Thales Southern Africa Bursary 2025-2026
About Thales:
Thales is a French multinational corporation founded in 2000. The company is partially state-owned by the French government and specializes in designing and manufacturing electrical systems while providing services in various sectors, including aerospace, defense, transportation, and security.
Thales operates in more than 56 countries and has had a presence in South Africa for over 40 years. Thales Southern Africa is a leading provider of technologically advanced solutions in digital security for the aerospace, transportation, defense, and security industries.
About the Thales Bursary Program:
Thales Southern Africa is launching its inaugural bursary scheme for 2025-2026 studies and will award two types of bursaries:
1. Bursary for BSc Computer Science (specializing in IT): This bursary is intended for students who have a strong passion for the IT sector and aspire to join the Thales team.
2. Bursary for Black Female Students (Bachelor’s degree in ANY field of study): Thales aims to support black female students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Bursary Coverage:
Both bursaries will cover the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Exam fees
- Allowance for accommodation (at the average rate for a single university residence room)
- Allowance for meals (based on three meals per day)
- Allowance for textbooks and pocket money (approximately R10,000 per year)
Upon graduation, bursary recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a one-year internship program with Thales. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews and psychometric testing if required.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Bursary for BSc Computer Science (specializing in IT):
- South African citizenship
- Valid ID number
- Currently in Matric OR have completed Matric
- Studying or intending to study full-time toward a BSc Computer Science degree with a specialization in IT
- Studying or registered to study at a university in South Africa
- Minimum Level 4 for English (First Language) OR a minimum of Level 5 for English (Second Language) in Grade 11
- Minimum Level 7 for Mathematics AND a minimum of Level 6 for Physical Science in Grade 11
2. Bursary for Black Female Students (Bachelor’s degree in ANY field of study):
- South African citizenship
- Black female
- Valid ID number
- Currently in Matric OR have completed Matric
- Studying or intending to study full-time toward a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
- Studying or registered to study at a university in South Africa
- Minimum Level 4 for English (First Language) OR a minimum of Level 5 for English (Second Language) in Grade 11
- Minimum Level 7 for Mathematics AND a minimum of Level 6 for Physical Science in Grade 11
How to Apply:
Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria should apply by sending a motivational letter (introducing themselves and explaining their desire to study) via email to the Thales HR Department at alison.clark@gemalto.com.
Please include one of the following subject lines in your email, depending on which bursary you are applying for:
- “Computer Science Bursary”
- “Trust Bursary”
The Thales HR Department will assess your motivational letter and provide further details on the application process, required supporting documents, and the bursary’s terms and conditions.
Ensure you have clear copies of the following supporting documentation, as these may be required:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Full tertiary academic record (certified copy)
- Proof of tertiary acceptance (on letterhead)
Closing Date:
The application deadline for the Thales Bursary Program is December 31. Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure to apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information:
For inquiries related to this bursary program, please contact the Thales HR Department directly:
- Contact person: Alison Clark
- Email: alison.clark@gemalto.com
- Telephone: 011 313 9000
- Physical Address: Halfway House Estate, Midrand, 1685
