The Schauenburg Education Trust has opened applications for its 2027 bursaries, funding university students in Electrical Engineering, Business Management and Business Administration. The bursary covers tuition, registration, exam fees, accommodation support, textbooks and living allowances for students entering their second, third or fourth year at the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Wits or North-West University (Vanderbijlpark). Applications opened on 1 June 2026 and close on 31 July 2026.
About the Schauenburg Education Trust Bursary Programme
The Schauenburg Education Trust is the bursary arm of Schauenburg Systems, a leading South African mining technology company that develops safety, tracking and communication systems used in mines across the country. The Trust awards bursaries for scarce skills qualifications, with the 2027 intake focused on Electrical Engineering and commerce degrees.
This is more than just funding: bursary recipients spend at least three weeks of their mid-year holidays in vacation work or job shadowing at Schauenburg Systems, gaining practical exposure to how engineering and business skills are applied in the mining technology sector. Preference is given to Black students as defined by B-BBEE legislation, particularly Black women, students under 35 and students with disabilities.
What Is Covered
- Prescribed university tuition fees
- Registration and exam fees
- Accommodation support based on the average single-room university hostel rate
- Textbooks and course material
- Living allowances
- Vacation work or job shadowing exposure at Schauenburg Systems
Who Can Apply
- South African citizen with a valid ID number
- Currently a full-time first, second or third-year student needing funding for your next year of study (second, third or fourth year in 2027)
- Studying BEng or BSc Electrical Engineering, BCom Business Management or BCom Business Administration
- Registered at the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand or North-West University (Vanderbijlpark campus)
- Passing all registered university courses with good academic progress
- Not already receiving another bursary for the 2027 academic year
- Willing to attend interviews and complete psychometric testing if required, and to do at least three weeks of vacation work at Schauenburg Systems
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Required Documents
- Copy of your South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record
- Motivational letter of up to 800 words covering your degree, academic achievements, career goals, financial need and community involvement
- Documents supporting financial need, if applicable
How to Apply
- Confirm your degree and university are on the approved list above.
- Prepare your ID, Matric certificate and full academic record.
- Write your motivational letter (maximum 800 words) mentioning your exact degree, university, year of study and career goal.
- Complete the online application form with your personal, education, financial need and reference details.
- Upload all documents clearly and submit before 31 July 2026. You can also request an application form from Nelisiwe.Ngubane@rsmza.co.za, Bianca.Jooste@rsmza.co.za or chantal@schauenburg.co.za.
Apply at the Schauenburg Education Trust
Closing Date
The closing date for the Schauenburg Education Trust Bursary 2027 is 31 July 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Financial exclusion pushes thousands of capable South African students out of university every year, often in their second or third year when NSFAS gaps, fee increases and accommodation costs pile up. This bursary targets exactly those students: already enrolled, already passing, but at risk of dropping out for financial reasons.
Electrical Engineering and commerce are both scarce skills fields where South Africa needs more graduates, especially in the mining technology sector where Schauenburg operates. The compulsory vacation work also means recipients graduate with industry exposure on their CV, not just a degree, and a relationship with a potential future employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can first-year or Matric students apply for the Schauenburg Education Trust Bursary?
No. The bursary funds students entering their second, third or fourth year in 2027. You must already be studying at one of the four approved universities.
I study at a university of technology or TVET college. Do I qualify?
No. For the 2027 intake, only students at the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Wits and North-West University (Vanderbijlpark) will be considered.
Do I have to work for Schauenburg during the holidays?
Yes. Bursary recipients must spend at least three weeks of their mid-year university holidays in vacation work or job shadowing at Schauenburg Systems. This is part of the bursary agreement and gives you valuable workplace exposure.
What happens after I submit my application?
Eligible applicants are contacted to continue the selection process, which may include interviews with the bursary administrators and Trustees. If you are not contacted within four weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
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