I have to work for Eskom after graduation? A: Vacation work is compulsory. Permanent employment is offered but not guaranteed.
Q: Can NSFAS recipients apply for Eskom? A: Partial top-ups are sometimes allowed, but full duplication is not permitted.
Important Notes & Warnings
- Applications are online only – never pay anyone to apply.
- Use only the official website: www.eskom.co.za/bursaries
- Beware of fraudulent SMS/emails requesting banking details or fees.
- Incomplete or late applications are usually not considered.
- Successful applicants must maintain good academic performance (typically 65%+ average) to retain funding.