Engineering Bursary Programme at ABB Education Trust

The ABB Education Trust Bursary Programme invites high-achieving South African engineering undergraduate and diploma students to apply for educational funding for the 2027 academic year. Designed to accelerate transformation and foster technical excellence within the engineering landscape, this bursary offers vital support to Black female students who demonstrate strong academic dedication and verified financial need. Qualifying applicants pursuing approved qualifications at accredited South African public universities can secure financial sponsorship aimed at completing their studies without historical financial distress.

ABB Education Trust focuses on identifying talented students who have already proven their capability in their foundational year of study and are stepping into intermediate and advanced engineering modules. Through this corporate education funding initiative, the trust aims to dismantle barriers to entry for underrepresented groups in technical industries, empowering women to excel in heavy industrial, power, and automation engineering domains across the country.

Bursary Coverage & Core Funding Benefits

• Full institutional tuition fee coverage paid directly to the accredited higher education institution.
• Allowances allocated for prescribed engineering textbooks and essential academic study materials.
• Provision or contribution towards approved on-campus or accredited university student accommodation.
• Support allocations intended for student meal expenses or relevant local transport costs for commuting students.
• Comprehensive administrative facilitation to ensure seamless registration and ongoing fee settlement each semester.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

• Demonstrated academic consistency and resilience in engineering coursework, sustaining an aggregate of 60% or above.
• Disciplined work ethic and self-directed problem-solving capability suited for demanding technical disciplines.
• Commitment to pursuing a professional technical career in South Africa's engineering and energy sectors.
• Integrity, personal accountability, and adherence to professional engineering academic standards.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

• Focus dedicated entirely to academic excellence, relieved from the pressure of self-funding university tuition.
• Potential exposure to ABB's professional network, industry events, and engineering career development pathways.
• Clear pathway towards completing national diplomas, higher diplomas, or bachelor's degrees in industrial, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Strengthened employability upon graduation within South Africa's energy transition, infrastructure, and automation sectors.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

Eligible candidates must complete the official online application through the Microsoft Forms link. Upon completing the online questionnaire, applicants must assemble certified copies of their South African identity document, full academic transcript from Matric through university, 2027 registration proof, fee quotes, accommodation invoices or transport calculations, and household proof of income. All supporting documentation must be submitted in PDF format via email to [email protected]. Applications must be finalized before the closing deadline on 14 November 2026 at 16:00.

• South African citizenship.
• Identify as female and meet the trust's Black student eligibility criteria.
• Completed Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
• Currently enrolled in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (BSc, BEng, or Higher Diploma).
• Successfully completed the first year of tertiary study with a minimum overall academic average of 60%.
• Entering the second or higher year of undergraduate study in the 2027 academic year.
• Registered at an accredited and recognised South African public university.
• Total gross household income of less than R600,000 per annum.