Bursary Provider: Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA)
Programme: Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 Intake
Reference Number: MER00049EO
Location: East London, Eastern Cape
Academic Year: 2027
Closing Date: 12 November 2026
Study Level: Grade 12 learners and full-time tertiary students
Funding: Tuition fees, meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend, subject to programme conditions
Additional Benefit: Vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London

About the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, designed to support high-performing Grade 12 learners and tertiary students pursuing qualifications in fields relevant to the automotive industry and business operations.

The programme provides financial assistance to eligible students and offers an opportunity to gain workplace exposure through vacation work at Mercedes-Benz in East London.

Successful applicants may study at a university of their choice, subject to the programme’s applicable conditions.

The bursary is particularly relevant to students pursuing engineering, information technology, science, finance, accounting, logistics and other supported disciplines.

Applications close on 12 November 2026. Interested students should review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the official Mercedes-Benz careers portal.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme offers the following support, subject to the applicable conditions:

Tuition fees.
Meals.
Accommodation.
Stationery.
A stipend.
Vacation work experience at Mercedes-Benz in East London.

The official advertisement does not specify a fixed rand value for the bursary. The funding package and conditions should therefore be confirmed through the official application process.

Fields of Study Supported

Applicants must be studying, or planning to study, in one of the following fields:

Engineering and Technology

Computer Engineering
Information Technology (IT)
Software Development
Industrial Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Metrology
Metallurgy
Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Engineering (BSc)

Business and Commerce

Finance
Accounting
Economics
Supply Chain Management
Logistics

Other Supported Fields

Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

Applicants should ensure that their intended qualification matches one of the fields listed in the official advertisement.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027, applicants must meet the relevant requirements below.

General Requirements

Must be a South African-born citizen.
Must be a current Grade 12 learner or a student enrolled in, or currently completing, full-time tertiary studies.
Must be studying or planning to study in one of the supported fields.
Must meet the applicable academic performance requirements.

Additional preferences include:

Applicants residing in the Eastern Cape.
Children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees.
First-year tertiary students.

These are preferences rather than guarantees of selection.

Academic Requirements for Grade 12 Learners

Current Grade 12 applicants must:

Have an overall academic average of at least 70%.
Achieve at least 65% in Mathematics and/or Physical Science where required for their chosen field.
Submit their latest third-term results.

Academic Requirements for Tertiary Students

Students already studying at a tertiary institution must:

Be studying full-time.
Have an average of at least 65% based on their latest semester results.
Submit their final Matric certificate.
Provide their most recent full tertiary academic record.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa uses the latest available academic results to assess shortlisted candidates.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a bursary.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting their application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Upload in PDF format and ensure the file size is suitable for the application portal.
Certified copy of South African ID: Ensure the document is clear and legible.
Current Grade 12 learners: Certified copy of their latest third-term results.
Tertiary students: Most recent full tertiary academic record and Matric certificate.

Review the application form carefully and upload all required documents. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

How to Apply for the Mercedes-Benz Bursary 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the official Mercedes-Benz careers website.

Follow these steps:

Visit the official Mercedes-Benz careers portal using the link below.
Search for The Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 Intake (East London).
Confirm the vacancy reference number: MER00049EO.
Open the advert and select the application option.
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Upload your CV, certified ID and the relevant academic documents.
Review your information and submit your application before the closing date.

Important: Completing the questionnaire is compulsory. Failure to complete it will disqualify your application.

Official Application Link

Apply for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027

Do not send your application by email. The advertised email address is for enquiries only, and applications submitted by email will not be considered.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Mercedes-Benz South Africa Bursary Programme 2027 is 12 November 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Details

Email for enquiries: mbsaTalentPipelines@mercedes-benz.com

Application portal: Mercedes-Benz Careers

Reference number: MER00049EO

Please note that the email address is for enquiries only, not for submitting applications.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa advises applicants who do not receive feedback within six weeks to consider their applications unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes-Benz Bursary open for 2027?

Yes. The official Mercedes-Benz careers advertisement lists the 2027 Bursary Programme intake, with applications closing on 12 November 2026.

Who can apply?

South African-born Grade 12 learners and students enrolled in or currently completing full-time tertiary studies may apply, provided they meet the academic and field-of-study requirements.

What marks do I 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. Tertiary students need an average of at least 65% based on their latest semester results.

Does the bursary cover accommodation and meals?

Yes. The advertised package includes tuition fees, meals, accommodation, stationery and a stipend, subject to applicable conditions.

Can I study at any university?

The official advertisement states that successful applicants may study at a university of their choice, subject to the programme’s conditions.

Do Eastern Cape applicants receive preference?

Yes. Applicants residing in the Eastern Cape receive preference. Children of Mercedes-Benz South Africa employees are also given preference.

Can I apply by email?

No. Applications must be submitted online. The published email address is for enquiries only.

When should I expect feedback?

If you do not hear from Mercedes-Benz South Africa within six weeks, the advertisement advises you to consider your application unsuccessful.

Disclaimer

NextStepZA shares bursary and educational opportunity information to help South African students access funding opportunities. We are not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz South Africa and do not make bursary decisions. Applicants should read the official advertisement carefully and confirm the latest requirements before applying.