Understanding the Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme

The Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year offers a valuable opportunity for South African matric learners to pursue higher education. This bursary aims to support students with strong academic potential and financial need, focusing on developing skills essential for South Africa’s future workforce. The program covers a wide range of undergraduate studies, from core engineering and science fields to non-core disciplines in arts, health, humanities, management, and social sciences.

Fields of Study Supported by the RBM Bursary

The RBM Bursary Programme supports undergraduate studies across a broad spectrum of disciplines, categorized into core and non-core areas. This ensures that a diverse range of academic pursuits relevant to RBM’s operations and South Africa’s development are considered.

Core Disciplines

These fields are directly related to the operational needs of Rio Tinto and Richards Bay Minerals.

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

Non-Core Disciplines

These disciplines, while not directly tied to mining operations, are considered important for the broader development of the company and the nation.

• 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

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the RBM Bursary Programme, applicants must meet a specific set of criteria. These requirements are designed to identify candidates who are academically capable, financially deserving, and committed to studying in approved fields.

• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
• Academic Achievement: Candidates must be completing their Matric in 2026 and have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%.
• Study Plan: Applicants must be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027 and intend to study in one of the approved fields of study.
• Financial Need: A demonstrated financial need is a key requirement for bursary consideration.
• Institution: The intended study must be at a recognized and accredited university within South Africa.
• Preference: While not a strict requirement, preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups, including women and persons with disabilities, where there is under-representation.

Required Documentation for Application

A comprehensive set of documents is necessary to support each bursary application. These documents help verify the applicant’s identity, academic performance, financial situation, and future study plans.

• Identification: A certified copy of the applicant’s ID, not older than three months.
• Academic Records: A certified copy of Matric mid-year results.
• University Acceptance: Proof of provisional university acceptance, presented on official institutional letterhead.
• Parental/Guardian Information: Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents.
• Financial Proof: Parent or guardian proof of income. This can include the latest payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension income, or proof of social grant, where applicable.
• Residency: Proof of residence or domicile address.
• Motivation: A motivational letter explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying and their aspirations.
• Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive CV detailing the applicant’s background and experiences.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for the RBM Bursary Programme is conducted online. Applicants must ensure they select the correct application link based on their intended field of study.

• Application Links:
• For Core Disciplines: Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary 2027 – Core Disciplines
• For Non-Core Disciplines: Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary 2027 – Non-Core Disciplines
• Closing Date: The application deadline is 24 October 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
• Selection Notification: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately 30 days after the closing date. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should assume their application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries

For any questions regarding the bursary application, candidates can reach out to Rio Tinto via email.

• Primary Contact: [email protected]
• Alternative Contact: [email protected]

Conclusion

The Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme represents a significant investment in South Africa’s future talent. By supporting students across a wide array of academic fields, RBM demonstrates its commitment to fostering skilled professionals and contributing to the nation’s economic and social progress. Aspiring students who meet the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply before the 24 October 2026 deadline to take advantage of this valuable educational opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions