South African students with strong academic results and big career ambitions have reason to celebrate. South African Petroleum Refineries (SAPREF) has officially opened its Full Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, targeting high-potential students in scarce-skills fields linked to engineering, science, and business.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 12 February 2026
This is not just another bursary announcement. The SAPREF Bursary Programme is a career-shaping opportunity that supports students financially while strategically preparing them for employment in one of South Africa’s most critical industrial sectors.
If you will be in your 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026, are enrolled at a mainstream public university, and meet the academic criteria, this bursary could change the entire trajectory of your future.
Who the SAPREF Bursary Is For
The SAPREF bursary is aimed at high-performing South African students who are:
- Studying at public / mainstream universities only
- In their 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
- Enrolled in qualifications aligned to SAPREF’s current and future skills needs
Private institutions are not accepted.
Fields of Study Covered by the SAPREF Bursary
SAPREF is funding qualifications that directly support its operational, technical, and strategic workforce requirements.
Business & Management Degrees
- BCom Finance
- BCom Logistics
- BCom Supply Chain Management
- BCom Human Resource Management
Engineering Degrees
- BSc Engineering (Electrical / Instrumentation Engineering)
- BSc Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- BSc Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
Science
- BSc Environmental Science
These are high-value qualifications with strong employment potential locally and internationally, particularly within the energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the SAPREF Bursary Programme 2026, applicants must meet ALL of the following:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be accepted at a mainstream public university in South Africa
- Have excellent academic results
- Be entering 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
- Be studying one of the listed qualifications
⚠️ Only complete applications that meet all requirements will be considered.
What the SAPREF Bursary Offers
SAPREF offers a full bursary, which typically covers:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Additional study-related support
Beyond financial support, bursary recipients benefit from early exposure to industry expectations, positioning them strongly for future internships, graduate programmes, and employment opportunities within SAPREF and the broader energy sector.
How to Apply for the SAPREF Bursary 2026
Applying is simple — but accuracy and completeness matter.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
You must submit ALL of the following:
- Detailed CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest academic transcript / statement of results
- Proof of registration or official acceptance letter from your university
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Step 2: Email Your Application
Send all required documents to:
⏰ Closing Date: 12 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Why This Bursary Matters
From an employability perspective, SAPREF bursaries are highly competitive and prestigious. They offer:
- Financial freedom to focus on demanding degrees
- Alignment with scarce and critical skills
- Strong prospects for industry placement after graduation
- Entry into South Africa’s energy and petrochemical value chain
This bursary is not just about funding your studies — it’s about building a future-ready career.