Applications are open to South African citizens and 18 years old as of 1 January 2026 who are:
Relatives of Altron employeesYou can also apply if you’re
A current PROTEC learner or graduate or referred by an Altron employee
Provisional acceptance to any South African university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training college for ICT-related studies; or
A Grade 12 senior certificate (preferably with a pass in Mathematics) for the ICT learnership and certification programme at the Maharishi Invincibility Institute;
A combined household income (before tax) of less than R600 000 per year.
Bonus points
- Applicants who have passed Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) at Grade 12 will be given priority.
- Applicants should be available for vacation work in Gauteng, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal during their studies.
If you meet the entrance requirements of the institution you want to attend, Ascent bursaries can be used at:
Universities
If you love exploring theories and research, university is your place to develop innovative ideas and future leadership skills. It’s about building a strong foundation for groundbreaking tech solutions. Entrance requirements: Matric with passes in Maths and English.
TVET colleges
Prefer practical, hands-on skills? TVET colleges focus on real-world training (coding, networking and cybersecurity) to help start your career faster. Entrance requirements: Grade 9 or equivalent, with passes in courses relevant to the chosen qualification.
The Maharishi Invincibility Institute
Even if you don’t meet traditional education requirements, you can still earn a National Certificate with international IT certifications, opening doors to global tech careers.
Maharishi Invincibility Institute (Johannesburg only)
5 bursaries for the ICT learnership and certification programme
University or TVET
5 bursaries for ICT-related degrees or diplomas
- An affidavit confirming your relationship to an Altron employee or PROTEC learner status
- Certified letter of reference from PROTEC (if you are a PROTEC learner)
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of your Grade 11 results if you’re currently in Grade 12
- Certified copy of your latest Grade 12 results or current tertiary statement of results
- Provisional acceptance letter from your chosen institution (if you’re a first-year student in 2026)
- Certified proof of registration at a TVET college, university, or other tertiary institution (if applicable)
- Certified fee statement if you are already studying at a tertiary institution
- Certified payslips of your parents/guardians to verify household income, or an affidavit if unemployed
- Affidavit confirming employment and income if parents/guardians work in the informal sector
If you want to apply
- Explore courses and institutions
Browse online and attend open days to discover what interests you and get a sense of the campus. - Gather your documents
Collect all academic records such as transcripts, certificates, and required papers. - Research entry requirements
Read prospectuses carefully to understand what’s needed to apply to the relevant learning institution. - Plan and apply early
Ensure you meet the criteria, have all documents ready, and submit your application early. - Ask questions
Contact the institutions if you need more information.
You’ll be given the opportunity to apply your knowledge while you study by working within Altron’s business units. You may also get the chance to gain more work experience within an Altron business unit, when you complete your tertiary studies.
Workplace experience may be provided during the tertiary institution’s vacation periods. You therefore need to be able to travel into Woodmead in Gauteng, Mount Edgecombe in KwaZulu-Natal or to the Plattekloof office in Cape Town, to do this workplace experience.