African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary 2026 Applications Now Open

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is a leading diversified mining company in South Africa, founded by renowned entrepreneur Patrice Motsepe. Established as the country’s first black-owned mining company, ARM has grown into a major player in the global mining sector, with operations extending beyond South Africa into Malaysia.

ARM is involved in the extraction and beneficiation of several key minerals, including iron ore, manganese ore, chrome ore, platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel, and coal. The company operates through several business divisions:

• ARM Platinum – Operating three mines: Modikwa, Two Rivers, and Nkomati
• ARM Ferrous – Holds a 50% stake in Assmang (Pty) Ltd, focusing on iron ore and manganese
• ARM Coal – Initially formed with Xstrata Coal South Africa and later merged into Glencore
• Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd – Develops and operates world-class gold assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea

About the ARM Bursary Programme for 2026

African Rainbow Minerals invites eligible students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at supporting academically strong students studying at the University of Limpopo.

The bursary is available for students pursuing qualifications in the following fields:

• BSc Environmental & Resource Studies
• BSc Geography & Environmental Studies (Honours)
• BSc Geology
• BSc Geology (Honours)
• BSc Honours in Mineral Processing and Ore Beneficiation
• BSc Honours in Mining Geology

The ARM Bursary Programme seeks to develop future professionals who are passionate about their fields of study and committed to contributing to the mining industry. Through this initiative, ARM continues to support skills development and upliftment within South Africa and its host communities.

What the ARM Bursary Covers

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:

• Registration and tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• A laptop
• University residence accommodation
• Meal allowances

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date. Applicants who do not receive feedback within this period should consider their application unsuccessful. Final selection involves a panel interview and psychometric assessments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the ARM Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Have completed Matric
• Be registered at the University of Limpopo
• Be studying towards one of the approved qualifications
• Have completed at least 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Not be receiving any other bursary or financial funding

How to Apply for the ARM 2026 Bursary

There is no application form for this bursary. Eligible students must apply via email.

Email address: [email protected]
Subject line: ARM Bursary 2026

Attach clear, certified copies of the following documents:

• South African ID document
• Matric certificate
• Full university academic record (on institutional letterhead)
• University acceptance or registration letter (on institutional letterhead)

Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

ARM Bursary Closing Date

• 30 January 2026

Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

Contact Details

For further information regarding the ARM Bursary Programme, contact African Rainbow Minerals directly:

Email: [email protected]