How to Apply for the Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme

This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This process is designed for South African learners who are completing their Matric in 2026 and aim to pursue undergraduate studies in 2027. By following these steps, you will be able to submit a complete and competitive application. Before you begin, ensure you have reviewed the minimum requirements and gathered the necessary documents, as outlined in the official RBM Bursary Programme information.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Requirements

Begin by carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria for the RBM Bursary Programme. This step ensures you meet all the necessary conditions before investing time in the application. Focus on the minimum overall average, South African citizenship, and the requirement to be completing Matric in 2026.

• Action: Read through the ‘Minimum Requirements’ section of the bursary information.
• Outcome: You will know for certain if you qualify to apply.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Assuming you are eligible without checking all points; overlooking the specific academic average required (65% overall).

Here are the minimum requirements you must meet:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be completing Matric in 2026.
• Have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%.
• Be entering the first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
• Intend to study in one of the approved fields of study.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Intend to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.

Step 2: Identify Your Field of Study and Application Link

Determine which category your intended field of study falls into: Core Disciplines or Non-Core Disciplines. This is crucial because there are separate application links for each category. Refer to the ‘Fields of Study’ section to find your specific course.

• Action: Locate your chosen course under ‘Core Disciplines’ (e.g., Extractive Metallurgy, Environmental Science) or ‘Non-Core Disciplines’ (e.g., Law, Computer Science, Journalism).
• Outcome: You will know which application link to use.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Applying through the wrong link, which could lead to your application being missed or rejected; not understanding the difference between core and non-core fields.

Core Disciplines:

• Engineering: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
• Sciences: Environmental Science, Geology

Non-Core Disciplines:

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

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents as specified in the ‘Documents Required’ section. Having these ready before you start the online application will prevent delays and ensure a smooth submission process. Pay close attention to the requirement for certified copies and the validity period for certain documents.

• Action: Obtain certified copies of your ID, Matric mid-year results, and parent/guardian IDs. Secure proof of provisional university acceptance, parent/guardian proof of income, proof of residence, a motivational letter, and a comprehensive CV.
• Outcome: You will have all the supporting documents needed for the application.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Submitting uncertified copies; using expired ID documents; forgetting to include proof of income or a motivational letter; not having provisional university acceptance.

Here is a list of the documents you will need:

1. Certified copy of your ID (not older than three months).
2. Certified copy of your Matric mid-year results.
3. Proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.
4. Certified copies of your parent or guardian ID documents.
5. Parent or guardian proof of income.

• Latest payslips if employed.
• Affidavit if unemployed.
• Proof of pension income.
• Proof of social grant, where applicable.

6. Proof of residence or domicile address.
7. Motivational letter.
8. Comprehensive CV.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

Navigate to the correct online application link (identified in Step 2) and fill out the application form accurately and completely. Ensure all personal details, academic information, and financial need information are provided as requested.

• Action: Access the RBM application link for your chosen discipline. Fill in all fields, including personal details, academic history, and financial information.
• Outcome: A fully completed online application form is submitted.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Typos in personal information; incomplete sections; not double-checking details before final submission; rushing through the form without reading instructions.

When filling out the form, pay close attention to these sections:

• Personal Details: Ensure your name, contact information, and address are entered correctly.
• Academic Record: Provide details of your academic history, including your current Matric results and any previous academic achievements.
• Financial Information: Clearly state your financial need, supported by the documents you will upload later.
• Study Details: Confirm the specific course and university you intend to attend.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Once the main application form is completed, you will be prompted to upload all the documents you gathered in Step 3. Ensure that each document is clear, legible, and uploaded in the correct format (if specified).

• Action: Upload the certified copies of your ID, Matric results, parent/guardian IDs, proof of income, proof of residence, university acceptance letter, motivational letter, and CV to the designated upload sections.
• Outcome: All required documents are successfully attached to your online application.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Uploading the wrong document; submitting blurry or unreadable files; failing to upload all required documents; exceeding file size limits (if any).

Make sure to upload the following documents:

• Certified copy of your ID
• Certified copy of your Matric mid-year results
• Proof of provisional university acceptance
• Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents
• Parent or guardian proof of income
• Proof of residence or domicile address
• Motivational letter
• Comprehensive CV

Ensure all files are clear and correctly named before uploading.

Step 6: Submit Your Application and Note Confirmation

Before final submission, take a moment to review your entire application one last time. Once you are satisfied, submit the application. You should receive a confirmation, either on-screen or via email, acknowledging receipt of your application.

• Action: Review all entered information and uploaded documents. Click the final ‘Submit’ button. Save any confirmation messages or emails you receive.
• Outcome: Your bursary application is officially submitted, and you have proof of submission.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Submitting without a final review; not saving confirmation details; assuming submission is complete without confirmation.

Perform a Final Review of all sections to catch any errors. Once you are confident, proceed to Submit Application. It is very important to save any confirmation number or email you receive. This serves as your proof of submission.

Step 7: Await Selection Process Feedback

After submitting your application, the selection process begins. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by Rio Tinto. Be patient, as this process can take time. If you do not hear back within the specified timeframe, it is generally understood that your application was unsuccessful.

• Action: Wait for communication from Rio Tinto regarding your application status. Check your email and phone regularly.
• Outcome: You will be notified if you have been shortlisted for the next stage or if your application was unsuccessful.
• Mistakes to Avoid: Constantly contacting Rio Tinto for updates before the specified timeframe; giving up hope if you don’t hear back immediately.

The ‘Selection Process’ can take several weeks. Rio Tinto aims to contact shortlisted applicants within approximately 30 days after the closing date. Ensure the contact details you provided on your application are accurate and that you check them regularly. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions