For many South African students, the cost of university is one of the biggest obstacles between finishing school and building a professional career. Tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, transport and other study expenses can quickly become difficult for families to manage.
The Eskom Bursary 2027 offers an important opportunity for qualifying students who want to pursue selected university or university-of-technology qualifications in South Africa. The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in engineering, technology, business-related disciplines and other fields that can contribute to the country’s future skills needs.
Eskom has a long history of investing in education and skills development. In 2026, the organisation reported awarding 200 bursaries and said its bursary programme had supported more than 11,000 bursaries over the previous decade.
For students considering applying, however, the important question is not simply whether the bursary exists. It is whether you meet the requirements, whether your qualification is covered, and whether your application is prepared correctly.
What You Should Know First
The Eskom Bursary 2027 is intended to support eligible South African students pursuing qualifications that align with Eskom’s skills requirements.
Based on the information provided for the 2027 intake, applicants may include:
- South African citizens currently in Matric
- Students who completed Matric in 2025
- Current university students in their first or second year
- Students studying or intending to study at recognised public universities or universities of technology
- Students pursuing qualifying Degree or Diploma programmes
- Students who meet the applicable academic requirements
The programme covers both technical and non-technical areas, meaning applicants should not assume that the opportunity is limited exclusively to traditional engineering degrees.
Eskom’s own careers platform confirms that bursaries form part of its opportunities for young professionals alongside internships and graduate programmes.
About Eskom and Why Its Bursary Matters
Eskom is South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility and has been operating since 1923. Its activities span electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
That makes the organisation dependent on a wide range of professional skills.
Engineers are needed to design, maintain and improve infrastructure. But an organisation of this scale also needs people working in finance, information technology, data, law, supply chain management and other professional functions.
This explains why the bursary opportunity can be relevant to students outside traditional engineering disciplines.
Eskom has also described its bursary programme as part of its broader investment in developing the skills required for South Africa’s changing energy sector. In 2025, Eskom said bursary recipients could progress into career pathways such as Engineers in Training and eventually specialist and leadership roles.
Which Fields of Study Are Covered?
One of the most important parts of the application is checking whether your qualification appears on the approved list.
Engineering Degree Studies
The information supplied for the 2027 opportunity includes fields such as:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Data Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
Engineering remains an important part of Eskom’s skills pipeline. However, applicants should not automatically assume that every engineering specialisation is included.
Always compare the exact qualification and specialisation on your university registration or admission documentation with the official Eskom bursary requirements before applying.
Non-Technical Qualifications
The opportunity also extends beyond engineering into selected non-technical fields, including:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Law
- Nursing
- Supply Chain Management
This is significant because students sometimes dismiss company bursaries because they believe these programmes are exclusively for engineers.
The broader list means a student interested in data, finance, legal services or supply chain functions may also have a potential route into the programme.
Who Can Apply for the Eskom Bursary 2027?
Eligibility is one of the first things you should establish before spending time on an application.
The information provided for the 2027 programme indicates that applicants can fall into several categories.
1. Current Matric learners
If you are currently completing Matric and intend to begin an eligible qualification in 2027, you may be considered, provided you satisfy the required academic and other conditions.
Your current school performance therefore matters.
Do not wait until the final examination results are released before thinking about your application. Keep your academic records organised and make sure you understand the qualification you intend to study.
2. Students who completed Matric in 2025
Applicants who completed Matric in 2025 may also qualify under the stated intake requirements.
This can be useful for students who took a gap year, completed additional preparation, or are entering university after finishing school earlier.
3. Current university students
The 2027 opportunity also identifies students already at university, particularly those in their first or second year, as potential applicants.
For these applicants, academic performance becomes especially important because Eskom can assess evidence of university-level study rather than relying only on school results.
A Simple Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, ask yourself:
- Am I a South African citizen?
- Am I currently in Matric, did I complete Matric in 2025, or am I a first- or second-year student?
- Am I studying or intending to study an approved qualification?
- Is my institution a recognised public university or university of technology?
- Do my subjects and academic results meet the stated requirements?
- Can I provide the required supporting documents?
- Have I checked the official Eskom application information rather than relying on a social-media post?
If you cannot answer one of these questions, investigate it before submitting your application.
What Does the Bursary Actually Mean for a Student?
A bursary is more than simply receiving money towards university.
The practical benefit is that financial assistance can reduce some of the pressure associated with tertiary education.
Depending on the official terms of the particular bursary intake, students should carefully check exactly which costs are covered and whether any conditions apply.
Do not assume that every expense will automatically be paid.
For example, a student should distinguish between:
Tuition: Money charged by the institution for the qualification.
Accommodation: Residence or other approved housing costs.
Study materials: Textbooks, equipment or other academic resources.
Living expenses: Food, transport and other personal costs.
The official bursary conditions should be treated as the final authority on what Eskom will fund.
Why Eskom Is Investing in Students
There is a bigger reason behind corporate bursaries.
