ABB Education Trust

About the ABB Education Trust

The ABB Education Trust is a South African bursary trust that carries the name of the global technology group ABB. However, it runs independently. The Trust states that it has no affiliation, partnership or agency relationship with the ABB Group. Applicants should therefore think of it as a separate funder with a shared mission, not as a company bursary.

The Trust exists to widen access to engineering careers. Women remain under-represented in the profession, and Black women face the sharpest gap. To respond, the Trust directs its funding to Black female students who already show they can cope with an engineering degree.

How the Trust supports students

The Trust funds study in electrical engineering, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering. It prefers students on a bachelor's degree or a higher diploma at an accredited South African university. Reports on the award say it can cover items such as tuition, accommodation, meals and books, but confirm the exact support in the current call.

Unlike many bursaries, this one is not for school leavers. You must have finished your first year of study with a pass average of at least 60%. This approach means the Trust backs students who have proved themselves at university. It also helps those who might otherwise drop out in second or third year because of money problems.

The Trust also aims at students from households that cannot carry the cost alone. Recent calls set a household income ceiling of R600 000 per year. In addition, it will not pay for repeat courses or for outstanding balances from earlier years. Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens, and Black as defined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act. That includes African, Coloured and Indian women. Applications are made online, and recent calls closed in November for the following academic year. Dates can change, so watch the official ABB South Africa website for the latest notice.

Gather your documents early. Typical requirements include a certified ID copy, your matric certificate, academic transcripts, proof of registration, a fees statement and proof of your household income. You may also need to explain your accommodation and travel costs. Incomplete applications are usually not considered.

Public information does not describe any work-back or employment obligation to ABB or the Trust. Nor does it promise a job after graduation. Treat the bursary as financial support for your studies, and build your own career plan through vacation work and graduate programmes.