If you are planning to study Civil Engineering, Geology, Geochemistry or Environmental Sciences at a South African university in 2026, the Jones & Wagener Bursary Programme could be one of the strongest opportunities available to support your studies and launch your career in infrastructure, mining, water systems, or environmental consulting.
This bursary does more than help pay tuition fees. It connects high-performing students to real engineering projects, structured workplace exposure, and potential long-term employment with one of South Africa’s respected consulting engineering firms.
Quick Overview
Programme: Jones & Wagener Bursary Programme 2026
Fields Supported:
- BEng Civil Engineering
- BSc Civil Engineering
- Geology
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Sciences
Minimum Academic Requirement:
- At least 75% in Mathematics
- At least 75% in Physical Science
Who Can Apply:
- Grade 12 learners
- Current university students
Coverage:
- Tuition fees (minimum)
- Possible accommodation support
- Possible textbook allowance
Vacation Work Requirement:
- Six weeks paid workplace exposure during recess
Work-Back Obligation:
- Equal to bursary support period
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Outcome Notification:
If no response by 31 October 2026, application unsuccessful
About Jones & Wagener
Jones & Wagener is a respected South African consulting engineering and environmental services company specialising in:
- Mine waste engineering
- Tailings dam design
- Water infrastructure systems
- Environmental compliance
- Geotechnical investigations
- Infrastructure engineering
- Environmental impact management
Their work supports critical industries such as:
- Mining
- Energy
- Water resources
- Infrastructure development
- Environmental sustainability
Because these sectors directly support South Africa’s economy and long-term development goals, the company invests in bursaries to build a pipeline of future engineers and environmental specialists.
For students, this means the bursary is not only financial support. It is a structured entry pathway into high-demand scarce-skills careers.
Fields Supported by the Bursary
The bursary supports students studying:
Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design and manage:
- Roads
- Bridges
- Water systems
- Dams
- Municipal infrastructure
- Mine infrastructure
Civil Engineering remains one of South Africa’s most employable technical degrees.
Geology
Geologists study:
- Earth structures
- Mineral deposits
- Groundwater systems
- Environmental stability
- Engineering site suitability
This field supports mining, infrastructure, and environmental management.
Geochemistry
Geochemistry specialists analyse:
- Soil chemistry
- Groundwater contamination
- Environmental pollutants
- Mineral composition
This discipline plays a major role in environmental compliance and sustainable mining.
Environmental Studies
Environmental professionals help companies:
- Reduce pollution
- Meet regulatory standards
- Manage biodiversity risks
- Protect water resources
- Implement sustainability strategies
Environmental science careers are growing rapidly due to stricter regulations.
What the Jones & Wagener Bursary Covers
At minimum, the bursary includes:
- Full university tuition fees
Depending on available funding and selection decisions, additional support may include:
- Accommodation assistance
- Textbook allowance
This flexibility makes the bursary particularly valuable for students from financially constrained households.
Paid Vacation Work Opportunities Included
One of the strongest advantages of this bursary is the required six weeks paid vacation work experience.
Students may be placed at:
- Rivonia offices
- Centurion offices
Vacation work usually happens during:
- July recess
- December recess
This workplace exposure allows students to:
- Apply classroom knowledge
- Gain engineering workplace readiness
- Build professional networks
- Understand consulting engineering environments
- Strengthen their CV before graduation
Very few bursaries offer structured technical workplace exposure this early.
Work-Back Requirement After Graduation
After completing your studies, bursary recipients must work for Jones & Wagener for a period equal to the bursary support duration.
Example:
If funded for 3 years → work back 3 years
This benefits students because it:
- Secures employment after graduation
- Provides mentorship
- Supports professional registration preparation
- Builds real industry experience early
Many graduates struggle to secure their first engineering role. This bursary removes that barrier.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
Applicants must meet strict academic standards.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be studying or planning to study one of the supported degrees
- Achieve at least 75% in Mathematics
- Achieve at least 75% in Physical Science
- Be enrolled at a recognised South African university
Applicants below these thresholds will not be considered.
Selection Criteria Used by Jones & Wagener
Applications are assessed using three main criteria:
Academic Merit
Your marks carry the highest weight in the decision process.
Provide:
- Latest school results
- Full academic transcripts
- University performance records (if applicable)
Financial Need
Students requiring financial assistance may receive priority consideration.
Company-Specific Considerations
These may include:
- Career alignment with company services
- Leadership potential
- Communication ability
- Motivation for engineering careers
Documents Required for Application
Prepare the following before applying:
- Certified ID copy
- Recent academic results
- Full academic transcript
- Updated CV
- Recent colour photograph
- ID number details
- Personal information
Ensure documents are:
- Clear
- Complete
- Legible
- Correctly uploaded
Incomplete applications are unlikely to be shortlisted.