Mercedes-Benz Bursary Scheme: A Definitive Guide
The prestigious Mercedes-Benz Bursary Scheme offers a golden chance for high-achieving students to fund their studies towards an exciting career in South Africa’s automotive industry. Administered in partnership with the MERSETA, these bursaries aim to uplift talent and enhance transformation skills.
This comprehensive guide covers all about the Mercedes-Benz bursaries including step-by-step application instructions, eligibility criteria, timelines, selection process and alternative options worth exploring if you missed submitting for the latest cycle.
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Overview of the Mercedes-Benz Bursary Package
The Mercedes-Benz automotive bursary program offers substantial financial support and opportunities allowing students from disadvantaged communities to gain internationally recognized qualifications specializing in core areas like engineering, information technology and business.
What you can expect from the bursary package:
- Full coverage of all study fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Laptop plus data package
- Mentorship program
- Guaranteed vacation work and internships
As a member of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) network, the company also facilitates ongoing skills and cultural exchange programmes openingdoors for specialized global training.
Ultimately, successful applicants gain a solid headstart to thrive within vibrant technical environments on the cutting edge of innovation.
Core Bursary Requirements: Do I Qualify?
Mercedes-Benz South Africa partners with MERSETA to jointly award bursaries to students demonstrating both academic capability and financial need.
The eligibility criteria considers:
Citizenship
- South African citizen
Degree Choices
- A full-time National Diploma/BTech/BSc/BEng undergraduate degree specializing specifically in:
- Mechatronics
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Logistics/Supply Chain Management
- Marketing/Business Management
Academic Achievements
- Matric results above 60%
- Consistent excellence in post-school studies
Financial Need
- Gross family income below R600,000 per annum
- Proof of being unable to self-fund studies
When Are Bursary Applications Open?
If eligible based on the criteria above, take note of the strict application window timelines to avoid missing out:
Applications Open: August
Applications Close: January
Selection Process: February – March
Outcomes: April
Funding Commences: Semester 2
Prospective candidates are advised to get applications in as early as possible once the window opens around August each year. This allows sufficient time to gather all required documents before the cut-off in late January.
Prepare well in advance and await communication of the outcomes typically by April to proceed with enrollment.
Step-By-Step Bursary Application Guide
Follow this walkthrough to submit a complete bursary funding application before the deadline:
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the basic citizenship, academic, financial need and field of study requirements.
2. Gather Documentation
Prepare certified copies of these essential supporting documents:
- South African ID
- Latest academic results & records
- Tertiary acceptance letter for coming year
- Parents/guardians income statements
- Reference letter
3. Complete Online Application
Access the Mercedes-Benz Bursary Application Form online via the company’s student funding page once the window opens around August each year.
Thoroughly fill in all required personal, financial and academic details accurately. Attach your prepared documents digitally.
4. Submit Application
Finalize and submit your comprehensive application before the January cut-off date. You should receive an automated confirmation of successful submission.
Late or incomplete applications are unfortunately not considered.
5. Assessment & Selection
The company evaluates applications against merit, degree choices and financial need then selects top candidates.
6. Outcome & Onboarding
Successful applicants are contacted directly via email and phone. Sign acceptance of the bursary offer and complete onboarding legalities to commence the journey.
Make alternate funding arrangements if unsuccessful but eligible candidates are encouraged to simply reapply in following years.
How to Make My Bursary Application Stand Out
Competition for the limited Mercedes-Benz bursaries means only highest caliber candidates with compelling profiles secure spots.
What key strategies can you implement to shine?
Start Preparing Well in Advance
Use the window between the August opening and January deadline effectively by confirming eligibility, sourcing all documents and references to avoid last-minute rushing.
Understand Selection Priorities
Emphasize aspects like academic achievements, financial need constraints and your commitment to pursuing a career in areas relevant to Mercedes-Benz on both application forms and during interviews. Provide supporting evidence.
Showcase Why You Deserve Investment
Articulate details like achievements, leadership experience, unique qualities and passions demonstrating your talent and future potential.
Have a Strong Reference Letter
Include a personalized recommendation letter from a teacher, coach or community leader highlighting your strengths.
What If I Missed The Bursary Application Deadline?
All hope is not lost! If you failed to submit an application before the cut-off date, consider these alternative options:
Reapply Next Cycle
The Mercedes-Benz bursary scheme accepts submissions annually, so prepare to apply well in advance during the next August to January window.
Explore Other Automotive Bursaries
Being proactive by evaluating other potential automotive industry funders like Toyota, Volkswagen, Shell or Total that offer similar technical bursaries aligned to your degree.
Research General Bursaries
Investigate additional reputable mainstream bursaries open to various STEM fields like the comprehensive Funza Lushaka Teaching Bursary programme.
Consult databases like Bursaries24 to find options matching your unique profile and field of study.
The key is to persistently seek and secure alternative funding so your studies are not derailed.
Words of Encouragement
The prestigious Mercedes-Benz South Africa bursary program remains a pinnacle opportunity to access world-class education and opportunities. With adequate preparation guided by the recommendations shared here, an approved application can be a gamechanger allowing you to meaningfully pursue your career aspirations without financial limitations holding you back.
Remember success seldom occurs overnight. Persevere through temporary setbacks and be motivated to craft an application matching the sponsor’s selection priorities when the next bursary cycle arrives.
Stay determined and focused on your education goals while exploring “Bursaries Plan B” as needed if you missed submitting this time.
Let the famous words of Henry Ford continue inspiring your journey:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right!”
I’m happy to clarify any other questions you may have regarding the Mercedes-Benz bursary offering, process, timelines or alternative options worth considering.
Mercedes-Benz Bursary Scheme FAQs
If I reapply next year, will I stand less chance due to missing this cycle?
No, all candidates are assessed fairly annually based purely on meeting current eligibility criteria rather than previous application history. Hence, comprehensively prep to submit next time around.
Are there any bursaries for existing university students?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz bursary also considers funding current students already studying provided degrees align with sponsor field requirements. Assessment includes latest tertiary academic achievements.
Can I change my accepted degree/university midway through studies?
As disruptive transitions can jeopardize your graduation timeline putting funding at risk, degree or institution changes require extensive motivations, admin sign-offs and bursary committee approval beforehand rather than retrospectively.
Will securing this bursary obligate me to later work for Mercedes-Benz?
No, there is no compulsory employment contract requiring bursary graduates to work exclusively for Mercedes or its partners after completing studies. However, recipients are given preferential opportunities to explore available vacancies.
What level of post-graduation academic performance is expected?
A commitment to lifelong learning through further specialized skills development like pursuing honors or masters degrees especially in areas of strategic priority for Mercedes-Benz is encouraged but optional for bursars. Ongoing mentorships provide career guidance.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!