The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is now open, and the closing date is 12 November 2026. If you are in Grade 12 or studying at university, this opportunity could help reduce the cost of your studies. Applications are competitive, so you should check the requirements and complete every part of the application carefully. Mercedes-Benz South Africa warns that applicants must also complete a compulsory online questionnaire.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary 2027
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is offering bursaries to qualifying South African learners and university students for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary supports selected university qualifications in fields linked to engineering, technology, science and business. Successful students may also receive vacation work experience at the Mercedes-Benz facility in East London, Eastern Cape.
- Bursary provider: Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA)
- Programme: Bursary Programme 2027
- Closing date: 12 November 2026
- Who can apply: South African-born citizens who meet the academic and study-field requirements
- Study location: University of choice, subject to the programme conditions
- Vacation work location: East London, Eastern Cape
- Funding may include: Tuition, meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend
- Stipend amount: Not specified
- Number of bursaries: Not specified
- Reference number: MER00049EO
- Last updated: 5 November 2026
Never pay an application, registration or placement fee. Legitimate bursary and job opportunities do not charge applicants to apply. Use only the official Mercedes-Benz recruitment platform.
Who can apply for the bursary?
The programme is open to Grade 12 learners and students who are completing or enrolled in full-time tertiary studies.
The academic requirements depend on whether you are still at school or already studying at university.
Grade 12 requirements
Grade 12 applicants must have:
- An overall academic average of at least 70%.
- At least 65% for Mathematics and/or Physical Science where these subjects are required for the chosen qualification.
- Their latest Grade 12 third-term results.
University student requirements
Current tertiary students must provide:
- A minimum average of 65% based on their latest semester results.
- Their latest complete academic record.
- Their final Matric certificate.
All applicants must be South African-born citizens.
Preference may be given to first-year students, applicants who live in the Eastern Cape and children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees. These preferences do not automatically exclude other applicants who meet the main requirements.
Which qualifications are covered?
The bursary is available for selected university qualifications in engineering, technology, science and business.
Fields listed for consideration include:
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Software Development
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metrology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering (BSc)
- Mechatronics
- Metallurgy
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Human Kinetics and Ergonomics
Check the exact name of your university qualification before applying. A course that sounds similar may not automatically qualify for funding.
The programme refers to university studies. Funding for TVET college qualifications is not clearly confirmed in the available information.
What does the bursary provide?
Successful applicants may receive financial support for the following:
- University tuition fees
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Stationery
- A stipend
- Vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London
These benefits are subject to the conditions of the bursary programme.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has not stated a fixed monthly stipend amount. The bursary also does not guarantee permanent employment after graduation. Read the funding conditions carefully before accepting an offer.
Documents you need to apply
Many applicants struggle because they start the application before preparing their documents. Have the following files ready before opening the recruitment portal:
- An updated CV in PDF format and within the permitted upload size.
- A certified copy of your South African identity document.
- A certified copy of your latest third-term results if you are currently in Grade 12.
- Your latest complete tertiary academic record and Matric certificate if you are studying at university.
Make sure every document is clear and readable. Your documents should also match the personal and academic information entered on the application form.
The online questionnaire is compulsory. If you do not complete it, your application may be disqualified even if you meet the academic requirements.
How to apply for the Mercedes-Benz bursary
Applications must be submitted online through the official Mercedes-Benz recruitment platform. Email applications will not be accepted.
- Open the official Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 application page.
- Read the eligibility requirements and confirm that your course is included.
- Follow the instructions on the recruitment portal.
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Upload your CV, identity document and the required academic documents.
- Complete the compulsory online questionnaire.
- Submit your application before 12 November 2026.
The recruitment email address is for enquiries only. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants who do not receive communication within six weeks should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Tips to improve your application
- Apply early so you have time to correct upload or portal problems.
- Check your academic average before starting the application.
- Confirm that your exact qualification matches one of the listed study fields.
- Use a professional and up-to-date CV.
- Ensure that certified documents are still acceptable and easy to read.
- Check that your name, identity number and academic details are correct everywhere.
- Complete the questionnaire fully and review your answers before submitting.
- Save your application confirmation and reference details after submission.
- Continue looking for other bursaries while waiting for a response.
Final reminder
This bursary can help eligible students with important study costs while giving them exposure to the workplace through vacation work. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection because bursaries are limited and applications are competitive.
Before the 12 November 2026 deadline, confirm your marks, prepare your certified documents and complete the online questionnaire. Submit your application through the official portal and keep proof of submission for your records.