Arup Education Trust

About Arup Education Trust

The Arup Education Trust was formed in 2011 by Arup, the global design and engineering firm. Sir Ove Arup founded the firm in 1946, and today it is owned through a trust for the benefit of its staff. Arup opened its first South African office in Johannesburg in 1954. Durban followed in 1958 and Cape Town in 1965. From these three offices, its teams have delivered more than 6,500 projects across the continent, including work as independent certifier on the Gautrain. The education trust is based in Dunkeld, Johannesburg.

Its stated aim is to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through education and skills development. It places special emphasis on the girl child. Reports say at least half of its beneficiaries are women. The trust lists its values as quality, unity, compassion and integrity.

How the trust supports students

The trust funds built environment studies. This covers architecture, construction studies, engineering, quantity surveying and town planning. However, it is not only about money. The trust says it combines funding with mentorship and guidance, so that students can reach their full potential. Over the years it has also offered extra tuition support to learners.

Because the focus is narrow, the programme suits students who already know they want a career that shapes buildings, roads and cities. First-year students have been welcome to apply. Several graduates have completed their degrees with the trust's help since 2012. Its link to a working engineering firm also means the trust understands what the industry expects from new graduates.

Women in architecture, engineering and surveying are especially encouraged to apply, since the trust aims for them to make up at least half of its beneficiaries. Enquiries can be sent to the trust through the contact details on its website.

What to know before applying

Past criteria were clear. Applicants must be South African citizens from a designated group under the B-BBEE codes. They must have finished matric and study at an accredited South African institution. Strong academic results count. In addition, combined household income was listed as below R30,000 per month.

You will need a certified ID copy, your matric certificate, your full academic record on the institution's letterhead, a recent tuition statement and proof of household income. Documents should be sent as PDF files, and past instructions asked for each file to stay under 2MB. Missing papers can slow your application.

The published information does not confirm a work-back obligation, the amount awarded or the closing date for the next intake. These details can change each year. For this reason, read the criteria page on the trust's official website before you apply.