About the opportunity
The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme supports high-performing South African Grade 12 learners and undergraduate tertiary students aiming to build careers across technical, engineering, finance, and operations fields. Alongside full financial assistance to study at an accredited university of choice, the bursary incorporates hands-on vacation work experience at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facilities in East London, South Africa.
Funding and benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Accommodation and meals allowance
- Stationery allowance
- Regular stipend
- Vacation work experience at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant in East London (subject to conditions)
- Flexibility to study at any university of choice across South Africa
Who can apply?
- Must be a South African-born citizen
- Must be a current Grade 12 learner or an enrolled undergraduate tertiary student completing full-time studies (first-year students receive preference)
- Grade 12 applicants must maintain an overall academic average of at least 70%, with at least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required for the discipline
- Current tertiary students must maintain an academic average of at least 65% across their latest semester results
- Studying or planning to pursue full-time undergraduate studies in: Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Development, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Metrology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering (BSc), Metallurgy, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain, Logistics, or Human Kinetics & Ergonomics
- Preference is given to applicants residing in the Eastern Cape and to children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees
Required documents
- Comprehensive CV/resume in PDF format (sized appropriately for upload)
- Certified copy of valid South African identity document (ID)
- For Grade 12 learners: certified copy of Grade 12 third-term academic results
- For tertiary students: certified copy of the complete latest tertiary academic transcript and official National Senior Certificate (matric certificate)
- Completed online screening questionnaire
When to apply
- Applications opened: October 15, 2026
- Application closing deadline: November 12, 2026
- Shortlisting outcome notification: Candidates who do not hear back within 6 weeks of closing should consider their application unsuccessful
How to apply
- Access the official Mercedes-Benz Careers portal job posting (Reference MER00049EO)
- Create or log in to your Mercedes-Benz candidate profile
- Complete the mandatory screening application questionnaire directly on the portal
- Upload your PDF CV, certified identity document, and certified academic results or transcripts
- Submit your completed electronic application before the November 12, 2026 deadline (applications via email are strictly disregarded)
Additional information
- The Talent Pipelines email address provided (mbsaelTalentPipelines@mercedes-benz.com) is reserved strictly for inquiries; applications sent via email will be disqualified
- Mercedes-Benz South Africa promotes Employment Equity, actively encouraging applications from persons with disabilities
- Late or incomplete application packages will not be reviewed under any circumstances
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- High-achieving Grade 12 matriculants and early-stage undergraduate students aiming for careers in automotive manufacturing, industrial systems, mechatronics, or software engineering
- South African citizens living in the Eastern Cape who are eager to secure both university tuition funding and practical corporate vacation work in East London
- Academically consistent students who easily surpass the 65% to 70% threshold in STEM, commerce, or logistics fields
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires travel or relocation to East London, South Africa, during designated university vacation periods to fulfill mandatory workplace practical training
- Restricted exclusively to South African-born citizens studying specific approved fields, with preference explicitly allocated to Eastern Cape residents and children of MBSA employees
- Short response turnaround: the feedback window is six weeks post-deadline, after which uncontacted applicants must assume their candidacy was unsuccessful
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This bursary aligns seamlessly with undergraduate educational plans by relieving the entire financial burden of university fees, lodging, and books while pairing classroom study with premier industry training. For students pursuing engineering, computer science, or business operations, the included vacation work at an advanced automotive production plant provides invaluable hands-on resume credentials and early corporate networking before graduation.
Our take
A premier comprehensive funding and career-entry package for top-performing South African STEM and business students, particularly those based in or willing to travel to the Eastern Cape. It is not suitable for postgraduate scholars, international students, or those pursuing degrees outside the specified engineering and commerce disciplines.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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