Valterra Platinum Community Bursary 2026 – A Chance to Study Without Money Worries
If you’re a South‑African student who finished high school in 2024 or 2025, live near one of Valterra Platinum’s mines or smelters, and want to go to university but can’t afford it, this bursary might be just what you need. Valterra Platinum, a big mining company that makes platinum, is offering free tuition, a place to stay, and a monthly allowance for anyone who meets the rules. The application deadline is 1 February 2026, so act fast.
Who is Valterra Platinum?
Valterra Platinum used to be called Anglo American Platinum. It is one of the top companies that mines and sells platinum and other precious metals. The company runs all parts of the process—from digging the ore to turning it into finished metal. Its main sites are in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and it sells its products worldwide. After separating from Anglo American plc, it is now listed on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges. The company’s main aim is to be safe, green, and make good long‑term value for everyone.
What is the Bursary?
The Community Bursary is a free scholarship for students who want to do a first undergraduate degree (any subject) at a South‑African university. It covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (room and board)
- A small allowance for day‑to‑day expenses
The scholarship lasts for the whole time you study, but you have to keep good grades each year. The company checks your progress every year and can renew the support if you keep doing well.
Where can I live and still apply?
You must live in a “host community” that is next to a Valterra Platinum mine or smelter. These communities are:
- Amandelbult Mine – Limpopo
- Mogalakwena Mine – Limpopo
- Mototolo Mine – Limpopo
- Polokwane Smelter – Limpopo
- Rustenburg Processing & Smelting Operations (including Mortimer Smelter, Converter Plant, Base Metal Refinery, Precious Metal Refinery, and Waterval Smelter – North West)
- Twickenham Project – Limpopo
If you grew up or spent most of your school years in any of these places, you qualify.
Who is eligible?
You need to meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Live in one of the host communities listed above.
- Finish most of your schooling in that community.
- Pass your final high‑school exam (matric) in 2024 or 2025.
- Be aged 18 to 25.
- Be accepted or have an offer to study a first university degree (Level 6 or 7 in the National Qualifications Framework). The programme must be fully accredited by SAQA.
- Study full‑time and finish the course in three years (by December 2028).
- Enroll at a public or private university that is registered in South Africa.
- Not be the child of a Valterra Platinum employee.
The bursary prefers students who are orphans, come from households where no one works, or live in a child‑headed household. If you belong to one of these categories, your application will get special attention.
How will the selection work?
After the closing date, Valterra Platinum will review all applications. If your name is shortlisted, they will contact you within 30 days. If you don’t hear from them in that time, you can assume your application was not successful.
What documents do I need?
When you fill out the online form, you must upload clear copies of the following:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your matric certificate.
- Your latest academic record if you’re already studying.
- An acceptance or conditional acceptance letter from a university.
- Proof that you’re registered for the degree (if available).
- Proof that you live in the community (e.g., a recent statement from your municipality or traditional authority, not older than 3 months).
- Proof of vulnerability such as a SASSA grant confirmation or an affidavit showing you’re an orphan, in an unemployed household, or a child‑headed household.
Missing any of these documents can get you disqualified, so make sure everything is ready before you click the “Apply” button.
How to apply?
The whole application is done online. Click this link to fill in your details: Apply for the Valterra Platinum Bursary 2026. Read all the questions carefully and upload the required documents. Once you hit submit, you’re in the running.
When is the deadline?
- 1 February 2026 at 23:59 – This is the last moment to submit. Any application after that time will not be accepted.
Why apply?
A bursary means you don’t have to worry about paying for school or where you’ll sleep. You can focus on your studies and make the most of your university experience. Valterra Platinum is looking for bright, hardworking students who could benefit from a full scholarship. If you meet the criteria and want a chance to go to university without financial stress, this is your chance. Apply before the deadline and take the next step toward a better future.