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The SEIFSA Bursary is a financial assistance program provided by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) for full-time undergraduate engineering students in South Africa. It covers tuition fees only for fields such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Metallurgical Engineering at recognized universities or universities of technology.
Quick Summary of SEIFSA Bursary
| Bursary Name | SEIFSA Bursary |
|---|---|
| Company / Organisation | Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) |
| Fields Covered | Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and other related Engineering courses |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens 35 years or younger who are studying (or have been accepted to study) full-time at a recognised University or University of Technology |
| Closing Date | Not officially specified for 2026 (previous round closed 30 November 2024) |
| How to Apply | Email completed application form + documents to bursaryapplications@seifsa.co.za (when open) |
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
SEIFSA Bursary Overview
The SEIFSA Bursary is a great chance for young South Africans who want to build a career in the steel and engineering industry. SEIFSA (Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa) is the main employer organisation for the metal and engineering sector. They have been helping the industry grow for over 80 years.
Every year SEIFSA gives bursaries to full-time students who are studying engineering degrees or diplomas that the industry needs. The bursary pays for tuition fees only so students can focus on their studies without worrying about university fees. It is not a full-cost bursary – students must pay for their own books, accommodation, food and transport.
The goal is to create more skilled engineers who can work in factories, mines, construction and manufacturing. If you are a hard-working student with good marks in Maths and Science and you want to study engineering, this bursary can help you reach your dream. Many past recipients have gone on to great jobs in the sector.
Who the SEIFSA Bursary is For
This bursary is for South African citizens who are 35 years old or younger. It is aimed at students who are serious about a career in engineering and the metal industry.
You can apply if you are still in Matric or have already finished Matric and been accepted (or are already studying) at university or a University of Technology. Preference is given to students who are children or dependents of employees who work for companies that are members of SEIFSA. But anyone who meets the rules can apply. The bursary is open to students from any province in South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered by SEIFSA Bursary
The SEIFSA Bursary only covers these engineering fields (at undergraduate level):
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Any other closely related Engineering course
You must study full-time towards a degree (BEng/BSc) at a University or a National Diploma at a University of Technology. No funding is given for other courses or part-time studies.
What the SEIFSA Bursary Covers
The bursary pays tuition fees only. The money is paid straight to your university or University of Technology.
You are responsible for all other costs such as:
- Books and stationery
- Accommodation and meals
- Transport
- Any other living expenses
This means the bursary helps lower your study costs but does not cover everything.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet ALL of these requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be 35 years old or younger
- Be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Have a minimum overall average of 70% in Matric
- Have strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science
- Be studying (or have provisional acceptance) full-time in one of the approved engineering fields
- Study at a recognised and accredited South African University or University of Technology
- Not be receiving another bursary that covers tuition fees (in most cases)
Preference goes to dependents of SEIFSA member company employees.
Required Documents when applying for SEIFSA Bursary
You must send clear certified copies of:
- South African ID document
- Passport-size photo
- Latest Matric results (if still in Matric) or Matric certificate
- Proof of university or University of Technology registration/acceptance (on official letterhead)
- Latest academic transcript (if already studying)
- Official quotation of tuition fees from your institution
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, pension/grant proof)
- Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and why you chose engineering
Missing documents will mean your application is rejected.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for SEIFSA Bursary
Applications are currently closed. When the next round opens:
- Download the latest SEIFSA Bursary Application Form (available on the SEIFSA website or from zabursaries.co.za when open).
- Fill in the form completely and honestly.
- When asked how you heard about the bursary, type “www.bursariesopennow.co.za”.
- Gather all the required documents listed above.
- Email everything to bursaryapplications@seifsa.co.za.
- Put “[SEIFSA Bursary Application – Your Full Name]” in the email subject line.
Send only one application. Keep a copy for yourself.
Closing Date for SEIFSA Bursary
Not officially specified for 2026. The previous round (for 2025 studies) closed on 30 November 2024. Check the official SEIFSA website regularly for the next opening date (usually around October/November each year).
Selection Process
SEIFSA checks all applications against the eligibility rules. They look at your Matric results, financial need and motivational letter. Shortlisted students are notified by email. Successful applicants receive an award letter and must confirm acceptance. You will be told the outcome by 31 January (for the previous cycle).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I am already studying at university? A: Yes – as long as you are in an approved engineering course.
Q: Does the bursary cover accommodation? A: No – only tuition fees are covered.
Q: Is there a work-back contract? A: Not officially specified.
Q: Can students from Universities of Technology apply? A: Yes – for National Diploma in Engineering.
Q: What if I am over 35? A: You will not qualify.
Q: Are applications open now in April 2026? A: No – the bursary is currently closed. Watch the SEIFSA website for the next round.
Important Notes & Warnings
- This bursary is very competitive – you need at least 70% in Matric and strong Maths/Science marks.
- Only complete applications sent to the correct email will be considered.
- Late applications are never accepted.
- Never pay anyone to apply – this is a free official bursary.
- SEIFSA can change the rules or number of bursaries at any time.
- Always use the official email: bursaryapplications@seifsa.co.za.
- If you get another bursary that pays tuition, you may no longer qualify.
Related Searches Section
- Engineering bursaries in South Africa
- Bursaries open now 2026
- Government bursaries for students
- NSFAS alternativeshttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/