Zutari

About Zutari

Zutari is a pan-African engineering and infrastructure consultancy. It grew out of the African business of Aurecon, which separated from the Australian-headquartered group in 2020. The name blends two Swahili words, one linked to invention and the other to nectar. Its roots go back much further, because the earlier Ninham Shand heritage in Africa dates to 1932.

Today Zutari reports offices across a number of African countries and the Middle East, with its corporate headquarters in Dubai. More than a thousand technical experts work there as engineers, scientists and designers. Their projects cover buildings, energy and power, water resources, transport, mining infrastructure and urban development.

How Zutari supports students

Zutari funds its Engineering Bursary Programme because infrastructure projects need a steady supply of young engineers. The bursary sits inside a wider talent pipeline. Alongside it, the firm offers vacation work, work-integrated learning, internships and graduate programmes. As a result, a funded student can follow a clear path from first year to professional registration.

The programme has focused on Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering degrees. Matric learners, as well as students in their first, second or third year, have been able to apply in past cycles. Funding is for full-time undergraduate study at a recognised South African institution. Zutari also says it wants students who are passionate about engineering and about making a positive impact in Africa.

The firm tracks diversity in its workforce, including the share of permanent roles held by women. In line with this, preference in past calls went to applicants from designated groups within South Africa.

Engineering students often ask what the work looks like after graduation. At Zutari, young engineers join project teams that design water systems, power networks, roads and buildings. They learn from senior engineers on live projects, and they work towards professional registration with ECSA. That mix of mentoring and real responsibility is a big part of what the bursary pipeline is meant to deliver.

What to know before applying

Academic requirements have differed by year of study. For example, matric applicants in recent calls needed an overall average of 70%, with a Level 7 in both Mathematics and Physical Science. First-year university students needed 65%, while second-year and third-year students needed 70%. These figures change, so confirm the current numbers on the official site.

Closing dates also move from year to year. The most recent call closed on 31 August, so it is wise to prepare your documents early. Typical documents include your ID, academic results and proof of registration or acceptance.

Zutari bursars who join the firm after graduating also get exposure beyond South Africa. Because the company works in many African markets, graduates may see projects in several countries. However, the exact terms of any service obligation are not publicly confirmed here, so read your bursary agreement carefully before you sign it.