Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary

Fields of study

Core Disciplines

• Engineering: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
• Sciences: Environmental Science, Geology (BSc)

Non-Core Disciplines

• BA: Law, Safety Management
• Engineering: Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Industrial Engineering
• Health Sciences: Pharmacy, Nursing and Medicine
• Humanities: Journalism, Media and Communication
• Management Sciences: Economics, Commerce, Finance
• Sciences: Computer Science, Data Science
• Social Sciences: Community Development, Criminology, Psychology

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be currently completing Matric in 2026
• Have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%
• Be entering your 1st year of undergraduate studies in 2027, in one of the fields of study listed above
• Be in financial need
• Intend on studying at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
• Preference will be given to qualified applicants from designated groups (e.g. Women and people with disabilities) where there is under-representation

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy – not older than 3 months)
• Matric mid-year report (certified copy)
• Proof of provisional university acceptance (on institutions letterhead)
• Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of pension or social grant if applicable)
• Proof of residence / domicile address (certified copy)
• Motivational letter to support your application (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   • RBM Bursary Application 2027: Core Disciplines
   • RBM Bursary Application 2027: Non-Core Disciplines
4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around October. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)

Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), part of Rio Tinto, is South Africa's largest producer of mineral sands products such as titanium slag and zircon.