Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa For 2026. Are you a bright student from Middelburg or Witbank dreaming of a future in engineering or technology? The Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa for 2026 could be your golden ticket to a fully-funded university education. With South Africa’s only stainless steel producer offering to invest in young talent, this bursary programme is a unique opportunity to build a career with a global leader in steel manufacturing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements and covered fields to application steps and deadlines. If you’re seeking student financial aid, especially in technical fields, read on for all the details.
About Columbus Stainless
Columbus Stainless, established in 1966 and located in Mpumalanga, is part of the globally renowned Acerinox Group. It is the sole producer of stainless steel on the African continent and supplies both local and international markets with high-quality stainless steel products.
Their product range includes:
- Cold-Rolled Coil and Sheet
- Hot-Rolled Coil, Sheet, and Plate
- Hot-Rolled Black Coil
- Slit Coil
As stainless steel is 100% recyclable, durable, and considered the metal of the future, Columbus Stainless is contributing not only to industry but also to sustainable practices.
What is the Columbus Stainless Bursary?
The Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa 2026 is a fully-funded educational grant awarded to students from the Middelburg and Witbank areas. This student financial aid is designed to support learners who want to pursue studies in specific fields crucial to the company’s operations.
In return, selected students may be required to sign a work-back agreement, committing to work with the company after graduation for a specified period.
Fields Covered Under the Columbus Stainless Bursary Programme
The bursary is specifically targeted at undergraduate degree studies in the following areas:
| Field of Study | Degree Type |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering / Computer Science / IT | BEng / BSc |
| Electrical Engineering | BEng / BSc |
| Industrial Engineering | BEng / BSc |
| Mechanical Engineering | BEng / BSc |
| Metallurgy / Material Sciences / Chemical Engineering | BEng / BSc |
These fields align with the company’s ongoing need for highly skilled technical professionals and engineers.
Key Benefits of the Columbus Stainless Bursary
The bursary offers comprehensive financial coverage for students who qualify, which typically includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and materials
- Accommodation or living allowance (where applicable)
- Possible vacation work or internship opportunities during holidays
- Career development support through mentorship and work-back programmes
This makes it one of the most attractive bursary opportunities in Mpumalanga for those aiming to study in engineering and technology.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| Residency | Must reside in Middelburg or Witbank, Mpumalanga |
| Academic Year | Must be in Grade 12 / Matric in 2025 |
| Field of Study | Must plan to pursue a listed undergraduate degree |
| Study Year | Must be entering first year of university in 2026 |
| University Admission | Must be provisionally accepted to a South African university |
| Academic Performance | Minimum overall average of 70% |
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the selection process.
How to Apply for Columbus Stainless Bursary 2026
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply successfully:
- Step 1: Visit the official application portal
Apply Here - Step 2: Select “Recruitment and Bursaries” from the drop-down menu
Step 3: Complete the online form and upload your required documents
Required Documents
Prepare the following supporting documentation before starting your application:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of South African ID | Must be clear and up-to-date |
| Grade 11 final report and latest Matric results | Official school-issued documents |
| Proof of provisional acceptance at a university | University letter or email confirmation |
| Proof of residence | Utility bill or affidavit |
| Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Include personal info, education, references |
| Any other supporting certificates or courses | Optional but recommended |
Important: Incomplete applications or missing documents may result in disqualification.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the Columbus Stainless Bursary application is:
- August 31, 2025
Late submissions will not be considered, so ensure all materials are submitted well before the deadline.
What Happens After You Apply?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within 2 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Selected applicants may be invited for interviews or further assessments before final awarding of the bursary.
Why Choose Columbus Stainless?
Here’s why applying for the Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa 2026 is a smart move:
- Full financial support with no tuition worries
- Career prospects with a top industrial company
- Chance to contribute to the future of sustainable steel manufacturing
- Long-term mentorship and job security post-graduation
Contact Details for Queries
If you have any questions regarding your application or need clarification, contact:
- Columbus Stainless Head Office
- Tel: 013 247 9111
- Columbus Stainless Contact Page
Be sure to select “Recruitment and Bursaries” when submitting your query online.
FAQs About Columbus Stainless Bursary
Can I apply if I live outside Middelburg or Witbank?
No. This bursary is exclusively available to residents of Middelburg and Witbank in Mpumalanga province.
Does the bursary cover postgraduate degrees?
No. The bursary is only available for first-year undergraduate studies starting in 2026.
Will I need to work for Columbus Stainless after graduation?
Yes, recipients may be required to sign a work-back agreement, committing to work at Columbus Stainless for a certain period after completing their degree.
Conclusion
The Columbus Stainless Bursary South Africa 2026 represents more than just financial aid—it’s a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in engineering or technology. For students in Witbank and Middelburg, this is a rare opportunity to receive world-class education, mentorship, and future job security in a globally respected company.
