Barloworld Education Trust

About Barloworld

Barloworld is a JSE-listed industrial brand management company. Its businesses span equipment, logistics and consumer industries in Southern Africa and other international markets. In the region, the group represents major global brands, including Caterpillar earthmoving equipment. Its head office address is 61 Katherine Street in Sandton. A company of this kind needs engineers, technicians, IT specialists and sales professionals.

How the Barloworld Education Trust supports students

The Barloworld Education Trust was created to help students fund tertiary studies in areas close to the group's core business. Earlier calls named engineering, IT and sales or marketing. The fields listed were IT and Computer Science (BSc), Industrial, Mechanical and Mining Engineering (BEng or BSc), Marketing, and Sales. In short, the trust funds the skills that Barloworld and its industries depend on.

Reported benefits include registration fees, examination fees, tuition and prescribed textbooks. Accommodation costs may be covered in certain cases. A bursary of this type can carry a student through a degree, provided the academic results stay strong. Funds are paid for study at a recognised university or university of technology.

What to know before applying

The eligibility rules published in earlier calls were fairly specific. Applicants had to be South African citizens and Black students, meaning African, Coloured, Indian or Chinese. They needed a completed matric and had to study full-time in one of the listed fields. Students were also asked to come from a previously disadvantaged background. Those already at university had to pass their mid-year exams in the current year.

The trust has asked for certified copies of an ID and matric certificate, and a full academic record on the institution's letterhead. A CV and a motivational letter were also required. The letter should explain why you deserve the award and what you plan to do with your qualification. Strong, honest motivation can set an application apart.

Earlier applications were posted to the trust at a Sandton postal address, and the usual closing date was 31 July each year. However, those details come from older listings. The Barloworld careers pages we reviewed did not show current scholarship rules, so the closing date, delivery method and fields may have changed.

It is also unclear whether recipients must work for Barloworld after graduating. Ask the group directly through its recruitment channels, and read any agreement before you sign. Meanwhile, keep your documents certified and your marks up to date so you are ready when the next call opens. Engineering and IT students should also keep a record of projects, vacation jobs and awards, because these details strengthen a motivational letter.