Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) Study Buddy Bursary 2026

## About the Provider Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and the official bottler for The Coca-Cola Company in South Africa. The company is a recently merged private entity that operates manufacturing, bottling, and distribution facilities across the country, delivering non-alcoholic beverages to customers ranging from large national retailers to small independent traders in communities throughout South Africa. CCBSA is one of South Africa's largest beverage companies, employing thousands of people across its national network of production plants, distribution centres, and sales offices. The company produces and distributes some of the world's most recognised brands including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Appletiser, and many others, playing a significant role in South Africa's manufacturing sector and broader economy. The company's operations span the entire beverage value chain — from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing concentrates, through production and quality control, to warehousing, logistics, and last-mile delivery. This complexity requires professionals across engineering, science, supply chain, marketing, IT, and management disciplines. In 2021, CCBSA launched the Study Buddy Fund as part of its commitment to corporate social investment and skills development in South Africa. The programme recognises that the country faces critical shortages of qualified STEM professionals, particularly in engineering, science, and technology fields that are essential to modern manufacturing operations and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Since its inception, the Study Buddy Fund has invested over R8 million in supporting academically deserving students who demonstrate both academic excellence and a passion for their chosen STEM fields. The programme goes beyond financial support by offering vacation work opportunities that give students practical exposure to world-class manufacturing and distribution operations, preparing them for successful careers in industry.

## About the Program The CCBSA Study Buddy Fund is a bursary programme launched in 2021 that has invested over R8 million in supporting academically deserving students. The programme provides comprehensive financial support to students pursuing STEM qualifications at accredited South African universities. The bursary targets students who have already completed their first or second year of study and are entering their second or third year. This approach ensures that recipients have proven their academic capability at university level before receiving funding, reducing the risk of supporting students who may not complete their qualifications. The programme focuses primarily on STEM fields that align with CCBSA's operational needs: Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical, Chemical), Biochemistry and Microbiology, Environmental Science, Safety Management, and Chemistry. Additional fields in Supply Chain, Marketing, and IT may also be considered, reflecting the diverse skills needed to run a modern beverage manufacturing and distribution operation. A distinctive feature of the Study Buddy Fund is the requirement for bursary recipients to be available for vacation work at CCBSA sites during university holidays. This provides students with practical industry experience in a major manufacturing and distribution operation, complementing their academic studies with real-world exposure to production processes, quality control, supply chain logistics, and corporate operations. The programme reflects CCBSA's commitment to developing South Africa's STEM talent pipeline. As one of the country's largest beverage manufacturers with multiple production facilities nationwide, the company relies on engineers, scientists, and technical professionals to maintain its operations, ensure product quality, and drive innovation. Since its launch, the Study Buddy Fund has supported students across South Africa, building a community of young professionals who gain both financial support and industry exposure through their association with one of the world's most recognised brands. The programme demonstrates how corporate social investment can create mutual value — students receive funding and experience, while the company develops a pipeline of skilled graduates familiar with its operations.

## Bursary Benefits - **Full tuition fees** at an accredited South African university - **Textbooks** and prescribed study materials for all courses - **Accommodation allowance** for university housing or private accommodation - **Meal allowance** for daily food expenses throughout the academic year - **Vacation work opportunities** at CCBSA manufacturing and distribution sites during university holidays, providing paid practical experience - Practical industry experience in one of South Africa's largest beverage companies with world-class manufacturing facilities - Exposure to production processes, quality control, supply chain logistics, and corporate operations - Professional networking opportunities within the Coca-Cola system

## Eligibility Criteria - Must be a **South African citizen** - Must have **completed Matric** - Must be studying towards a qualification in one of the listed **STEM fields** (Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Safety Management, Chemistry) or related fields (Supply Chain, Marketing, IT) - Must have completed **1st or 2nd year** of study and be entering 2nd or 3rd year in 2026 - Must be studying at a **recognised and accredited university** in South Africa - Must be **available to work** at a CCBSA site during university vacations (this is a mandatory requirement) - Must read and agree to the **bursary terms and conditions** on the application platform

## Required Documents - Certified copy of your **ID document** - Certified copy of your **Matric statement of results** or certificate (if available) - **Motivational letter** stating why you should be selected to receive the bursary, your career goals, and how your studies align with the FMCG/manufacturing sector - **Proof of university acceptance** (must be on the institution's official letterhead — informal confirmations or screenshots will not be accepted) - **Proof of residence** (utility bill, municipal account, or similar document confirming your address)

## How to Apply 1. Visit the CCBSA Study Buddy Fund application portal at studybuddyfund.bridgeapp.co.za. 2. Create an account by signing up with your personal details and email address. 3. Log in to your account and complete the online application form with your academic information, field of study, and personal details. 4. Upload all required supporting documents: certified ID, Matric results or certificate, motivational letter, proof of university acceptance on official letterhead, and proof of residence. 5. Read and agree to the bursary terms and conditions available on the platform — these outline your obligations including vacation work availability. 6. Review your application for completeness and accuracy before final submission. 7. Submit your completed application before the closing date of **13 March 2026**. 8. If selected, you will be contacted directly by the CCBSA Study Buddy Fund team via the email address you provided.

