Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) invites eligible South African Matric learners to apply for the RBM Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 24 October 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Study Level: Undergraduate
Fields of Study
The RBM Bursary supports undergraduate studies in both core and non-core disciplines.
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
About the RBM Bursary Programme
The Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals Bursary is aimed at high-achieving students who show strong academic potential and financial need.
The programme is intended to help develop skills in fields that are relevant to South Africa’s future workforce, including engineering, science, health, finance, technology and social sciences.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be completing Matric in 2026.
- Have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%.
- Be entering first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
- Intend to study in one of the approved fields.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Intend to study at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
Preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups where there is under-representation, including women and persons with disabilities.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Certified copy of ID, not older than three months.
- Certified copy of Matric mid-year results.
- Proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.
- Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents.
- Parent or guardian proof of income.
- Proof of residence or domicile address.
- Motivational letter.
- Comprehensive CV.
Proof of income may include:
- Latest payslips if employed.
- Affidavit if unemployed.
- Proof of pension income.
- Proof of social grant, where applicable.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 30 days after the closing date.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within that period should consider their applications unsuccessful.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online using the appropriate RBM application link.
Core Disciplines
Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary 2027 – Core Disciplines
Non-Core Disciplines
Click here to apply for Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary 2027 – Non-Core Disciplines
Applicants should ensure they select the application corresponding to their intended field of study.
Enquiries
For bursary-related enquiries, contact Rio Tinto:
Email: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com
Alternative Email: recruitment.support@riotinto.com
Closing Date
24 October 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.