African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is officially inviting high-performing South African students to apply for its prestigious Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. Founded by Patrice Motsepe, ARM is a leading diversified mining and minerals company committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders.

This bursary is specifically designed for students who are already enrolled in their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study at the University of Pretoria (UP) or North West University (NWU).

Bursary Overview

• Closing Date: 06 March 2026
• Host Institutions: University of Pretoria (UP) & North West University (NWU)
• Target Audience: Undergraduate students (1st to 3rd year)
• Type: Full comprehensive funding

What the ARM Bursary Covers

The ARM bursary is highly comprehensive and provides full financial support for the duration of your course (subject to academic performance). It includes:

• Full registration and tuition fees.
• Accommodation in university residences.
• Meal allowances.
• Prescribed textbooks.
• A laptop for your studies.

Note: The bursary does not cover any historical debt or outstanding fees from previous years.

Available Fields of Study

Funding is directed toward scarce skills fields critical to the mining and minerals sector.

1. University of Pretoria (UP):

• Mining Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Geology
• Accounting
• Information Technology (IT) / Computer Science / Informatics
• Built Environment

2. North West University (NWU):

• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical and Minerals Engineering
• Metallurgy

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must have successfully completed Matric.
• Must be currently registered at UP or NWU.
• Must have completed your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study (no 1st-year entry for certain fields unless specified).
• Must maintain a strong academic record.
• Must NOT be a recipient of any other bursary funding.

How to Apply

There is no official application form to complete. To apply, you must submit your application via email with the required documents.

Application Email: armbrightsparks@arm.co.za

Subject Line: Must be “ARM Bursary 2026”

Required Supporting Documents:

• Certified copy of your South African ID.
• Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
• Full university academic record (on official institution letterhead).
• University acceptance or registration letter (on official letterhead).

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date. If you have not heard back by then, please consider your application unsuccessful. Successful candidates may be required to undergo a panel interview and psychometric assessments.