Get a Free Bursary to Study Mining and Engineering – ARM 2026
If you’re a South African student who loves math, science, or building things, you might want to join a company that works with some of the world’s biggest metals. African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) is offering a bursary for 2026 to help you pay for university. This isn’t a job, but a scholarship that covers almost all of your student costs. It’s aimed at students who do well in school and want to learn more about mining, engineering or related subjects.
What the ARM Bursary Covers
The ARM bursary pays for everything you need during your whole course at either the University of Pretoria (UP) or North West University (NWU). This includes:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- A laptop
- A room in the university dorm
- Your meals
It does not cover any fees you already owe. So if you’re looking for a fresh start, this bursary could make a big difference.
Where You Can Study
ARM partners with two schools, and the bursary works for a range of subjects. If you’re at UP, you can study one of these:
- Accounting
- Built Environment
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science / Informatics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
If you’re at NWU, the options are a bit narrower:
- Chemical and Minerals Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy
These subjects all tie into mining and metal production, the core of ARM’s business.
Why ARM Wants You
ARM is one of South Africa’s biggest mining companies. They started as a black‑owned company, and they still own important mining operations in South Africa and Malaysia. They deal with iron ore, manganese, chrome, platinum, nickel and coal. The company wants to bring new talent into the field, and the bursary helps students grow while they learn the skills that will keep the industry moving forward.
How to Apply
There isn’t a separate online form. Instead, send an email with all the required paperwork. Make sure the email contains these documents, otherwise your application will be turned away:
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Your full academic record on official university paper
- An acceptance letter from the university, on official letterhead
Write “ARM Bursary 2026” in the subject line. The email should go to armbrightsparks@arm.co.za. The link to the application is just the email address, but you can click here to open your inbox and send it.
When You Need to Send It
The deadline is 6 March 2026. If you wait until after that, the bursary won’t be considered. Once you hit send, the ARM team will review your application. You’ll hear back within 21 days. If no message comes back, that means the spot was taken.
Who Can Apply
You must meet every single rule below:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have finished Matric
- Be enrolled at the University of Pretoria or North West University
- Already be in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study
- Have a good academic record
- Not be receiving another bursary
If you meet all of these, you’re ready to send your application.
About African Rainbow Minerals
ARM was created by Patrice Motsepe, who wanted to build a mining company that could belong to the local community. Today, ARM runs several parts of the mining chain:
- ARM Platinum – three key sites (Modikwa, Two Rivers, Nkomati)
- ARM Ferrous – half‑ownership of Assmang, dealing mainly with iron and manganese ore
- ARM Coal – works with other partners to produce coal
- Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd – mines gold in South Africa and Papua New Guinea
These divisions make ARM a big player in the global mining market.
The Process After You Apply
After you apply, a few steps happen:
- The ARM team will look at your documents.
- If you’re a good fit, they will reach out in up to 21 days.
- You may need to come in for a quick interview.
- You might also do a short test that measures how well you fit the role.
If you don’t hear back, the spot was filled by someone else.
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to pay for a full course with a reliable partner, and you’re interested in mining, engineering or tech, this bursary is a chance to learn and grow. You’ll get a laptop, books and living expenses, and you’ll have a chance to be part of a company that shapes the country’s future.
Want to see what ARM does? Check out their website at African Rainbow Minerals.
Now gather your papers, write that subject line, and email your application before 6 March 2026. Good luck!