How to Apply for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027

This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This process is designed for academically deserving students in South Africa who are pursuing undergraduate studies in specific engineering, technology, finance, science, and supply chain-related fields. By following these steps, you can successfully submit your application and increase your chances of receiving financial support for your studies, which can cover tuition fees, meals, accommodation, stationery, and provide a stipend. Before you begin, ensure you meet the minimum requirements and have gathered all necessary supporting documents.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Fields of Study

Begin by verifying that you meet all the minimum requirements for the Mercedes-Benz Bursary Programme. This includes being a South African citizen, currently in Matric or having completed it, and planning to study full-time towards an approved qualification at a recognized South African university.

Sub-steps:

• Check Citizenship: Confirm you are a South African citizen.
• Verify Study Status: Ensure you are a current Matric student or a Matric graduate.
• Review Fields of Study: Confirm your intended course of study is listed among the approved fields, such as Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Development, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Metallurgy, Metrology, Supply Chain, or Logistics.
• University Enrollment: Ensure your chosen university is accredited.

Mistakes to Avoid: Applying for a field not listed or not meeting the citizenship requirement will result in disqualification. Ensure your chosen degree aligns with the bursary’s focus areas.

Outcome: You will know if you are eligible to proceed with the application based on the bursary’s criteria and your chosen field of study.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents for your application. Having these ready will streamline the online application process.

Sub-steps:

• South African ID: Obtain a certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Matric Results/Certificate: If currently in Matric, get certified copies of your Term 3 results. If you have completed Matric, obtain your certified Matric certificate.
• Tertiary Academic Record: If you are currently a university student, secure certified copies of your most recent full tertiary academic record (latest semester results).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Prepare your CV in PDF format. Ensure it is up-to-date and professional.

Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure all documents are certified where required and are legible. Incomplete or uncertified documents can lead to your application being rejected. Make sure your CV is saved as a PDF.

Outcome: You will have a complete set of all required documents, properly certified and formatted, ready for upload.

Step 3: Check Academic Requirements

Ensure your academic performance meets the specific criteria set by Mercedes-Benz South Africa.

Sub-steps:

• For Current Matric Students: You must have a minimum overall academic average of 70%. Additionally, you need at least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science if these subjects are required for your chosen field of study.
• For Current University Students: You must have a minimum overall average of 65% in your latest semester results.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do not underestimate the importance of these percentages. If your results fall below these thresholds, your application is unlikely to be successful. Double-check your latest results against these requirements.

Outcome: Confirmation that your academic results meet the bursary’s minimum standards.

Step 4: Navigate to the Application Portal

Access the official Mercedes-Benz careers platform to begin your online application.

Sub-steps:

• Visit the Careers Site: Go to the Mercedes-Benz careers platform.
• Locate the Bursary: Find the specific vacancy for the ‘Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 Intake’ (Reference Number: MER00049EO).
• Initiate Application: Click on the ‘Apply’ button for the bursary.

Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure you are on the official Mercedes-Benz careers website and applying for the correct bursary program and year. Using an incorrect link or applying for the wrong program will waste your time.

Outcome: You will be on the correct page of the application portal, ready to start filling out the form.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. This is where you will provide your personal details and information about your academic background.

Sub-steps:

• Accept Privacy Statement: Read and accept the Recruiting Privacy Statement.
• Create Account/Login: If you are a new user, create a Mercedes-Benz careers account. If you already have one, log in.
• Enter Personal Details: Provide your full name, contact information, and other required personal data.
• Provide Academic Information: Input details about your current or previous academic performance, chosen field of study, and university.
• Address Preferences: If applicable, indicate if you are from the Eastern Cape or if you are a child of a Mercedes-Benz South Africa employee, as preference may be given.

Mistakes to Avoid: Double-check all entered information for typos or errors, especially your contact details and academic figures. Inaccurate information can lead to disqualification. Ensure you complete all mandatory fields.

Outcome: A fully completed online application form with all required personal and academic details entered.

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all the certified documents you gathered in Step 2 to the application portal.

Sub-steps:

• Upload ID: Upload the certified copy of your South African ID.
• Upload Matric Documents: Upload your certified Matric Term 3 results or your certified Matric certificate.
• Upload Tertiary Record: Upload the certified copy of your most recent full tertiary academic record (if applicable).
• Upload CV: Upload your Curriculum Vitae in PDF format.

Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure each document is uploaded to the correct field. Verify that the files are clear, legible, and in the specified format (PDF for CV). Incomplete uploads will be treated as incomplete applications.

Outcome: All required supporting documents are successfully uploaded to the online application.

Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application

Before finalizing, take a moment to review your entire application to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Sub-steps:

• Review All Sections: Go back through the personal details, academic information, and uploaded documents.
• Check for Errors: Proofread for any spelling mistakes, incorrect numbers, or missing information.
• Confirm Document Legibility: Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and easy to read.
• Final Submission: Once you are confident everything is correct, click the ‘Submit Application’ button.

Mistakes to Avoid: Submitting an application without a final review is a common mistake. Always proofread. Do not submit after the closing date.

Outcome: Your completed application is submitted to Mercedes-Benz South Africa before the closing date.

Step 8: Note the Closing Date and Await Notification

Be aware of the application deadline and understand the next steps in the selection process.

Sub-steps:

• Application Closing Date: Remember that applications close on 12 November 2026. Ensure your submission is well before this date.
• Confirmation: You may receive an email confirmation after submitting your application.
• Selection Process: Successful candidates will be contacted by Mercedes-Benz South Africa for further assessment or interviews.

Mistakes to Avoid: Missing the closing date is the most critical mistake. Do not assume you will be notified immediately; the selection process can take time.

Outcome: You have successfully submitted your application and are aware of the timeline and what to expect next.

Frequently Asked Questions