Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) Bursary Programme 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
if you’re a driven South African undergraduate preparing for your 2026 studies, here’s great news!
The Volkswagen Group Africa Bursary Programme for 2026 is now open! VWGA is inviting ambitious full-time students to apply for a comprehensive bursary supporting studies in engineering, business, tech, and more—backed with financial support, mentorship, and future career opportunities. Applications close on Friday, 19 September 2025 at 2 pm, so get ready to apply and shape your future now.
🎓 Programme Summary
Location: South Africa (All DHET/CHE-accredited tertiary institutions)
Sponsor: Volkswagen Group Africa (administered via Aura AMS/ExcelAtUni)
Study Level: Undergraduate (Not open to Master’s or Doctoral students)
Target Group: South African citizens, with preference for designated groups per VWGA’s Employment Equity Plan
Eligible Fields of Study:
Engineering: Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Computer/Engineering
Business & Commerce: Marketing, Digital Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Strategy Development, Supply Chain & Logistics
Specialized: Polymer Technology, Quality Management
Value & Coverage: Full financial support—tuition, registration fees, accommodation, meals, books, stationery, plus a study laptop
Award Duration: Covers the full 2026 academic year (you must be studying full-time in 2026 to qualify)
Application Deadline: Friday, 19 September 2025 at 14:00 (2 pm)
Start Date: 2026 academic year (exact term depends on institution)
Eligible To: South African citizens pursuing or planning full-time undergraduate studies in 2026 at recognized institutions
📚 VWGA Programme Overview
Volkswagen Group Africa is committed to addressing South Africa’s critical skills shortage and driving transformation by investing in youth talent. The 2026 bursary programme offers not just financial support but also real-world exposure and professional growth through vacation work, mentorship, and tailored study assistance—plus a laptop to support your academic journey.
🎁 Programme Benefits
The VWGA bursary is designed to provide more than just financial relief—it’s a full support package that ensures students can focus on excelling academically while building career-readiness skills. Successful applicants will enjoy the following benefits:
Comprehensive Financial Coverage: Full payment of tuition and registration fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed textbooks, and stationery.
Laptop Provision: A study laptop will be issued to support academic requirements and research.
Vacation Work Opportunities: Hands-on industry exposure during academic breaks, allowing students to gain practical experience in a world-class automotive environment.
Mentorship & Career Development: Structured mentoring by VWGA professionals to guide students through their academic and professional journey.
Additional Study Support: Tailored academic assistance where needed, ensuring no student is left behind.
Work-Back Guarantee: After graduation, bursary recipients will have the opportunity to work for VWGA for the same duration of funding received—ensuring job placement and career entry in a global company.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You’re eligible if you:
Are a South African citizen.
Are planning or about to enrol in full-time undergraduate study in 2026—Master’s and Doctoral paths are NOT eligible.
Plan to study in one of the fields listed above, aligned with VWGA’s strategic operations.
Have matriculated with a Bachelor’s Pass of at least 70%, or if already in tertiary education, maintain a minimum 65% average.
Are not employed full-time during your studies.
Are preferably from designated groups, to support VWGA’s transformation and Employment Equity initiatives.
📝 Application Procedure
Applications are submitted online via the VWGA bursary portal (operated by Aura AMS / ExcelAtUni).
Submit your application before 19 September 2025 at 14:00. Late applications are disqualified.
If you’ve previously applied in 2025, you must apply again for the 2026 programme.
If you do not hear back by 28 November 2025, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
📂 Required Documents (certified copies, less than 3 months old, combined/scanned into single file per category):
All applicants: SA ID (certified), motivational statement (1–2 pages), parent/guardian ID or death certificate (if applicable), comprehensive CV.
Tertiary students (2025 and prior): Certified full tertiary academic records (all years), June 2025 transcripts, matric certificate, 2025 fee statements, proof of registration, and lease agreement if off-campus.
Matriculants (2025): Grade 11 year-end report, Grade 12 Term 2 report, plus 2026 acceptance letter from an accredited institution.
Gap-year students: Matric certificate; transcripts or police affidavit explaining current status.
Optional documents (if applicable): Other bursary/NSFAS proof, disability documentation (EEA1 + doctor’s letter), proof of acceptance in 2026.
Shortlisted applicants: Your matric certificate and 2026 proof of registration must be provided to finalize the bursary. For applicants under 18, a signed parental consent form (POPI-compliant) plus guardian ID is required.
💡 Why This Bursary Stands Out
VWGA’s 2026 bursary is more than just financial support—it’s a holistic investment in your future. You’ll receive the tools to succeed (tuition, accommodation, laptop), industry exposure through vacation work, guidance via mentorship, academic support, and a clear career path post-graduation through the work-back obligation. Plus, the programme champions transformation and equity, positioning it as a strategic and impactful opportunity.
🚀 Next Steps
Start preparing now—gather certified documents and draft your motivation letter.
Apply through the VWGA bursary portal before Friday, 19 September 2025 at 2 pm.
Track your application via the portal, and expect feedback by 28 November 2025.
If selected, ensure you register immediately in 2026 and submit confirmation to secure your bursary.
