Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE RBM BURSARY COVER?

Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies within the following fields:

The Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals Bursary is aimed at high achieving students, who are passionate about their studies and the future of the country. The company aims to develop and expand the skills base in South Africa, by way of bursary funding.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

• View our other Engineering Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Science Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries OPEN for application here.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE RBM BURSARY?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days after the closing date. If you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals Bursary.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE RBM BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying for this bursary (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently completing Matric in 2026
• You must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%
• You must be entering your 1st year of undergraduate studies in 2027, in one of the fields of study listed above
• You must be in financial need
• You must 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

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE RBM BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at:

• RBM Bursary Application 2027: Core Disciplines
• RBM Bursary Application 2027: Non-Core Disciplines

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE RBM BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• 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

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE RBM BURSARY?

24 October 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Rio Tinto directly:
Email: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com / recruitment.support@riotinto.com

Please do NOT contact Rio Tinto if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES RIO TINTO & RICHARDS BAY MINERALS DO?

The Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary is an opportunity for South African students interested in building a career in fields that contribute to the mining, engineering, science and broader minerals sector. RBM is South Africa’s largest mineral sands producer and a leading global producer of heavy mineral sands, including ilmenite, rutile and zircon, which are used in a wide range of everyday products.

RBM forms part of Rio Tinto, a global mining and materials company operating across 35 countries. With a long-standing focus on innovation, responsible resource development and sustainable practices, Rio Tinto aims to produce the materials needed for communities and the global economy while reducing environmental impacts. Through its bursary programme, RBM supports the development of future talent and helps students gain the education and skills needed to contribute to South Africa’s mining and minerals industry.

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This bursary listing was last updated in October 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.