Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Completed matric
- Entering 1st or 2nd year of study
- Registered at a mainstream public South African university (not a private institution)
- Studying Chemical, Electrical, Instrumentation or Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a BCom in Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Human Resources Management
- Strong academic record
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest statement of academic results (if currently studying)
- Proof of university registration or acceptance, on institutional letterhead
- Detailed CV
About Sapref Bursary
SAPREF is a crude oil refinery based at Island View in Durban, operated as a joint venture between Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa. It is one of the larger crude oil refineries in southern Africa. As part of its skills-development commitments, SAPREF runs an annual bursary programme aimed at high-potential first- and second-year students studying towards engineering, science and commerce qualifications relevant to the refining and petroleum sector.
Funding Details
SAPREF has not published specific bursary amounts or a itemised list of covered costs in the sources available. Prospective applicants should confirm exact coverage directly with SAPREF when a call for applications is open, rather than assume a particular amount.
Where You Can Study
Open only to students at mainstream public South African universities; students at private institutions do not qualify.
About SAPREF
SAPREF is the largest crude oil refinery in Southern Africa, a joint venture between Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa located in Prospecton, Durban. The refinery has operated for more than 50 years, processing in…
View full provider profile →- Address
- 1 Refinery Road, Prospecton, Durban, 4001
- Phone
- +27 31 480 1911
- public@sapref.com
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The bursary is aimed at South African citizens who have completed matric and are entering their 1st or 2nd year of study in the relevant academic year at a mainstream public South African university — private institutions are not eligible. Applicants must have a strong academic record and already be studying, or accepted to study, one of SAPREF's listed qualifications.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SAPREF bursary open for the 2027 academic year?
SAPREF had not published 2027 intake dates as of August 2026. The most recently confirmed cycle was for 2026, which closed on 12 February 2026 and has already lapsed. Applicants should watch sapref.com or contact recruitmentapply@sapref.com for the next call for applications.
Can 3rd-year or postgraduate students apply?
No — the bursary is specifically restricted to students entering their 1st or 2nd year of study.
Can I apply if I study at a private university or college?
No. SAPREF restricts this bursary to students at mainstream public universities.
How much does the bursary pay?
Exact amounts and covered costs are not publicly itemised by SAPREF in the sources reviewed. This will need to be confirmed directly with SAPREF once an application window opens.