## Tips for Success - **Ensure you meet the year-of-study requirement** — you must be entering 2nd or 3rd year, not 1st year or final year; check your registration status before applying - **Write a compelling motivational letter** — explain your passion for your field, your career goals, and specifically how your studies connect to the beverage manufacturing or FMCG industry - **Highlight any practical experience** — if you have done lab work, engineering projects, factory visits, or relevant part-time work, mention it prominently - **Confirm your availability for vacation work** — this is a mandatory requirement, not optional; ensure you can commit to working at a CCBSA site during all holiday periods - **Read the terms and conditions carefully** before agreeing — understand your obligations as a bursary recipient including attendance, academic performance, and vacation work - **Apply early** — the deadline is 13 March 2026 and the platform may experience high traffic close to closing; technical issues on the last day could prevent submission - **Ensure your proof of acceptance is on official letterhead** — informal confirmations, emails, or screenshots will not be accepted as valid documentation - **Certify your ID and Matric documents** at a police station or post office before uploading - **Keep your application login details safe** — you may need to check your application status or respond to queries later - **Consider how your studies align with CCBSA's operations** — demonstrating understanding of beverage manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, or sustainability strengthens your application significantly

## Career Prospects Graduates supported by the CCBSA Study Buddy Fund enter careers in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and broader manufacturing industry, one of South Africa's largest employers with strong long-term growth prospects. **Engineering** graduates (Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical, Chemical) find careers in production management, process optimisation, automation, quality control, plant maintenance, and project engineering. The beverage industry offers sophisticated manufacturing environments with cutting-edge technology including automated production lines, robotics, and advanced control systems. **Biochemistry and Microbiology** graduates work in quality assurance, food safety, product development, and laboratory management. Beverage companies require rigorous quality testing at every stage of production to ensure products meet strict safety and taste standards. **Environmental Science** graduates pursue careers in sustainability, waste management, water stewardship, carbon footprint reduction, and environmental compliance. Major manufacturers like CCBSA have dedicated sustainability teams managing their environmental impact and working towards ambitious targets for water use, packaging, and emissions. **Safety Management** graduates enter occupational health and safety roles in manufacturing, mining, construction, and logistics. Every production facility requires qualified safety professionals to ensure compliance with legislation and protect workers. **Chemistry** graduates work in formulation, quality control, water treatment, and research and development across the food and beverage sector, ensuring product consistency and innovation. **Supply Chain and Marketing** graduates build careers in logistics, distribution planning, demand forecasting, brand management, and commercial operations — areas where CCBSA's national footprint offers extensive opportunities for career growth. The vacation work component gives students a significant advantage when entering the job market, as they graduate with practical experience, professional references, and networks already established within the industry. Many bursary recipients receive employment offers from CCBSA or its partners upon graduation.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## What fields of study does the CCBSA bursary cover? Primarily STEM fields: Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Electrical, Chemical), Biochemistry and Microbiology, Environmental Science, Safety Management, and Chemistry. Supply Chain, Marketing, and IT may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. ## Can first-year students apply? No. You must have completed your 1st or 2nd year and be entering your 2nd or 3rd year in 2026. The programme requires proven academic performance at university level. ## What is the vacation work requirement? Bursary recipients must be available to work at a CCBSA manufacturing or distribution site during university holidays. This provides practical industry experience and is a mandatory condition of the bursary, not optional. ## How much has CCBSA invested in the programme? Since launching the Study Buddy Fund in 2021, CCBSA has invested over R8 million in supporting students across South Africa. ## What does the bursary cover? Tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and meal allowances at an accredited South African university. Vacation work is also paid. ## Can I apply if I am at a private university? The bursary requires you to be at a recognised and accredited university. Contact the Study Buddy Fund team to confirm whether your specific institution qualifies. ## Do I need to write a motivational letter? Yes. You must submit a motivational letter stating why you should be selected to receive the bursary. Focus on your academic achievements, career goals, and how your studies align with CCBSA's operations. ## Is there a work-back obligation after graduation? The source material does not specify a formal work-back requirement. However, the vacation work component builds relationships that often lead to employment offers upon graduation.

Applications Closing

Applications closed on 13 March 2026. This listing is retained for reference. Check back for the next application cycle.

About the Organization

Email: studybuddyfund@gradesmatch.co.za