Murray & Roberts

About Murray & Roberts

Murray & Roberts is a South African engineering and construction group with more than a century of history. It built roads, bridges, mines, power stations and buildings across Southern Africa and further afield. Its head office is the Douglas Roberts Centre in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. For many years the group stood among the best-known names in the industry.

Recent years have been difficult. Murray & Roberts Limited, the main operating company, entered business rescue in November 2024. Its holding company, Murray & Roberts Holdings, was later placed in liquidation. The group's own website now says that the holding company is in liquidation and that the operating company is in business rescue. These are separate legal entities, and the rescue process continues for the operating company.

Bursaries and graduate development

In the past, Murray & Roberts supported students and young graduates. Its Graduate Development Programme ran for about twelve months. It aimed to build the group's long-term skills and leadership. Listings link the programme to building science and construction, mechanical, electrical, industrial and mining engineering, and quantity surveying.

These fields match the group's work on infrastructure and mining projects. For instance, a civil or mining engineering graduate could work on site and learn project delivery. The programme also gave graduates exposure to a company with global reach.

The group worked across several sectors. These included mining, power, water, and oil and gas projects, alongside general construction. Engineering graduates normally register as candidates with the Engineering Council of South Africa while they gain experience under a mentor. Employers in this industry therefore often value a structured graduate programme.

The news is not entirely negative. Business rescue exists to protect jobs and keep viable work going, and the operating company has continued with projects while the process runs. Even so, students should not plan a bursary around a company in this position.

What to know before applying

Because of the business rescue and liquidation, you should not assume that any Murray & Roberts bursary is open. Programmes may be paused, reduced or closed. We have not confirmed any current bursary intake, amounts, deadlines or work-back terms. Past listings may be out of date.

Before you apply, check the official Murray & Roberts website for the latest status. Be careful with any message that asks you to pay money for a bursary or job. Genuine employers do not charge application fees.

Meanwhile, look at other construction and engineering funders. Many contractors, consulting firms and mining houses offer similar support for civil, mechanical and mining students. Compare several options and apply to more than one. A broad approach protects you if a single programme closes. Keep your marks strong, since good results help with every application.