Shell Bursary South Africa 2026 – Complete Guide
The Shell Bursary South Africa 2026 is aimed at high-performing South African students who plan to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) qualifications relevant to the energy sector. The bursary is intended to support financially needy students entering their first year of tertiary study at a recognised public university in South Africa.
This guide explains who should apply, which fields are supported, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, using only the official information provided.
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – SHELL
Shell is a leading global energy and petrochemical company, with operations structured across Integrated Gas, Upstream, New Energies, Downstream, and Projects and Technology.
In South Africa, Shell’s main business activities include Lubricants and Oils, Retail and Commercial Fuels, Manufacturing, Chemicals, and Upstream Exploration. The company operates a nationwide retail network of service stations and supplies fuels and related products to sectors such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, marine, mining, and consumer markets.
Shell, together with BP, jointly owns the Sapref refinery, one of the largest refineries on the African continent.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE SHELL BURSARY?
This bursary is suitable for students who:
Are South African citizens
Are in financial need
Have strong Matric results, particularly in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English
Are entering their first year of study
Plan to pursue a qualification relevant to the energy sector within STEM
Are starting their first degree at a public university in South Africa
FIELDS OF STUDY COVERED
Shell awards bursaries for studies within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields that are related to the energy sector.
No further breakdown of specific qualifications or degree programmes has been provided.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SHELL BURSARY
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
Must be a South African citizen
Must be in financial need
Must have completed Matric
Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 75% in Matric
Must have achieved at least 75% in Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English in Matric
Must be entering 1st year of study towards a STEM qualification relevant to the energy sector
Must be starting their first degree
Must be studying, or have been accepted to study, at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa
Failure to meet all requirements will result in the application not being considered.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SHELL BURSARY 2026
Applications must be submitted online via the official Shell bursary platform:
Shell Bursary Application 2026
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and complete before final submission.
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents with their online application:
Certified copy of South African ID document
Matric certificate
University acceptance letter
Parents’ or guardians’ proof of household income, such as:
Latest payslips if employed
Affidavit if unemployed
Proof of social grant or pension, if applicable
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
APPLICATION PREPARATION TIPS
Applicants are advised to:
Ensure all documents are clear, readable, and correctly certified where required
Confirm that academic results meet the minimum percentage requirements
Apply well before the closing date to avoid technical or administrative issues
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Shell Bursary?
South African citizens who meet the academic, financial need, and study-related requirements may apply.
Which fields of study are supported?
The bursary supports STEM fields related to the energy sector.
Is the bursary open to students already studying?
No. The bursary is for students entering their first year of study and starting their first degree.
CLOSING DATE
30 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
CONTACT DETAILS
For queries related to this bursary programme, contact TTI Bursaries (the administrators of the Shell Bursary):
This guide is published to provide accurate and up-to-date information on South African bursary opportunities and to assist students and families in making informed education funding decisions.