UTT Bursary Programme 2025: Empowering Future STEM Leaders in Oil and Gas

The Upstream Training Trust (UTT) has announced the launch of its 2025 bursary programme, aimed at supporting South African students interested in pursuing careers in the petroleum, oil, and gas industries. With the need for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continuing to grow, this bursary provides a unique opportunity for eligible students to secure financial support for their studies.

The UTT bursary programme is offering coverage of tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and meals, all valued at a total of R120,000 per student. This support not only eases the financial burden for students but also ensures that they can focus on their academic pursuits without worrying about the costs associated with their education. The bursary is intended to encourage and empower young talent from previously disadvantaged communities, while also promoting gender diversity within these industries by prioritizing female students and those with a passion for contributing to South Africa’s oil and gas sectors.

Fields of Study Eligible for the Bursary

Bursaries will be awarded for a range of qualifications that are aligned with the needs of the petroleum, oil, and gas industries. The eligible fields of study include:

Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Geophysics
Geoscience
Industrial Engineering
Information Systems
Information Technology
Mathematics
Mechatronics
Mining Engineering
Physical Science

These fields are central to the development of the upstream oil and gas industries, and the UTT aims to ensure that a new generation of professionals is well-equipped to meet the challenges of these rapidly evolving sectors.

Incentives for Academic Excellence

In addition to the financial assistance provided by the bursary, UTT is also offering a series of academic excellence incentives to encourage students to strive for the highest possible grades. These incentives are aimed at motivating students to maintain a strong academic performance throughout their studies. The incentives are structured as follows:

Students achieving between 65% and 69% will receive a bonus of R5,000.
Students achieving between 70% and 74% will receive a bonus of R10,000.
Students achieving 75% or more will receive a bonus of R15,000.
These rewards underscore UTT’s commitment to fostering academic excellence among its bursary recipients, ensuring that students are not only supported financially but also motivated to push the boundaries of their academic potential.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To be considered for the UTT bursary programme, applicants must meet several important eligibility criteria. First and foremost, applicants must be South African citizens who are either currently in Matric or have completed Matric. They must also be studying or intending to study towards one of the STEM-related qualifications listed above in 2025, and they must be registered or conditionally accepted at an institution of higher learning in South Africa.

Furthermore, applicants are required to meet specific academic standards. A minimum overall pass mark of 60% is required, along with a minimum pass of 65% in Mathematics, Science, and English. Students who are already pursuing their studies must ensure that they have passed all their subjects in order to qualify for the bursary.

It is also important to note that applicants must not be in receipt of any other bursary or financial assistance. This ensures that the bursary is awarded to students who are in genuine need of financial support.

Empowering Disadvantaged and Female Students

In an effort to promote greater inclusion and diversity within the upstream oil and gas industries, UTT has stated that preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged areas. This is in line with the Trust’s mission to empower students who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing higher education.

Additionally, female students are particularly encouraged to apply for the bursary, as the oil and gas industries have historically been male-dominated. By supporting the education of women in STEM fields, UTT hopes to contribute to gender equality within these sectors.

The bursary programme also seeks to support students who have a clear passion and interest in the upstream oil and gas industries. This includes students who have a genuine desire to pursue careers in these sectors and contribute to the ongoing development of South Africa’s energy landscape.

How to Apply for the UTT Bursary Programme

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and wish to apply for the UTT bursary can do so by completing the online application form available through the official bursary website. Applicants will need to provide detailed information about their academic history, as well as any other relevant information that demonstrates their suitability for the bursary.

The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that as many eligible students as possible can apply. However, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as competition for these bursaries is expected to be high.

Preparing the Next Generation of Oil and Gas Professionals

With the launch of the 2025 UTT bursary programme, South African students have a unique opportunity to receive financial support as they pursue studies in fields critical to the petroleum, oil, and gas industries. The bursary’s generous coverage of tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses ensures that recipients can focus on their studies and excel in their chosen fields without the added stress of financial constraints.

Moreover, the academic excellence incentives offer students an additional motivation to perform at their best, while the programme’s emphasis on supporting disadvantaged and female students aligns with broader national efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM industries.

The UTT bursary programme is not just an investment in the education of individual students, but also an investment in the future of South Africa’s oil and gas industries. By supporting the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists, UTT is helping to ensure that the country’s energy sector remains competitive and innovative in the years to come.

For students passionate about making a difference in the world of oil and gas, this bursary programme represents a vital step towards achieving their dreams. With the financial support provided by UTT, the path to a rewarding and impactful career in the energy sector is now within reach.

For more information and to apply, students can visit the application page here: Apply Now