African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) invites eligible South African students to apply for the ARM Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 6 March 2026
Bursary Location: University of Pretoria (UP) and North West University (NWU), South Africa
The bursary is aimed at supporting academically strong students in scarce skills fields and contributing to South Africa’s skills development pipeline, particularly in mining and engineering-related disciplines.
ARM is a leading diversified mining and minerals company with operations in South Africa and Malaysia, involved in commodities such as iron ore, manganese, chrome, platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel and coal.
About African Rainbow Minerals (ARM)
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) was founded by Patrice Motsepe as South Africa’s first black-owned mining company. Today, ARM operates across key divisions and partnerships that contribute significantly to the country’s mining value chain.
ARM’s main divisions include:
- ARM Platinum (Modikwa, Two Rivers and Nkomati)
- ARM Ferrous (50% ownership of Assmang, focused on iron ore and manganese ore)
- ARM Coal (developed through partnerships, including its historical relationship with Xstrata and later Glencore)
- Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd (gold assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea)
Fields Covered and Participating Universities
ARM bursaries will be awarded for studies at the following institutions and in the listed fields:
University of Pretoria (UP)
- Accounting
- Built Environment
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science / Informatics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
North West University (NWU)
- Chemical and Minerals Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy
The bursary is intended to attract talented students who are committed to their studies and who wish to grow within the ARM environment while contributing to host communities and national development.
Expenses Covered and Selection Process
The ARM bursary covers the following for the full duration of the course:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Laptop
- Accommodation in university residence
- Meals
Important: The bursary does not cover any outstanding fees.
Selection Process
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date
- Candidates may be required to attend a panel interview
- Candidates may also undergo psychometric assessments before final selection
If you do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements below:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying at University of Pretoria (UP) or North West University (NWU)
- Must have completed 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must not be receiving any other bursary funding
How to Apply
There is no application form for this bursary. Students must apply by email and submit the required documents.
👉 Click here to apply for African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary South Africa 2026
📧 Email your application to: armbrightsparks@arm.co.za
Email subject line: ARM Bursary 2026
Supporting Documents Required
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents (missing documents may result in disqualification):
- Certified copy of South African ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Full university academic record (on institution letterhead)
- University acceptance letter (on institution letterhead)
Closing Date
6 March 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.