SAPREF Bursary South Africa For 2026. The SAPREF Bursary South Africa 2026 is a prestigious funding opportunity for students pursuing Engineering degrees in South Africa. SAPREF, a joint venture between Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa, is the largest crude oil refinery in Southern Africa, processing approximately 24,000 tons of crude oil daily with an annual refining capacity of 8.5 million tons.
Located in Durban, SAPREF produces a wide range of petroleum products including diesel, petrol, aviation fuel, marine fuel oil, liquid petroleum gas, solvents, base oil, and paraffin. Operating for over 50 years since 1960, the company remains a Level 2 BBBEE contributor, employing around 700 permanent staff. SAPREF’s key stakeholders include shareholders, surrounding communities, customers, suppliers, trade unions, NGOs, and government authorities.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on the SAPREF Bursary Programme, including fields of study, coverage, eligibility, application process, and deadlines.
About the SAPREF Bursary Programme
SAPREF invites applications from students for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. This bursary aims to support talented students in engineering fields, helping them achieve their academic goals without financial burden.
Eligible Degree Qualifications:
- Chemical Engineering (BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (BSc)
This bursary is ideal for students seeking financial assistance for tuition, accommodation, books, and other study-related expenses while studying at accredited South African universities.
SAPREF Bursary Coverage & Benefits
The SAPREF bursary provides comprehensive support to selected students, covering:
- Full tuition fees for the duration of the degree
- Accommodation in campus residences
- Book allowance to support study materials
- Laptop to facilitate learning and research
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
This makes the SAPREF Bursary one of the most supportive bursary programs in South Africa for engineering students.
Eligibility Criteria for the SAPREF Bursary
To apply for the SAPREF Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Completed Matric at a recognized school in Durban, South Africa
- Studying or intending to study one of the eligible Engineering degrees (Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical)
- Accepted at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa
- Strong academic record with excellent grades
- Financial need – priority will be given to students who require financial support
Failing to meet any of these criteria will result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply for the SAPREF Bursary
Students who satisfy the eligibility criteria can apply by submitting the following mandatory documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Certified full academic record (if already at tertiary level)
- Proof of University registration or acceptance (on official tertiary letterhead)
Important Note: There is no online application form. Students only need to submit the above documents in person.
Submission Instructions:
- Submit applications to SAPREF Security CheckPoint, 1 Refinery Road, Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal, 4110
- Place all documents in a sealed envelope
- Write clearly on the envelope: “SAPREF Bursary Application 2026”
Closing Date for Applications
All applications must be submitted before 28 January 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so it’s crucial to apply early to ensure your application is considered.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted no later than 28 February 2026. If you do not receive feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Information
For further inquiries about the SAPREF Bursary South Africa 2026, students can contact SAPREF directly:
- Telephone: 031 480 1911
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The SAPREF Bursary South Africa 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity for students in Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering to receive full financial support for their studies. Covering tuition, accommodation, books, a laptop, and a monthly stipend, this bursary ensures that academically talented and financially needy students can focus on their studies without financial stress.