Engineering

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) Bursary

Mercedes-Benz South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary funds talented South African students entering automotive engineering and technology careers, with paid vacation work at MBSA's East London plant and a pathway into the Mercedes-Benz graduate programme.

Amount
Full tuition + accommodation + meals + stationery + allowances
Deadline
31 August 2026
Duration
Full degree duration (subject to academic performance)
Renewable
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

Mercedes-Benz South Africa supports students in the following disciplines

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics
Metallurgy
Metrology
Computer Engineering
Information Technology
Software Development

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen
  • Preference given to Eastern Cape residents and children of MBSA employees
  • Grade 12 applicants: overall average of 70% or higher
  • Grade 12 applicants in engineering streams: minimum 65% in Mathematics AND Physical Science
  • Current tertiary students: minimum 65% average based on most recent semester results
  • Not currently employed by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Group of Companies
  • Studying full-time at a recognised South African university

What's Included

  • Full university tuition fees
  • Meals
  • Accommodation
  • Stationery
  • Living allowances
  • Paid vacation work at Mercedes-Benz in East London
  • Practical exposure to the South African automotive industry
  • Pathway into the Mercedes-Benz graduate programme

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Mercedes-Benz South Africa bursary application

  1. 1

    Visit the official Mercedes-Benz South Africa careers website

  2. 2

    Find the current MBSA bursary listing (typically opens mid-year)

  3. 3

    Complete the application online - email applications are NOT accepted

  4. 4

    Upload supporting documents

  5. 5

    Submit before the closing date

  6. 6

    Attend interviews and assessments if shortlisted

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified ID copy
  • 📄 Latest academic results (Grade 11 or matric, or tertiary transcripts)
  • 📄 Matric certificate (if applicable)
  • 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration
  • 📄 Proof of household income
  • 📄 CV
  • 📄 Motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Mercedes-Benz bursary?
South African citizens with strong academic results pursuing automotive-related engineering, IT or business qualifications. Preference is given to Eastern Cape residents and children of MBSA employees.
What academic results does MBSA require?
Grade 12 applicants need an overall average of 70%+. For engineering, you need at least 65% in both Mathematics and Physical Science. Current tertiary students need a minimum 65% average in their most recent semester.
Does the MBSA bursary include work experience?
Yes - recipients complete paid vacation work at the Mercedes-Benz East London plant, gaining hands-on exposure to automotive manufacturing and a pathway into the Mercedes-Benz graduate programme.
How do I apply for the Mercedes-Benz bursary?
Applications are submitted online only through the Mercedes-Benz careers website. Email applications are not accepted.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 31 August 2026

Apply on Mercedes-Benz South Africa's official site

Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other Engineering bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

Columbus Stainless Bursary

Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd

Columbus Stainless, the Middelburg-based stainless steel producer, offers bursaries in metallurgical engineering and materials science, as well as accounting science and finance. The bursary is aimed at students who want to build a career in the South African stainless steel and metals sector.

View details →

CSIR Bursary Programme

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The CSIR Bursary Programme is a merit-based, full-cost bursary offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a national science council under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. It funds undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral students in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields such as computer science, electronic, mechatronic and chemical engineering, data science and the natural sciences. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support plus mentorship, vacation work and a pathway into research careers at the CSIR.

View details →

Masakh'iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme

Western Cape Government, Department of Infrastructure (administered in-house via the Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Office / online Masakh'iSizwe Bursary System)

The Masakh'iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme, established in 2006 by the Western Cape Government's Department of Infrastructure, is a full-cost bursary supporting full-time undergraduate and higher diploma students in scarce-skill engineering and built-environment disciplines. It covers tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation or transport and student support programmes for study at partner Western Cape institutions (UCT, Stellenbosch University and CPUT), with a strong focus on financially disadvantaged learners from rural Western Cape communities, women in engineering and persons with disabilities. The exact rand value is not publicly fixed, and the programme adds in-service training, internships and employment placement assistance for graduates.

View details →