Astron Energy

About Astron Energy

Astron Energy is one of the two biggest suppliers of petroleum products in South Africa. It operates around 850 Caltex-branded service stations. It also owns a crude oil refinery in Cape Town that can process about 100,000 barrels a day. The refinery makes petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, bitumen and other products. The company was formerly Chevron South Africa and took its current name after the 2019 sale.

Refining and fuel distribution rely on engineers. Plants run around the clock, and they need people who understand chemistry, machines, power systems and process design. Astron Energy therefore invests early in students who can fill those roles.

How Astron Energy supports students

The Astron Energy bursary is a full award for engineering students. It covers BSc or BEng degrees in chemical, electrical (light and heavy current), industrial, mechanical and metallurgical engineering. The package pays for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and a monthly allowance.

The support goes beyond money. Bursars receive mentorship, academic tutoring, psycho-social assistance and a work-readiness programme. These extras help students handle the jump from campus to a technical workplace. For example, mentors can explain how a refinery team actually operates.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens with a matric certificate. Recent calls asked for full-time study at a registered South African institution and an overall average of at least 70% in the last full academic year. They also targeted students entering their final year or completing a one-year postgraduate course. The company has set an age limit of under 35 and asked that applicants are not in full-time employment. Check the latest advert, as the rules can shift.

Applications are made online. Typical documents are a certified ID and academic record, official fee statements, proof of any other funding, parent or guardian ID, a motivational letter and a CV. Closing dates have fallen in the final months of the year, so plan ahead.

Competition for places is strong, because a full engineering bursary is rare. Applicants with excellent marks, a clear motivational letter and well-organised documents have the best chance. If you are shortlisted, the company contacts you in the weeks after the closing date.

This bursary carries a firm service obligation. Recipients sign an agreement to work for Astron Energy for one year for every year of funding. The company releases no money until you sign. If you do not finish full-time study, or you take other paid work during the funded period, you may have to repay the benefits. Think carefully about whether you want this commitment before you apply.