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Who can apply for an Ascent bursary?

Learn, grow, and take on new challenges with us.
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What an Ascent bursary can mean for you

Ascent is more than a bursary. It's a launchpad for the next generation of ICT talent in South Africa, and the proof is already showing.

Since launching in 2024, we've watched young people walk through our doors with potential and walk out with purpose. We've seen students go from classrooms to boardrooms, earning their place within Altron's family of businesses before they've even completed their studies.

At Altron, we power 50% of the JSE Top 100 companies and we're behind some of South Africa's most impactful technology, from Smart ID cards to cancer treatment systems, rhino conservation to financial inclusion. The work we do matters, and we want you to be part of it.

If you're hungry to learn, passionate about technology, and ready to build something real, Ascent was made for you.

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The numbers speak

Since its inception in 2024, Ascent has supported 23 unique bursars: 

- 100% pass rate – academic excellence across the board

- 2.3x growth in applications year-on-year

- Currently, we have 14 active bursars pursuing 50% (7) Degrees, 36% (5) Diplomas & 14% Higher Certificates

- Up from 100% certifications in 2024, with 57% of the current cohort being made up of females.

- Our people’s families positively impacted across Altron Digital Business, Altron FinTech, Altron HealthTech, Altron Security, Netstar, Altron Arrow and Altron Document Solutions, 88% of the bursars are the children and relatives of our people


 

 

Celebrating success

 

We're proud to share that four of our 2024 bursars have already transitioned into roles within Altron, along with one of our 2025 bursars :

2024 Cohort
Four of our 2024 bursars have already transitioned into roles within Altron

 

2024 Cohort
Kgomotso Letswalo

Kgomotso achieved an 85% average and is now a Field Service Technician at Altron FinTech

Kgomotso Letswalo
Tswellang Machaka

Tswellang secured a fixed-term contract at Altron FinTech working as a Junior Sales Consultant in their Kasi sales squad

Tswellang Machaka
Gugulethu Mthembu

Gugulethu is now in a contact centre learnership at Altron FinTech

Gugulethu Mthembu
Siphamandla Chabalala
Siphamandla is now in a contact centre learnership at Altron FinTech
Siphamandla Chabalala
2025 Cohort
One of our 2025 bursars has transitioned into a roles within Altron
2025 Cohort
 Keamogetswa Khoabane

Keamogetswa is now in a Contact Centre learnership at Altron Fintech.

Keamogetswa Khoabane

 

FAQs

Got questions about the ICT-related bursaries? Let’s dive in: 

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To qualify, you’ll need
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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.
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Your future. Your choice.
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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.

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Bursaries available in 2027
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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

View available institutions

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These are the application documents you will need
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  • 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 2027)
  • 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
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Next steps
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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.
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Is workplace experience offered?
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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.

Feel free to get in touch with us if you need more information.