Tiger Brands Graduate Bursary Programme 2027 – Apply by 22 October 2026
Organisation: Tiger Brands
Bursary Type: Undergraduate University Bursary
Location: South Africa
Application Opening Date: 22 September 2026
Closing Date: 22 October 2026
Overview
Tiger Brands is inviting applications from academically deserving South African university students for its Graduate Bursary Programme, offering financial assistance to students pursuing qualifications relevant to the company’s business needs.
The bursary programme aims to support talented students who demonstrate strong academic potential but require financial assistance to continue their university studies.
Successful applicants will receive financial support towards their education, together with opportunities for mentorship, professional development and practical workplace exposure.
Tiger Brands recognises that access to quality education plays an important role in developing future professionals and leaders.
The programme is particularly suitable for students pursuing qualifications in engineering, marketing and other fields relevant to the food manufacturing and consumer goods industry.
Applicants must currently be in their first year of university study and must be applying for financial support from their second year.
Candidates must demonstrate financial need, academic potential and a minimum academic average of 65% in both Matric and their first semester of university studies.
Applicants must also have been enrolled at an institution meeting Tiger Brands’ criteria for at least six months at the time of application.
The bursary application period runs from 22 September to 22 October 2026.
Fields of Study Supported
Tiger Brands identifies several fields of study relevant to its business operations.
1. Engineering Degrees
The bursary’s required degree list includes the following engineering disciplines:
- BEng or BSc Industrial Engineering.
- BEng or BSc Electrical Engineering.
- BEng or BSc Chemical Engineering.
- BEng or BSc Mechanical Engineering.
- BEng or BSc Electronic Engineering.
These qualifications are relevant to manufacturing, production, engineering operations and technical development.
2. Marketing
Required Qualification:
- BCom Marketing.
This field is relevant to brand management, consumer marketing and commercial business activities.
3. Other Fields Typically Supported
Tiger Brands also identifies the following as examples of fields it typically supports:
- Food Science / Food Technology.
- Supply Chain and Logistics.
- Finance and Accounting, including the CA(SA) stream.
- Data Science.
- Information Technology.
Important: The advertisement separately provides a specific required-degree list covering Engineering and BCom Marketing. Applicants studying the other fields mentioned above should confirm whether their qualifications are eligible for the current bursary intake before applying.
What Does the Tiger Brands Bursary Cover?
The Tiger Brands Graduate Bursary provides financial assistance to qualifying students.
1. University Tuition Fees
The bursary covers:
100% of prescribed university tuition fees.
This helps reduce the financial burden associated with university education.
2. Registration Fees
The bursary includes prescribed university registration fees.
3. Examination Fees
The bursary covers applicable examination fees.
4. Prescribed Textbooks
Successful applicants receive an amount towards quoted prescribed books required for their studies.
5. Monthly Allowance
The bursary includes a monthly allowance to support students during their studies.
The exact allowance amount is not specified in the advertisement.
6. Accommodation Support
Tiger Brands’ general bursary overview identifies accommodation support as part of its comprehensive financial assistance offering.
Applicants should confirm the accommodation arrangements and applicable limits in their individual bursary agreements.
7. Mentorship
Bursary recipients may benefit from structured mentorship provided by industry professionals.
This offers students access to guidance and professional support throughout their studies.
8. Vacation Work and Practical Exposure
The programme offers opportunities for:
- Vacation work.
- Practical workplace exposure.
- Learning from experienced industry professionals.
- Developing an understanding of business operations.
- Building career-related skills.
These opportunities are intended to help students prepare for future employment.
Minimum Bursary Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria.
1. South African Citizenship
- Must be a South African citizen.
2. University Registration
- Must currently be in the first year of university study.
- Must be applying for bursary funding from the second year of study.
- Must have been enrolled at an institution meeting Tiger Brands’ criteria for at least six months at the time of application.
3. Academic Performance
Applicants must have:
- A minimum 65% academic average in Matric.
- A minimum 65% academic average in the first semester of university study.
4. Financial Need
- Must be able to demonstrate financial need.
- Must provide the required financial supporting documents.
5. Academic Potential
Applicants must demonstrate good academic potential.
