Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd is inviting applications for the Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Scheme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary supports outstanding students in selected Engineering fields.
At a glance
- Bursary name: Cape Gate Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Scheme 2026
- Who it’s for: Students in Matric (2025) or current Engineering undergraduates who will be in 1st or 2nd year BEng in 2026, with strong academics and financial need.
- Fields of study: BEng in Electronic/Electrical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering (including closely related mechatronics specialisations where specified).
- Study level: 1st‑ and 2nd‑year undergraduate BEng students in 2026.
- What it covers: Registration and tuition fees, residence with meals or living‑out allowance, book allowance, personal allowance and once‑off computer allowance.
- Closing date: 9 January 2026
- Where you can study: Approved universities in South Africa, such as the University of Pretoria and other accredited institutions.
Who’s offering this bursary?
Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd is a South African steel and wire products manufacturer based in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. The company supplies a wide range of products to the mining, industrial, agricultural, construction and commercial sectors, locally and abroad.
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Scheme forms part of Cape Gate’s investment in developing scarce‑skills Engineering talent, particularly in high‑demand disciplines such as electrical, electronic and metallurgical engineering.
What the bursary covers
According to the official University of Pretoria funding notice, the bursary typically provides support aligned with full‑time Engineering study costs, including:
- Full tertiary registration and tuition costs.
- Residence fees including meals, or a generous living‑out allowance for students living off campus.
- A book allowance.
- A personal allowance while you are registered and attending classes.
- A once‑off computer allowance.
Funding is generally renewable from year to year for the normal duration of the degree, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet all conditions.
Fields of study
The Isaac Joffe Fellowship supports undergraduate BEng studies in the following Engineering fields:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering (where offered as an appropriate BEng stream)
- Metallurgical Engineering
Who can apply? (Eligibility checklist)
Use this checklist as a guide. Always refer to the official advert and application form for the full requirements:
- You are currently in Matric (Class of 2025) or you have already completed Matric.
- You intend to study or are already studying full‑time towards a BEng degree in one of the approved fields.
- You will be in your 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026.
- You are (or will be) registered at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
- You have a strong academic record in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and relevant Engineering modules.
- You can demonstrate financial need and are not receiving other substantial bursary or sponsorship funding.
- You are willing to attend interviews and participate in the selection process if shortlisted.
- You understand and accept the possibility of a work‑back obligation at Cape Gate after graduation, as described in the official terms.
Documents you’ll need
Typical supporting documents include (check the official notice for any extra items):
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- Certified copy of your Matric final results or certificate.
- Latest academic transcript if you are already at university (1st‑year results).
- Current university account statement or fee quotation (if applicable).
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, pension/grant proof where applicable).
- A short CV highlighting your academic achievements and activities.
- Any motivation or personal statement requested in the form.
- Any other documents listed in the official Isaac Joffe Fellowship application form.
Key dates
- Applications close: 9 January 2026.
- Shortlisting and interviews are expected to take place after the closing date.
- Only shortlisted applicants are notified, typically from the end of January 2026.
Selection & placement
Selection is based on a combination of:
- Academic performance in Grade 12 and/or first‑year Engineering modules.
- Financial need and lack of alternative funding.
- Performance at interviews and any other assessments required.
Successful bursars are generally expected to complete paid vacation work at Cape Gate during the December/January holidays. After graduation, the company may require you to work for a period equal to the duration of bursary funding. If you do not meet this commitment, you may be required to repay the bursary plus interest, in line with the official conditions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the first week of January to start your application, instead of preparing documents early.
- Not checking that you meet the required Engineering fields before you apply.
- Sending incomplete or uncertified documents.
- Using an incorrect or vague email subject line that does not match the instructions.
- Missing communication from the bursary administrators because of an inactive email address or voicemail box.
How to apply
- Obtain the official Cape Gate Isaac Joffe Fellowship Bursary Application Form 2026 from Cape Gate’s Human Resource Development Department or via the university funding office.
- Read the information sheet carefully so you understand the eligibility criteria, benefits and obligations.
- Complete the application form in full, using accurate information and clearly legible handwriting or typed text.
- Prepare and attach all supporting documents listed in the application instructions.
- Scan the completed form and documents into a single PDF (or as instructed).
- Email your application to the Secretary: IJF Bursary Scheme at IJF2026@capegate.co.za, using the required email subject line (for example: “Cape Gate Bursary 2026”).
- Keep copies of your application and the email submission confirmation for your records.
After you submit
Only shortlisted applicants are contacted. If you haven’t heard back by the indicated timeframe after 9 January 2026, you should assume your application was not successful and continue exploring alternative funding options.