South African students who want to pursue careers in engineering, IT, finance, supply chain, chemistry and other fields can apply for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027.
The bursary supports high-performing Grade 12 learners and tertiary students with financial assistance and the opportunity to gain vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London.
The programme covers several study-related expenses, including tuition fees, meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend, subject to the applicable conditions.
Applicants can study at a university of their choice, provided they meet the bursary requirements.
The closing date is 12 November 2026.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary 2027 Quick Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bursary Provider | Mercedes-Benz South Africa |
| Programme | Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Study Year | 2027 |
| Location | East London, Eastern Cape |
| Applicants | Grade 12 learners and tertiary students |
| Citizenship | South African-born citizens |
| Eastern Cape Preference | Yes |
| Study Institution | University of choice |
| Grade 12 Average | Minimum 70% |
| Mathematics / Physical Science | Minimum 65% where required for chosen field |
| Tertiary Average | Minimum 65% |
| Funding | Tuition, meals, accommodation, stationery and stipend |
| Vacation Work | Mercedes-Benz East London, subject to conditions |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 12 November 2026 |
The official Mercedes-Benz listing states that first-year university students receive preference among applicants already enrolled in tertiary studies.
What Is the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary?
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme is designed to support high-performing students who want to pursue selected qualifications relevant to the company’s business and technical environment.
The programme provides financial assistance while also offering an opportunity for world-class vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London, subject to the applicable conditions.
This combination can be valuable for students because it provides more than financial support. Vacation work can expose students to a professional working environment and help them understand how their academic field is applied in industry.
What Does the Mercedes-Benz Bursary Cover?
The official bursary advert states that the programme offers:
- Tuition fees
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Stationery
- A stipend
- Vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London, subject to conditions
The advertisement does not disclose the rand amount of the stipend.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial figures published elsewhere.
The exact conditions attached to the funding should be confirmed through the bursary agreement and official Mercedes-Benz recruitment process.
Who Can Apply for the Mercedes-Benz Bursary?
The bursary is open to two main groups:
Grade 12 Learners
Current Grade 12 learners can apply for the 2027 intake.
They must submit their latest third-term results as part of the application.
Tertiary Students
Students who are already enrolled in or currently completing full-time tertiary studies can also apply.
The official advert states that first-year students will receive preference.
Students already studying at tertiary level must submit their final Matric certificate together with their most recent full tertiary academic record.
Mercedes-Benz Bursary Academic Requirements
Academic performance is an important part of the selection process.
Grade 12 Requirements
Current Grade 12 learners must have:
- An overall average of at least 70%
- At least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required for the chosen field of study
The exact subject requirement depends on the qualification the applicant intends to study.
For example, a student applying for an engineering-related field should pay close attention to the Mathematics and Physical Science requirements relevant to that qualification.
Tertiary Student Requirements
Students already studying at university must have:
At least a 65% average based on their latest semester results.
The latest available academic results are used when shortlisted applicants are assessed.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be:
South African-born citizens.
The official advert specifically uses this wording in its eligibility criteria.
Eastern Cape Applicants Receive Preference
Applicants who reside in the Eastern Cape receive preference.
This is particularly relevant because the bursary is associated with Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s operations in East London.
However, the advert does not state that applicants from other provinces are automatically excluded.
Applicants should therefore still assess themselves against all the stated eligibility requirements.
Preference for Children of Mercedes-Benz Employees
The official bursary advertisement also states that preference is given to children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees.
This is a preference rather than a replacement for the academic and eligibility requirements.
Applicants still need to meet the relevant criteria.
Fields of Study Covered by the Mercedes-Benz Bursary
The 2027 bursary supports a broad range of fields.
Computer Engineering, IT and Software Development
Applicants can study areas including:
- Computer Engineering
- Information Technology
- Software Development
These fields are relevant to modern digital systems, software, computing infrastructure and technology-driven business operations.
Engineering
The programme includes:
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
These disciplines can provide pathways into manufacturing, production, engineering systems, automation and industrial operations.
Metrology
Metrology is also included among the supported fields.
This area focuses on measurement and measurement systems and can be particularly relevant to manufacturing and engineering environments.
Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The bursary includes:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering (BSc)
These fields are relevant to laboratory analysis, materials, chemical processes and industrial production.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics combines aspects of mechanical, electrical, electronic and control engineering.
It is particularly relevant to modern manufacturing and automated industrial systems.
Metallurgy
Students interested in metals, materials and manufacturing processes can apply for the supported Metallurgy field.
Finance, Accounting and Economics
The programme is not limited to technical qualifications.
It also supports:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
Supply Chain and Logistics
Students interested in the movement, planning and management of materials and products can pursue:
- Supply Chain
- Logistics
Human Kinetics & Ergonomics
The bursary also includes Human Kinetics & Ergonomics.
This field can be relevant to workplace design, human performance, occupational environments and the interaction between people and work systems.
The full list of supported fields is provided in the official Mercedes-Benz South Africa bursary advertisement.
Mercedes-Benz Bursary Selection Criteria
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.
Mercedes-Benz assesses shortlisted candidates using their latest available academic results.
For Grade 12 learners, the latest third-term results are used.
For tertiary students, the latest available academic results are considered.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic records are accurate and clearly presented.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide the required supporting documentation.
Current Grade 12 Learners
Grade 12 applicants should prepare:
- CV/resume in PDF format
- Certified copy of latest Grade 12 third-term results
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Completed application questionnaire
Tertiary Students
Applicants already studying at tertiary level should prepare:
- CV/resume in PDF format
- Most recent full tertiary academic record
- Matric certificate
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Completed application questionnaire
The official advert specifically states that the questionnaire must be completed. Failure to complete it will disqualify the application.
Applicants should also ensure that all documents are attached before submitting the application.
