Gibela Bursary Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The Gibela Bursary is provided by Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, a major rail manufacturer in South Africa. 

The programme aims to develop scarce skills in the rail sector by funding students across universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges. 

Gibela’s long-term vision includes producing skilled engineers, artisans, and technicians to support South Africa’s rail-manufacturing and infrastructure goals.

Gibela Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Gibela bursary, you must meet a number of requirements:

1. Be a South African citizen with a bar-coded ID.
2. Be enrolled or intending to enrol full-time at a South African university, university of technology, or TVET college.
3. Demonstrate financial need and academic potential.
4. For university or UoT applicants: you typically need Grade 12 with level 6 in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting; and level 5 in English.
5. For TVET college applicants: you must have Grade 12 with level 4 in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English; proof of acceptance for a TVET institution is also required.
6. You must commit to annual renewal, based on satisfactory academic performance.

What the Gibela Bursary Covers

Gibela’s bursary offers comprehensive support:

1. Tuition fees for eligible courses at universities or TVETs.
2. Books and learning materials.
3. Accommodation and meals (in some cases), especially for university students.
4. Train-industry experience: Bursars often do vacation work, internships, or attend a Railway Introduction Course (RIC) to gain practical exposure.
5. Annual renewal: The bursary is granted for one academic year and can be renewed if the student performs well.

Gibela Bursary Application Process

Here’s how to apply for the Gibela bursary:

1. Prepare your documents: You must submit a certified copy of your ID, academic transcripts or record, and a CV.
2. Proof of acceptance: Include a letter of acceptance from your university, UoT, or TVET institution.
3. Submit your application: For some application cycles, you must email your documents to gibelabursaries@communityrail.co.za or fax them.
4. Selection: Applications are evaluated based on academics, financial need, and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the rail sector. Interviews or assessments may be part of the process.
5. Attend support programme: If selected, bursars may join an annual support week where they receive mentorship, training, and peer support.

Gibela Bursary Closing Date

For the 2026 bursary cycle, the application closing date is yet to be announced.

Gibela Bursary Contact Details

If you want to enquire about the bursary:

• Email: gibelabursaries@communityrail.co.za
• Fax: 086 246 2666
• Website: Gibela Rail’s official site has a bursary section with more details.

FAQs

About Gibela

Private company (rail manufacturing consortium)

Gibela is a black economic empowerment rail transport consortium made up of Alstom, the international train maker, and uBumbano Rail. Gibela was established in 2013 as a ring-fenced company to carry out the Passenger Rail Agency of South…

Read the full Gibela profile →

Address

2 Shosholoza Avenue, Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni, 2415

Website

gibela-rail.com