Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary South Africa 2027 Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.
Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary is a bursary offered by Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Applications close on 24 Oct 2026.
Who can apply
- 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 to apply
Applications are submitted directly to Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.
Full details
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:
Core Disciplines:
- Engineering: Extractive Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (BSc or BEng)
- Sciences: Environmental Science, Geology (BSc)
Non-Core Disciplines:
- BA: Law, Safety Management
- Engineering: Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Industrial Engineering
- Health Sciences: Pharmacy, Nursing and Medicine
- Humanities: Journalism, Media and Communication
- Management Sciences: Economics, Commerce, Finance
- Sciences: Computer Science, Data Science
- Social Sciences: Community Development, Criminology, Psychology
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.
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.
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):
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: [email protected] / [email protected]
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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Frequently asked questions
What is the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary?
The Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary is a bursary offered by Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay for South African students and applicants interested in Engineering, Accounting/Finance, and Commerce/Business. Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary South Africa 2027 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: Core Disciplines: Enginee... You can read the full details, eligibility criteria, and application steps on this page before you apply.
Who qualifies for the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay bursary?
To qualify for the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay bursary, applicants generally need to meet a few key conditions. These include You must be a South African citizen, You must be currently completing Matric in 2026, and You must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%. It is open to applicants at Matric, TVET, and Undergraduate level. Read every requirement carefully on the official listing, because meeting all of them improves your chances of being shortlisted.
When does the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay bursary close?
According to our sources, the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay bursary closes on 24 October 2026. We last checked this listing on 9 October 2026. We always recommend verifying the closing date on the official listing, as providers sometimes extend or bring forward their deadlines.
What documents do I need to apply?
Our sources do not list the exact documents required for the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay bursary, so treat the following as a typical guide rather than a confirmed list. Most South African applications ask for a certified copy of your ID, your matric certificate or latest results, an academic transcript, and proof of household income. Confirm the precise document checklist on the official listing before submitting, because requirements vary between providers.
How do I apply for the Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay 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. Apply early and keep a copy of any reference number or confirmation you receive, in case you need to follow up. For the most accurate and current information, always check with Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay directly before you apply.
Sources
This page summarises information published by:
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