The SAIEE has the following options available for suitable candidates who intend to study for a diploma or degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering at a South African tertiary institution:
The SAIEE Education and Bursary Fund
The SAIEE awards a number of bursaries each year. Monies made available from these funds are used to finance a certain number of bursaries annually, as well as to fund the existing bursaries. These bursaries are awarded subject to the general rules and conditions of the SAIEE bursary scheme. The frequency of the award and the period for which it is tenable shall be decided by the SAIEE in its absolute discretion.
Would you like to donate to the SAIEE Bursary Fund? Click here and donate now!
Please check the SAIEE Bursary Application Guidelines: Download the SAIEE Bursary Application Guidelines here
SAIEE Past President's Bursary Scholarship
The Past Presidents Forum of the SAIEE offers prestigious scholarships for undergraduate study at South African universities. Awarded annually—subject to the availability of funds—these scholarships may support up to four years of study and are intended to cover tuition, accommodation, books, and subsistence allowances. All bursaries are governed by the general rules and conditions of the SAIEE President’s Scholarship program. The scholarship amount is determined each year at the time of the award.
Download SAIEE Past President's Scholarship Application Form
ISH/SAIEE Post Graduate Research Scholarship
South Africa boasts a strong legacy of innovation and engineering advancement. Universities play a pivotal role in cultivating future research and development leaders. Sustaining this tradition requires that universities continue to attract and nurture top research talent. The presence of these leaders not only drives ongoing innovation but also ensures students receive high-quality education and mentorship from accomplished academics.
The country has made substantial contributions to research and development in the generation, supply, and application of electrical energy, consistently demonstrating reliability and efficiency in challenging environments. To maintain this legacy and address the evolving challenges facing the industry, it is essential to invest in developing advanced research skills.
The ISH2009 Conference, held in Cape Town in August 2009, was a landmark event for High Voltage Engineering in South Africa. It brought together participants from 47 countries, facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge research findings and providing a platform for local and international organizations to showcase innovative products in the field.
Leveraging the surplus generated by ISH2009, along with support from the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, the ISH2009 Steering Committee established a dedicated scholarship in High Voltage Engineering.
This scholarship supports promising young researchers aged 30 or younger who are enrolled full-time in a master's or doctoral program.
Eligible research areas include High Voltage Engineering and related fields such as measurement and analysis, environmental impact, and other disciplines clearly associated with high-voltage equipment and installations.
Mentorship must be provided by a reputable South African institution with appropriately qualified academic or research staff. While collaboration with international institutions is encouraged, primary supervision must remain with a Southern African institution.
Download ISH/SAIEE Post Graduate Research Scholarship Application Form
Rules and Conditions of the SAIEE Bursary Scheme
Contractual Agreement
Bursars are to enter into a contract with the SAIEE accepting the rules and conditions applicable to the SAIEE Bursaries.
Selection of bursars should take the SAIEE POLICY ON BURSARIES into account.
On receipt of a completed bursary application form, a thorough check is to be made by the secretary to ensure that “All Documentation” required has been provided and all the conditions have been met. Applications that are not fully compliant with the application form requirements are to be disqualified. All photocopies must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths to ensure they are true copies of the original document.
NB: CANDIDATES NOT PROVIDING ALL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION AS DETAILED IN THE APPLICATION FORM WILL BE DISQUALIFIED, AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.
Selection of successful applicants
The actual selection of applicants is to be made as follows:
All applications which comply with the above requirements in full are to be sorted into categories in order of suitability. The most suitable applications are given priority.
Selection Criteria
The main criteria applicable are academic merit, which should be evaluated by taking the following aspects into account:
- Academic achievement and results, which must include the following subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science and English or Afrikaans.
- Matriculation symbols are to be a minimum of a “C or 60” for Mathematics and Physical Science and a “D or 50” for languages.
- Applications from previously disadvantaged persons with poor socio-economic backgrounds must be carefully evaluated, and the demographics of South Africa must be taken into account.
- The financial situation of the parents or guardians, as well as single parents, must be considered.
- Other extra-curricular activities.
- Preference should be given to applicants who have successfully completed either the 1st, 2nd or 3rd year/semester of a degree or diploma; however, this should not preclude deserving applicants with good matriculation results.
- The distance of an applicant’s residence from the preferred institution should also be considered, as the SAIEE bursaries cover only tuition and books.
- Applications from dependents of SAIEE members are to be given preference in the final selection process.
- As far as is practical, bursaries will be awarded each year to new applications in accordance with the demographics of the Engineering Fraternity in S.A.
NOTES
- Students who have been awarded a bursary and successfully completed one year or semester of their studies will automatically receive a bursary for the following year until their studies are completed. Students who do not pass a specific year or semester will not receive the bursary to repeat the year or semester. However, on successful completion of the repeated year, the bursary will be reinstated on receipt of the necessary application.
- Bi-annual statements from the institution on the student’s progress are to be provided by the student, i.e., midyear and year-end.
- The SAIEE bursaries cover only tuition and a predetermined amount for prescribed books, and are made directly to the relevant institution.
- SAIEE bursaries are for undergraduate studies only.
- Bursaries are only for studies at South African tertiary institutions.
- Only South African citizens are eligible.
SELECTION METHODS
Initial selection is to be made upon receipt of the applications by the bursary administrator responsible for administering the bursaries.
Applications must be “FULLY COMPLETED” with the rules of the bursary and include:
- Application form completed with all the required details.
- Copy of Identity Document (Certified by a commissioner of oaths)
- Motivational letter
- Proof of salary from both parents
- Written official proof of matriculation results
All fully compliant applications are to be sorted into the following categories:
- Highest/exceptional merit: this will be based on the relevant examination results, i.e., attained at the matric or university/tertiary institution level.
- The financial situation of the parents/guardian.
- Good examination results despite the extreme social hardship of parents/guardians or other constraints.
- Good examination results.
