The Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen currently in Matric in 2026, entering your 1st year of undergraduate studies in 2027 in one of the fields listed below, have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%, are in financial need, and intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa, this opportunity could help you fund your education. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About Richards Bay Minerals
Richards Bay Minerals is a world leader in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining and is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer. RBM produces predominantly ilmenite, rutile and zircon – materials used in everything from paint to smartphones to sunscreen.
Richards Bay Minerals is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) • Parent Company: Rio Tinto • Sector: Mining and Minerals • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for studies within the following fields:
Core Disciplines
- BSc or BEng Engineering: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical, Mechanical
- BSc Sciences: Environmental Science, Geology
Non-Core Disciplines
- Engineering: Civil, Land Surveying, Industrial
- Sciences: Computer Science, Data Science
- Social Sciences: Community Development, Criminology, Psychology
- Humanities: Journalism, Media and Communication
- Health Sciences: Pharmacy, Nursing and Medicine
- Management Sciences: Economics, Commerce, Finance
- BA: Law, Safety Management
Eligibility Requirements for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently in Matric in 2026
- You must be entering your 1st year of undergraduate studies in 2027, in one of the fields of study listed above
- You must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%
- You must be in financial need
- You must intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
Preference will be given to qualified applicants from designated groups.
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application.
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of ID (not older than 3 months)
- Certified 2026 Grade 12 report – Midyear report
- Proof of provisional acceptance from a university
- Certified ID copy of parent/guardian
- Parent/guardian proof of income or payslip
- Motivation letter explaining your chosen field of study
- Certified Proof of Residence/Domicile Address
Note: Please provide clear and visible copies attached with your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being unsuccessful and an automatic regret of your application.
How to Apply for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications must be submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen currently in Matric in 2026, entering your 1st year in 2027, with a 65% minimum average.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring certified copies are not older than 3 months.
Step 3: Select Your Application Category
Choose the correct application link based on whether you are applying for a Core Discipline or Non-Core Discipline.
Core Discipline applicants: Apply here
Non-Core Discipline applicants: Apply here
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027: 24 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact Rio Tinto directly:
Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
- Bursary Name: RBM Bursary Programme
- Parent Company: Rio Tinto
- Sector: Mining and Minerals
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens currently in Matric in 2026
- Core Disciplines: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology
- Non-Core Disciplines: Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Community Development, Criminology, Psychology, Journalism, Media and Communication, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Economics, Commerce, Finance, Law, Safety Management
- Study level: Undergraduate (1st year)
- Institution type: Recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Key requirements: 65% minimum average, financial need
- Preference: Qualified applicants from designated groups
- Required documents: CV, certified ID, Grade 12 midyear report, proof of provisional acceptance, parent/guardian ID and proof of income, motivation letter, proof of residence
- Application method: Online via Rio Tinto Workday portal
- Closing date: 24 October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Who can apply for this bursary?
The Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027 is open to South African citizens currently in Matric in 2026, entering their 1st year of undergraduate studies in 2027, with a minimum overall average of 65% and financial need.
2. What fields of study are covered?
The bursary covers Core Disciplines (Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology) and Non-Core Disciplines (Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Community Development, Criminology, Psychology, Journalism, Media and Communication, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Economics, Commerce, Finance, Law, Safety Management).
3. How do I choose between Core and Non-Core Disciplines?
Core Disciplines are directly related to RBM’s business needs (metallurgy, engineering, geology, environmental science), while Non-Core Disciplines cover broader fields. Choose the application link that matches your field of study.
4. What is the minimum academic requirement?
You must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%.
5. Who receives preference for this bursary?
Preference is given to qualified applicants from designated groups.
6. What documents do I need to submit?
You need to submit: comprehensive CV, certified ID (not older than 3 months), certified Grade 12 midyear report, proof of provisional acceptance, parent/guardian certified ID and proof of income, motivation letter, and certified proof of residence.
7. What is the closing date?
The closing date for the Richards Bay Minerals Bursary South Africa 2027 is 24 October 2026.
8. Where can I find more mining bursaries?
Visit EduFunds mining bursaries page or all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Richards Bay Minerals
Bursary Programme 2027
Heavy mineral sands extraction and refining • Developing South Africa’s future talent