Gibela, a joint South African and French railway rolling stock manufacturer has opened its 2026 bursary application and is inviting all interested applicants to apply.

Closing Date: 15 February 2026

Gibela is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year. Bursaries are available for University, University of Technology and TVET College studies, within the following fields of study:

TVET students:

• Boiler-makers
• Control and instrumentation technicians
• Electricians
• Fitters and Turners
• Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Pattern-makers
• Plumbers
• Vehicle-builders
• Welders

University and University of Technology students:

• Accounting
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Information Technology
• Logistics Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Supply Chain

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
TVET students:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must have achieved a minimum result of level 4 for Mathematics, Science and English in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a qualification, in one of the fields listed above, in 2026
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record and be able to show potential for academic success
• You must be in financial need
• Current N3 and N4 students are welcome to apply

University and University of Technology students:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must have achieved a minimum result of level 6 for Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting in Matric
• You must have achieved a minimum of result level 5 for English in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a qualification, in one of the fields listed above, in 2026
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited University or University of Technology in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record and be able to show potential for academic success
• You must be in financial need
• Current 1st and 2nd year students are welcome to apply

BURSARY COVERAGE:

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:
TVET students: full tuition fees and a book allowance.
University and University of Technology students: full tuition fees, accommodation and meals.

Bursaries are granted for one year at a time and are renewed each year based on satisfactory academic performance.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

Students who meet the minimum eligibility criteria, can apply by submitting copies of the following supporting documentation (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• South African ID document (certified copy)
• Full academic record (certified copies)
• Short Curriculum Vitae
• TVET students: proof of acceptance for admission from a TVET institution in South Africa (on letterhead)
• University and University of Technology students: proof of acceptance from a University or University of Technology in South Africa (on letterhead)

Note: there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application – students need only submit the list of above documents to apply.
 

Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:
– Email: gibelabursaries@communityrail.co.za

– Fax: 086 246 2666