How to Apply for the Mercedes-Benz Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted through the Mercedes-Benz careers platform.
The official vacancy is titled:
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 Intake (East London)
Apply for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027
Step 1: Open the Official Vacancy
Use the Mercedes-Benz careers page for the 2027 bursary.
Check that you are applying for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 Intake.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm:
- You are a South African-born citizen.
- You meet the academic requirements.
- You are a current Grade 12 learner or full-time tertiary student.
- Your intended field is one of those supported.
- You can provide the required academic documents.
Step 3: Prepare Your CV
Save your CV in PDF format, as requested by the official advert.
Make sure it clearly shows your:
- Education
- Academic achievements
- Contact details
- Current studies
- Relevant activities or experience
Step 4: Prepare Certified Documents
Grade 12 learners need their certified third-term results.
Tertiary students need their latest full academic record and Matric certificate.
All applicants should provide a certified ID copy.
Step 5: Complete the Questionnaire
The questionnaire is an important part of the application.
Mercedes-Benz states that failure to complete it will result in disqualification.
Step 6: Submit Online
Complete the online application and upload all relevant documents.
Do not send your application by email.
Important: Do Not Email Your Application
The official vacancy provides an email address:
mbsaelTalentPipelines@mercedes-benz.com
However, this email is provided for queries only.
Mercedes-Benz explicitly states that applications sent by email will not be considered.
Therefore:
Use the online application system to apply.
Do not email your CV or bursary application to the query address.
Mercedes-Benz Bursary Closing Date
Applications close on:
12 November 2026
The official advert also states that late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants should therefore submit their applications early and make sure all required documents are attached.
Vacation Work at Mercedes-Benz East London
One of the attractive features of the programme is the opportunity for vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London, subject to the applicable conditions.
This can give bursary recipients exposure to a major automotive manufacturing environment.
The official advert does not state that every bursary recipient is guaranteed a specific placement or role during vacation work. Applicants should therefore understand that the opportunity is subject to the programme’s conditions.
Does the Bursary Guarantee a Job?
The official advertisement does not state that receiving the bursary automatically guarantees permanent employment at Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
Applicants should therefore view the programme as a combination of:
- Financial support
- Academic development
- Industry exposure
- Vacation work experience
Any future employment opportunity would depend on the relevant recruitment processes and available positions.
Persons With Disabilities
Mercedes-Benz South Africa states that it is committed to Employment Equity, including persons with disabilities.
Eligible applicants with disabilities should therefore not hesitate to apply if they meet the bursary requirements.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your Mercedes-Benz bursary application, check that you have:
- South African-born citizenship
- Grade 12 results or tertiary academic record
- At least 70% overall average if applying as a Grade 12 learner
- At least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required
- At least 65% tertiary average if already studying
- Certified ID copy
- Updated CV in PDF format
- Certified third-term Grade 12 results, if currently in Grade 12
- Matric certificate, if already studying at tertiary level
- Most recent full tertiary academic record, if applicable
- Completed questionnaire
- Correct study field
- All required documents uploaded
- Application submitted online before 12 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary?
The bursary is open to Grade 12 learners and students enrolled in or currently completing full-time tertiary studies. First-year tertiary students receive preference.
What average do Grade 12 learners need?
Grade 12 learners need an overall average of at least 70%, including at least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required for the chosen field.
What average do university students need?
Tertiary students need at least a 65% average based on their latest semester results.
Which fields are funded?
Supported fields include Computer Engineering, IT, Software Development, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metrology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics and Human Kinetics & Ergonomics.
Does the bursary cover tuition?
Yes. The advertised package includes tuition fees, along with meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend, subject to conditions.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. The official advert states that a stipend is included, but it does not disclose the amount.
Is vacation work included?
The programme offers vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London, subject to conditions.
Can students from outside the Eastern Cape apply?
The advert gives preference to applicants residing in the Eastern Cape, but it does not state that applicants from other provinces are automatically excluded.
Can children of Mercedes-Benz employees apply?
Yes. The advert specifically states that preference is given to children of MBSA employees.
Can I apply by email?
No. The email address provided by Mercedes-Benz is for queries only. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
What happens if I do not hear from Mercedes-Benz?
The official advert states that if you do not hear from Mercedes-Benz within six weeks, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
When does the Mercedes-Benz bursary close?
Applications close on 12 November 2026.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary 2027 Summary
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Mercedes-Benz South Africa |
| Programme | Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Applicants | Grade 12 learners and full-time tertiary students |
| Citizenship | South African-born citizens |
| Grade 12 Average | Minimum 70% |
| Maths/Physical Science | Minimum 65% where required |
| Tertiary Average | Minimum 65% |
| Fields | Engineering, IT, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Finance, Supply Chain, HR-related field |
| Tuition | Covered |
| Meals | Covered |
| Accommodation | Covered |
| Stationery | Covered |
| Stipend | Included; amount not stated |
| Vacation Work | Mercedes-Benz East London, conditions apply |
| Eastern Cape Preference | Yes |
| MBSA Employee Children | Preference |
| Application | Online |
| Closing Date | 12 November 2026 |
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is a strong opportunity for high-performing South African students interested in engineering, technology, finance, supply chain and other supported fields.
The programme provides financial assistance covering tuition, meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend, while also offering vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Current Grade 12 learners need at least a 70% overall average, with 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required for their chosen field. Current tertiary students need at least a 65% average based on their latest semester results.
Applicants from the Eastern Cape receive preference, while preference is also given to children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees. However, all applicants must still meet the stated requirements.
If you qualify, prepare your CV, certified academic results, ID and other required documents, complete the application questionnaire and apply online before 12 November 2026.
Remember that the Mercedes-Benz email address is for enquiries only. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
