The South African Petroleum Refinery (SAPREF) has officially opened applications for its Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, offering financial support to academically strong South African students pursuing scarce and critical skills.
This bursary is aimed at developing future professionals in engineering, science, and business-related fields that are essential to South Africa’s energy sector and industrial economy.
Closing date: 12 February 2026
About SAPREF
SAPREF (South African Petroleum Refinery) is a major contributor to South Africa’s energy and fuels industry. The company operates one of the country’s key petroleum refineries and plays a strategic role in national infrastructure, economic development, and energy security.
Beyond operations, SAPREF is committed to long-term skills development through bursaries and training initiatives that support young South Africans entering technical, engineering, and commercial careers.
About the SAPREF Bursary Programme 2026
The SAPREF Bursary Programme provides financial support for full-time undergraduate studies at public universities in South Africa. The programme is designed to support students who show strong academic potential and a clear commitment to careers within the energy, engineering, and business sectors.
The bursary focuses on building scarce skills that are critical to sustaining and growing South Africa’s industrial and energy capacity.
Fields of Study Covered
SAPREF bursaries will be awarded for studies in the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Mechanical Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Electrical Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Environmental Science (BSc)
- Finance (BCom)
- Logistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Human Resources Management
Only qualifications aligned with these fields will be considered.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
To qualify for the SAPREF Bursary 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate qualification in an approved field
- Must be entering 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
- Must be studying at or accepted to a public university in South Africa
- Private institutions are not funded
- Must have a strong academic record
Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be disqualified.
Selection Process
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three weeks after the closing date
- If you do not receive feedback within this period, please consider your application unsuccessful
How to Apply for the SAPREF Bursary 2026
There is no application form for this bursary.
Applications must be submitted by email.
Email address:
recruitmentapply@sapref.com
Email subject line:
SAPREF Bursary 2026
Documents Required (Very Important)
Applicants must submit clear and complete copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic record (if currently studying)
- Proof of university acceptance or registration (on official institutional letterhead)
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Incomplete applications may be disqualified, so ensure all documents are included before submitting.
SAPREF Bursary Closing Date
Closing date: 12 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted. Applying early is strongly advised to avoid missing this opportunity.
Why the SAPREF Bursary Is Important
South Africa’s energy sector depends on skilled engineers, scientists, and business professionals to remain sustainable and competitive. The SAPREF Bursary Programme not only provides financial support but also connects students to one of the country’s most strategic industries.
For students with strong academic performance and a passion for contributing to national development, this bursary can be a powerful stepping stone into a high-impact career.
