Worley Parsons

About WorleyParsons (Worley)

Worley is a global engineering and project delivery company. It was known as WorleyParsons until it adopted the shorter Worley name in 2019, after taking over the energy, chemicals and resources business of Jacobs. The group began in Sydney in the early 1970s and today says it works in more than 40 countries. It is a separate company from other engineering consultancies.

Worley focuses on energy, chemicals and resources. Its teams support projects from early concept and front-end design through to engineering, procurement, construction management, maintenance and decommissioning. Its work now includes lower-carbon energy as well as conventional energy.

Worley in South Africa

Worley has a South African office at 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. According to industry reports, the Johannesburg team has long served as a centre of expertise for mining and minerals processing. It also works in hydrocarbons, power and infrastructure. In 2020, Sasol's Group Technology division appointed Worley as an engineering contractor partner for its local capital projects, which shows the kind of large industrial work that graduates can join.

Because the firm designs and manages complex plants, it needs a steady supply of young engineers. That is why Worley funds some students while they are still at university. A bursary lets the company get to know talented candidates early, and it gives students a clear route into the profession.

How the Worley bursary supports students

The Worley bursary is aimed at engineering students at South African universities. Recent rounds have covered BSc or BEng degrees in civil, electrical, mechanical and mining engineering. Only a small number of awards are made each year, so competition is strong. Reports on the most recent rounds describe funding for registration and tuition fees, a book allowance, a laptop allowance, accommodation and a data allowance. Students also get paid vacation work, which gives them real project experience before they graduate.

Some reports also mention mentorship, networking sessions and a placement in the Worley graduate programme after graduation. However, the details of any work-back obligation are not clear from public sources. Check the official terms before you accept an award.

What to know before applying

Recent bursary adverts have been aimed at students who are already at university, usually entering their second year. Mining engineering students may also be considered in their third year. Applicants generally need South African citizenship, an average of at least 65% and no failed modules. The adverts also asked for students from financially and previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Matric learners should therefore look at other bursaries first, then apply to Worley once they have a strong first-year record.

The most recent round that we could confirm closed on 30 November 2025. Applications were sent by email with certified copies of an ID, a matric certificate and academic transcripts. Dates, fields and requirements change from year to year, so do not rely on old adverts. Look for the current Bursaries listing on the Worley careers portal. Be careful of any site or message that asks you to pay a fee.