Upstream Training Trust

About the Upstream Training Trust

The Upstream Training Trust (UTT) is a non-profit organisation that builds specialist skills for South Africa's oil and gas sector. Petroleum Agency SA and the companies exploring for oil and gas onshore and offshore founded it in 1997. Petroleum Agency SA still administers the Trust today. Its postal address is PO Box 5111, Tygervalley, in the northern suburbs of Cape Town.

The Trust was set up for a simple reason. The search for oil and gas depends on geoscientists, engineers and technologists, and the country had too few of them. In response, the UTT invests in young people, with a special focus on students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

How the Trust supports students

The UTT funds full-time study in subjects linked to the petroleum industry. Published lists of eligible fields include chemical, electrical, industrial, mining and mechatronic engineering. They also cover chemistry, geophysics, geoscience, physical science, mathematics, computer science, information systems and information technology.

The bursary has been reported at about R120 000 a year, which pays for tuition, textbooks, accommodation and meals. On top of that, students who perform well can earn an academic incentive. Reported amounts rise from R5 000 for results of 65 to 69 percent up to R15 000 for 75 percent and above. These figures come from secondary sources, so confirm the current values with the Trust.

Because the UTT sits inside the petroleum regulator's network, bursars also gain a window into an industry that few graduates ever see up close. In addition, that network can help when you start looking for vacation work or your first job.

What to know before applying

Applicants need South African citizenship and must be in matric or already registered at a South African institution. Past calls asked for an overall pass mark of at least 60 percent, plus 65 percent or more in Mathematics, Science and English. You normally send a certified copy of your ID, your academic record, proof of acceptance and a motivational letter. Applications can be made online or by post to the Tygervalley address.

Closing dates have fallen in the last quarter of the year. The most recent call we found closed on 31 October 2025, and late applications were not considered. However, deadlines shift, so confirm the date before you start.

Competition is strong because the number of awards is small. For that reason, write a clear motivation, show why you want a career in energy, and submit complete documents. Check the official Upstream Training Trust website or the Petroleum Agency SA site for the current call, requirements and any work-back conditions, since we could not confirm those details.