Engineering is the practice of using natural science, mathematics, and the scientific method to solve problems, increase efficiency and productivity, and improve systems.
The Engineering sector has many sub-sectors, each of them vitally important to the functioning of various systems and industries (such as factories, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
Chemical engineering is an engineering field which deals with the study of operation and design of chemical plants as well as methods of improving production.
Chemical engineers develop economical commercial processes to convert raw materials into useful products.
Where to study Engineering/Chemical Engineering
Universities such as:
- University of South Africa (Unisa)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
Bursaries to study Chemical Engineering in South Africa
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary Programme
Toyota South Africa Motors Bursary Fund has been established in an effort to provide support to its communities, specifically to emerging talent who proudly display commitment and excel academically.
Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing full-time study in a number of fields, including Engineering:
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Eligibility Requirements include:
- Only applications from South African citizens will be considered
- Strong academic and leadership potential
- Achieved a minimum result of 65% for Mathematics and English in Matric
- Achieved an overall average above 65% at Tertiary
- Combined household income lower than R750,000 per annum.
The following documents will have to be uploaded:
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of all academic results to date (Gr 12 certificate and full tertiary academic record)
- Proof of combined household income
Sappi Bursary Scheme
Sappi awards a number of bursaries each year based on their annual skills audit and business needs. Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing full-time study in a number of fields, including Engineering:
Fields of Study
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Mechatronics
- Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science – Forestry and Wood Science
- National Diploma – Pulp and Paper
- National Diploma in Forestry
Eligibility Requirements include:
- South African citizenship
- School leavers or university students between 18 - 25 years old who are studying or intending to study full time at any South African accredited university
- An average of 70% in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy), 70–80% in Physical Science and 60% in English and
- Qualifying points for entrance at the university or acceptance confirmation
Current university results will be considered for undergraduate students. Note that preference will be given to learners with an average of 75% and above in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Eskom Bursary
The South African electricity public utility known as Eskom is the biggest electricity producer in Africa, and is responsible for the generation of around 95% of South Africa’s electricity.
Eskom is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme. Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following fields:
University studies:
- Chemical Engineering (B Eng / BSc)
- Civil Engineering (B Eng / BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (B Eng / BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (Light Current) (B Eng / BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (B Eng / BSc)
- Mechatronics Engineering (B Eng / BSc)
University of Technology studies:
- Chemical Engineering (Diploma)
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (Diploma)
- Electrical Engineering (Light Current) (Diploma)
- Mechanical Engineering (Diploma)
Eligibility Requirements include:
University studies:
- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be currently in Matric in 2023
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 4 for English, in Grade 11 finals
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 5 for Pure Mathematics, in Grade 11 finals
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 5 for Physical Science, in Grade 11 finals
- You must intend on studying towards one of the qualifications listed above in 2024
- You must have received conditional acceptance to study at a recognised and accredited University in South Africa
- You must NOT be in receipt of any other bursary funding and must NOT be registered at any tertiary institution
- Preference may be given to applicants from under-represented designated groups (in line with Eskom’s employment equity plan and its employment equity goals and targets)
University of Technology studies:
- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be currently in Matric in 2023
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 4 for English, in Grade 11 finals
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 4 for Pure Mathematics, in Grade 11 finals
- You must have achieved a minimum of Level 4 for Physical Science, in Grade 11 finals
- You must intend on studying towards one of the qualifications listed above in 2024
- You must have received conditional acceptance to study at a recognised and accredited University of Technology in South Africa
- You must NOT be in receipt of any other bursary funding and must NOT be registered at any tertiary institution
- Preference may be given to applicants from under-represented designated groups (in line with Eskom’s employment equity plan and its employment equity goals and targets)
Transnet Bursary
Transnet SOC Ltd is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme. Transnet will be awarding bursaries within a number of fields of study, including Engineering:
Engineering Bursary (BEng or BSc):
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (heavy current)
- Electronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Eligibility Requirements include:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric or you must be currently in Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full time towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above, in 2023
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
- Specialist Commercial Bursary: you must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60%) for English and relevant subjects in line with the criteria for your course of study, in Matric
- Engineering Bursary: you must have achieved a minimum of level 5 (60%) for Mathematics, Physical Science and English in Matric
Tiger Brands Bursary
Tiger Brands is inviting students to apply for their graduate bursary programme. Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing studies within the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering (BEng or BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (BEng or BSc)
- Electronic Engineering (BEng or BSc)
- Industrial Engineering (BEng or BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (BEng or BSc)
- Marketing (BCom)
Eligibility Requirements include:
- You must be South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric
- You must currently be in your 1st year of study
- You must be entering your 2nd year of study in 2022 (the year which you are applying for funding for)
- You must be enrolled and studying at a recognised tertiary institution (for at least 6 months at the time of application)
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average result of 65% in Matric
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average result of 65% in semester 1 of tertiary studies
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must have proven financial need
- You must show strong academic potential in pure Mathematics, Science and Accounting
Critical thinking is important in Chemical Engineering. You will need to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
What skills and abilities must I have to become a Chemical Engineer?
- Must have a good understanding of Science (will often use scientific rules and methods to solve problems)
- Must have a good understanding of Mathematics (used to constantly solve problems)
- Critical thinking is important (Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems)
- Must be an active listener – (give full attention to what other people are saying and take time to understand the points being made)
- Must have complex problem solving skills (Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions)
- Be able to manage time effectively (manage one’s own time and the time of others