The advertisement particularly highlights academic potential in:
- Pure Mathematics.
- Accounting.
- Science.
6. Field of Study
Applicants must be pursuing an eligible qualification relevant to Tiger Brands’ bursary requirements.
Required Skills and Personal Attributes
Tiger Brands is looking for students who demonstrate:
- Strong academic potential.
- Commitment to completing their studies.
- Financial need.
- Interest in their chosen professional field.
- Motivation to succeed.
- Willingness to learn.
- Academic discipline.
- Career ambition.
- Commitment to personal development.
These are qualities relevant to the bursary’s objectives rather than a separate list of formal selection requirements.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents.
1. Certified South African ID
A certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document.
2. Parents’ or Guardians’ Proof of Income
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ proof of income.
Where applicable, a certified affidavit may be submitted.
Tiger Brands states that interviews will be conducted for due diligence purposes.
3. First-Semester Academic Transcript
Certified copies of academic transcripts showing first-semester results from the applicant’s first year of university study.
4. Matric Certificate
A copy of the applicant’s Matric certificate.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, legible and ready to attach to their email application.
Academic Performance Requirements
Applicants must meet both academic thresholds.
| Academic Level | Minimum Average |
|---|---|
| Matric / Grade 12 | 65% |
| First Semester – First Year of University | 65% |
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee selection.
Tiger Brands has indicated that only a limited number of bursaries are available.
Bursary Selection Process
Applications will be considered against the published eligibility requirements.
The process may involve the following stages.
Stage 1: Application Submission
Applicants submit their required documents by email.
Stage 2: Eligibility Screening
Tiger Brands reviews applications against the academic, citizenship, registration and financial-need criteria.
Stage 3: Financial Due Diligence
The advertisement indicates that interviews will be conducted for due diligence purposes in connection with financial information.
Stage 4: Selection
Applicants who satisfy the requirements may be considered for bursary funding.
Stage 5: Bursary Agreement
Successful applicants will receive a bursary contract setting out the applicable conditions and payment arrangements.
Important: Tiger Brands states that meeting the minimum selection criteria does not automatically mean an applicant will receive a bursary.
Bursary Contract and Payment Arrangements
Successful applicants will receive further information about the bursary payment process.
The company states that the full details of payment arrangements and the requirements bursary recipients must meet will be communicated when a bursary contract is issued.
Applicants should carefully review all terms before accepting an award.
Who Should Apply?
The Tiger Brands Graduate Bursary Programme may be suitable for:
- South African citizens.
- First-year university students.
- Students applying for funding from their second year.
- Applicants with a minimum 65% Matric average.
- Applicants with a minimum 65% first-semester university average.
- Students who can demonstrate financial need.
- Engineering students.
- BCom Marketing students.
- Students studying other relevant disciplines, subject to confirmation of eligibility.
- Academically motivated students seeking financial assistance.
- Students interested in professional mentorship and practical workplace exposure.
Possible Bursary Interview Questions
Applicants preparing for a bursary interview may consider the following questions:
- Why are you applying for the Tiger Brands Graduate Bursary?
- What do you know about Tiger Brands?
- Why did you choose your field of study?
- What are your academic achievements?
- How do you manage your study schedule?
- What financial challenges are affecting your studies?
- How would receiving this bursary help you?
- What are your career goals?
- Why should Tiger Brands select you?
- What interests you about working in the food manufacturing or consumer goods industry?
- How do you handle academic challenges?
- What do you do to maintain good academic results?
- Are you interested in vacation work opportunities?
- How would you contribute to Tiger Brands in the future?
- What motivates you to succeed?
These are suggested preparation questions and are not confirmed Tiger Brands interview questions.
Tips for a Successful Bursary Application
1. Confirm Your Academic Average
Ensure that you meet the minimum 65% average in both Matric and your first-semester university results.
2. Prepare Your Financial Documents
Obtain the required proof of income or affidavits from your parents or guardians.
3. Check Your Qualification
Confirm that your degree falls within the fields supported by the current bursary intake.
4. Submit Clear Documents
Ensure that all required certified copies are legible.
5. Apply Before the Deadline
Submit your application before 22 October 2026.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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