Companies need a pipeline of skilled graduates. Eskom operates highly technical infrastructure and requires specialised skills to maintain and modernise its operations.
Eskom has publicly linked its bursary programme to skills development and the future of South Africa’s electricity sector. In 2026, the organisation said its bursaries were intended to develop engineers, scientists and innovators while supporting the country’s evolving energy system.
For a student, this means the opportunity can potentially offer more than financial support.
Eskom has said its bursary programme can provide beneficiaries with access to mentorship, development and career-related opportunities.
That does not, however, mean receiving a bursary automatically guarantees employment at Eskom.
A bursary and a job offer are two different things.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
A good application starts before you open the application form.
Step 1: Confirm your qualification
Find the exact name of your intended qualification.
For example, do not simply write “Engineering”. Identify the specific programme, such as Civil Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
Step 2: Check your institution
Confirm that the institution and qualification meet the programme’s requirements.
Step 3: Check your academic record
Make sure your marks meet the applicable requirements.
If you are already at university, your latest academic results are particularly important.
Step 4: Prepare your documents
Keep electronic copies of the documents requested in the official application.
Depending on the application requirements, these may include items such as:
- South African identity document
- Matric results or latest school report
- University academic transcript, where applicable
- Proof of university registration or admission
- Proof of acceptance for a qualifying programme
- Other documents specifically requested by Eskom
Only upload documents that are requested.
Step 5: Apply through the official channel
Eskom’s official careers website provides access to its bursary and other early-career opportunities.
APPLY HERE: Eskom Bursary 2027
Step 6: Review before submitting
Check:
- Spelling of your name
- ID number
- Contact details
- Qualification
- Institution
- Academic results
- Uploaded documents
An avoidable mistake can create unnecessary problems.
ALSO APPLY FOR: (CASA) Bursary 2027
What Can Make an Application Less Competitive?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily mean every applicant will be selected.
Bursaries have limited places, meaning applicants can be competing against students with similarly strong academic records.
Your application can become weaker if:
- Your qualification is not on the approved list.
- You provide incomplete information.
- Your documents are missing or unclear.
- Your academic results do not meet the required standard.
- You submit after the closing date.
- You use an incorrect application channel.
- Your university programme does not match the bursary requirements.
- You provide information that cannot be verified.
The lesson is simple: eligibility gets you into consideration; a complete and accurate application gives you the best opportunity to be considered.
Common Misunderstandings About Eskom Bursary 2027
“The bursary is only for engineers.”
Not necessarily. The 2027 information includes non-technical fields such as Accounting, Computer Science, Data Science, Law, Nursing and Supply Chain Management.
“Getting the bursary means I automatically get an Eskom job.”
No. A bursary supports education. It should not be treated as a guaranteed employment contract.
“Any university qualification will qualify.”
No. The programme has specific fields of study and institutional requirements. Always check the approved qualification list.
“If I am already at university, I cannot apply.”
The stated 2027 criteria include current first- and second-year university students, subject to the programme’s requirements.
“I only need my Matric certificate.”
Not necessarily. Your required documentation depends on your applicant category and the official application instructions.
Key Takeaways
The most important points about the Eskom Bursary 2027 are:
- It is aimed at eligible South African students.
- Current Matric learners, certain 2025 Matric completers and first- or second-year university students may be eligible under the stated criteria.
- Engineering is an important part of the programme.
- Selected non-technical qualifications are also included.
- The qualification and institution must meet the programme requirements.
- Academic performance matters.
- A bursary is not the same as a guaranteed job.
- Applicants should prepare their documentation before starting the application.
- Applications should be submitted through official Eskom channels.
- Students should be alert to bursary scams and requests for payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Eskom Bursary 2027?
The stated eligibility includes South African citizens currently in Matric, certain students who completed Matric in 2025, and current first- or second-year university students who meet the academic, qualification and institutional requirements.
2. Does Eskom fund non-engineering degrees?
Yes. The 2027 information includes selected non-technical fields such as Accounting, Computer Science, Data Science, Law, Nursing and Supply Chain Management.
3. Can first-year university students apply?
Yes. Current first- and second-year university students are included in the stated eligibility criteria, provided they meet all other requirements.
4. Does an Eskom bursary guarantee employment?
No. Receiving financial support for your studies should not be interpreted as a guaranteed Eskom job. Career opportunities may exist, but employment depends on future vacancies, requirements and selection processes.
Final Summary
The Eskom Bursary 2027 can be a valuable funding opportunity for South African students who are planning careers in engineering, technology, business and other approved professional fields.
The most important step is not simply submitting an application. It is checking whether your exact qualification, academic status and institution meet the requirements.
Eskom’s recent bursary initiatives demonstrate that the organisation sees education and skills development as part of its long-term investment in South Africa’s energy future.
If you qualify, prepare early, keep your documents organised and use the official Eskom application channel. Most importantly, read the latest official bursary instructions carefully because requirements, eligible qualifications and application deadlines can change between intakes.
