FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary – Engineering and Technical Fields
The Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) Bursary Programme—administered through StudyTrust—and key partner opportunities like the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary represent two of South Africa's leading financial aid initiatives. Designed to empower high-achieving South African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, these funding schemes provide holistic support for full-time undergraduate and technical studies across top public universities.
Covered Engineering & Technical Fields
TSAM specifically focuses on skills critical to South Africa's industrial, automotive, and technological sectors. Bursary funding is offered to students pursuing degrees in the following streams:
- Mechanical Engineering: Focus on manufacturing, thermal systems, and automotive design.
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Covering power distribution, embedded systems, and robotics.
- Mechatronics Engineering: Interdisciplinary automation, cyber-physical systems, and control engineering.
- Industrial Engineering: Process optimization, supply chain engineering, and production management.
- Chemical & Civil Engineering: Materials science, chemical processing, and infrastructure logistics.
- Computer Science & Information Technology: Software development, data analytics, and digital technology systems.
Minimum Academic & Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must satisfy all mandatory academic and demographic requirements established by the administrator:
Citizenship & Demographics
Applicants must be South African citizens by birth or naturalisation with a valid South African Identity Document.
Matric & Academic Marks
Minimum 65% in Grade 12 Mathematics and English, plus a minimum 65% overall tertiary average for current university students.
Financial Criteria
Demonstrable financial need with a combined gross annual household income under R750,000.
Key Bursary Perks & Program Benefits
Beyond traditional financial assistance, the TSAM funding package provides comprehensive, end-to-end career support:
- Comprehensive Financial Coverage: Full or partial tuition, prescribed textbooks, university-approved residence accommodation, and a living allowance.
- Vacation Work Exposure: Hands-on, practical engineering and technical training during academic holidays within Toyota's facilities.
- Graduate Programme Pipeline: Successful graduates gain direct pathway consideration into Toyota’s flagship Graduate Trainee Programme and career networks.
Eligibility Overview & Key Dates
| Criteria / Metric | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Fields | Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial, Chemical, Civil Engineering & Computer Science / IT. |
| Academic Threshold | 65% in Matric Mathematics & English; 65% minimum tertiary average. |
| Household Income Cap | Under R750,000 per annum. |
| Application Administrator | StudyTrust South Africa. |
| Annual Deadline | 30 September. |
Required Supporting Documentation Checklist
Ensure you have certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following documents prepared prior to starting your online application:
- Certified copy of South African ID Document.
- Certified copy of Grade 11 final results and Grade 12 mid-year/June results (if currently in Matric).
- Certified copy of official National Senior Certificate (Matric result) if completed.
- Full official academic transcript to date (for current university students).
- Proof of official university admission / acceptance letter for the upcoming academic year.
- Proof of income for both parents or legal guardians (recent payslips, 3 months' bank statements, SASSA grant letters, or affidavit if unemployed).
Ready to Apply for the TSAM / StudyTrust Bursary?
Applications are submitted directly through the official StudyTrust online application portal. Prepare your documents and complete your application before the 30 September deadline.
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