South Africa continues to face a shortage of critical and scarce skills across several industries, including engineering, health sciences, ICT, education, and finance. To address this gap, numerous companies have stepped forward to offer bursaries aimed specifically at students pursuing careers in these vital areas. These bursaries are not just financial aid — they are investments into the future workforce that will drive the country’s economy.
If you’re a student with good academic results and a keen interest in a scarce skills field, you could qualify for one of these bursaries. Below is a detailed list of top companies and institutions in South Africa offering bursaries for scarce skills.
1. Eskom Bursary Programme
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Nuclear Engineering
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Accounting
Eskom, South Africa’s public electricity utility, provides bursaries for full-time studies in engineering and other critical fields. Their bursary programme is designed to develop a pipeline of technical skills necessary to sustain the energy sector.
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, and a monthly allowance.
Who can apply: South African citizens with strong academic performance in mathematics and physical science.
Visit: https://www.eskom.co.za
2. Sasol Bursaries
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Chemical Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Geology
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Accounting (CA stream)
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Computer Science
Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company rooted in South Africa. The Sasol Bursary Programme targets high-performing students who wish to study full-time in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
What it covers: Full university tuition, registration fees, accommodation, meals, laptop, and an allowance.
Extras: Access to vacation work, mentoring, and graduate programmes.
Visit: https://www.sasolbursaries.com
3. Transnet Bursaries
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Logistics
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Information Technology
Transnet, responsible for freight and logistics in South Africa, offers bursaries for students interested in infrastructure development and transportation sectors.
What it covers: Tuition fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed books, and a monthly stipend.
Additional Benefit: Guaranteed employment upon successful completion of studies.
Visit: https://www.transnet.net
4. Department of Health (National Health Bursaries)
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Medicine
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Nursing
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Pharmacy
South Africa's Department of Health provides bursaries to students pursuing health-related qualifications. These bursaries are crucial in training future professionals to serve in public hospitals and clinics.
What it covers: Full cost of study, including registration and tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
Application Period: Usually opens mid-year.
Visit: https://www.health.gov.za
5. Old Mutual Bursary Programme
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Actuarial Science
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Data Science
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Accounting
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Quantitative Risk Management
Old Mutual, one of South Africa’s leading financial service providers, offers bursaries for students who excel in mathematics and want to pursue finance or actuarial careers.
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, food, travel allowance, and exposure to professional environments through internships.
Unique Perk: Mentorship from experienced actuaries and guaranteed employment upon graduation.
Visit: https://www.oldmutual.co.za
6. Anglo American Bursaries
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Mining Engineering
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Metallurgical Engineering
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Geology
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Environmental Science
Anglo American, a global mining company, supports students with strong academic results who want to join the mining and mineral processing industry.
What it covers: Full study-related costs including tuition, accommodation, medical cover, and vacation work experience.
Note: Some bursaries come with a work-back obligation.
Visit: https://www.angloamerican.com
7. FASSET Bursaries (Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority)
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Accounting
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Financial Management
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Internal Auditing
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Risk Management
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Actuarial Science
FASSET focuses on increasing the supply of finance and accounting professionals in South Africa. Their bursaries aim to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to enter the finance sector.
What it covers: Partial or full tuition support, depending on need and academic performance.
Visit: https://www.fasset.org.za
8. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Education (Mathematics, Science, Technology, African Languages, and Foundation Phase Teaching)
The Funza Lushaka bursary is a Department of Basic Education initiative that funds teaching students who intend to teach scarce subjects in public schools.
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and a living allowance.
Work-back Requirement: Recipients must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.
Visit: https://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
9. MTN Foundation Bursaries
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Computer Science
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Software Development
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Network Engineering
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IT Security
MTN, a leading telecoms provider, invests in the tech talent of the future through bursaries in the ICT sector — one of the most rapidly evolving scarce skills areas.
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, laptop, books, and mentorship opportunities.
Target Group: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds with strong academic performance.
10. ABSA Bursary Programme
Scarce Skills Covered:
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Computer Science
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Cybersecurity
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Data Science
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Actuarial Science
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Engineering (Various)
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Accounting
ABSA offers bursaries to students who show academic excellence and leadership potential. Their focus is on future-fit skills that will drive the financial services industry.
What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, allowances, and mentoring.
Extras: Vacation work, career development support, and potential full-time employment.
Visit: https://www.absa.africa
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s future depends on the development of a skilled and competitive workforce, especially in fields where talent is in short supply. Bursaries targeting scarce skills not only provide educational support but also play a critical role in empowering youth, boosting employment, and strengthening the national economy.
If you’re interested in any of the bursaries mentioned, it’s important to:
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Start preparing your application early
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Keep your academic performance strong
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Gather supporting documents in advance
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Meet all deadlines
Be proactive — a bursary might be the stepping stone to a life-changing career. Don’t wait for opportunity. Go out and apply!