The Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursaries 2027 are open to eligible South African students completing Matric in 2026. The bursary programme supports academically strong learners who need financial assistance for undergraduate studies.

Furthermore, RBM aims to develop skills that contribute to South Africa’s future workforce. Students interested in engineering, science, health sciences, finance, technology, and other approved disciplines can apply.

The application closing date is 24 October 2026. Therefore, eligible learners should prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before the deadline.

Rio Tinto RBM Bursaries 2027: Important Details

Bursary Provider: Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
Bursary Programme: RBM Bursary Programme 2027
Study Level: Undergraduate
Location: South Africa
Academic Year: 2027
Eligible Applicants: South African citizens completing Matric in 2026
Minimum Academic Average: 65%
Closing Date: 24 October 2026
Application Method: Online application

Moreover, applicants must intend to study at a recognised and accredited South African university.

Fields of Study Covered by the RBM Bursary Programme

The Rio Tinto RBM bursary programme supports several core and non-core disciplines. Applicants should select the appropriate application category for their intended qualification.

1. Core Disciplines

The core disciplines focus on technical, scientific, and environmental fields. These qualifications support skills development in areas relevant to mining and related industries.

Eligible fields include:

Engineering
Extractive Metallurgy
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Science
Geology

Consequently, learners interested in technical careers should consider these opportunities when selecting their university qualifications.

2. Non-Core Disciplines

The non-core category covers a broader range of professional and academic qualifications. It includes fields related to healthcare, business, technology, law, and community development.

Eligible fields include:

Engineering and Safety

Civil Engineering
Land Surveying
Industrial Engineering
Safety Management

Health Sciences

Pharmacy
Nursing
Medicine

Humanities and Communication

Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Journalism
Media
Communication

Business and Management

Management Sciences
Economics
Commerce
Finance
Law

Science and Technology

Computer Science
Data Science
Sciences

Social Sciences

Community Development
Criminology
Psychology

Additionally, applicants should confirm that their intended qualification falls within the approved fields before applying.

Minimum Requirements for Rio Tinto RBM Bursaries 2027

Applicants must satisfy the programme’s minimum eligibility requirements. Meeting these requirements is important before submitting an application.

To qualify, applicants must:

Be South African citizens.
Be completing Matric in 2026.
Have achieved and maintained an overall average of at least 65%.
Be entering their first year of undergraduate study in 2027.
Intend to study an approved qualification.
Demonstrate financial need.
Plan to attend a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.

Furthermore, preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups where under-representation exists. These groups include women and persons with disabilities.

However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee bursary selection. Applicants should provide accurate information and submit all requested supporting documents.

Documents Required for the RBM Bursary Application

Applicants must prepare the required documents before completing the online application. Missing documents could affect the assessment of an application.

The required documents include:

Certified copy of your South African identity document, certified within the past three months.
Certified copy of your Matric mid-year results.
Proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.
Certified copies of your parent or guardian’s identity documents.
Proof of income for your parent or guardian.
Proof of residence or domicile address.
A motivational letter.
A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).

In addition, applicants must provide suitable proof of household income. Acceptable documents may include the following:

Latest payslips for employed parents or guardians.
An affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians.
Proof of pension income, where applicable.
Proof of social grant income, where applicable.

Therefore, check every document carefully before uploading it. Ensure that all required certifications, personal details, and supporting information are clear and accurate.

How to Apply for Rio Tinto RBM Bursaries 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the appropriate RBM bursary application link. Applicants must choose the category matching their intended field of study.

Follow these steps to apply:

Review the eligibility requirements and approved study fields.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Prepare a motivational letter explaining your academic goals and financial circumstances.
Update your CV with your educational background and relevant achievements.
Select the correct application link for your intended discipline.
Complete the online application form accurately.
Upload the required supporting documents.
Submit your application before 24 October 2026.

RBM Bursary Selection Process

Richards Bay Minerals will assess applications against the programme’s eligibility and selection requirements. Academic performance, financial need, and suitability for the chosen qualification are important considerations.

According to the supplied programme information, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 30 days after the closing date.

Applicants who do not receive feedback within that period should consider their applications unsuccessful. Nevertheless, applicants should monitor their email accounts for communication about their applications.

RBM Bursary 2027 Closing Date

The closing date for the Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals Bursaries 2027 is 24 October 2026.

Late applications will not be accepted. Therefore, applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.

Contact Details for RBM Bursary Enquiries

Applicants who require assistance with bursary-related enquiries can contact Rio Tinto through the following email addresses:

Email: RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com
Alternative Email: recruitment.support@riotinto.com

When sending an enquiry, include a clear subject line and explain your question. Avoid sending unnecessary sensitive personal information by email.

Frequently Asked Questions About RBM Bursaries 2027

1. When is the RBM Bursary 2027 closing date?

The application closing date is 24 October 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. Who can apply for the Rio Tinto RBM Bursary?

South African citizens completing Matric in 2026 can apply if they meet the academic, financial, and other eligibility requirements.

3. What is the minimum average required?

Applicants must have achieved and maintained an overall academic average of at least 65%.

4. Which qualifications does the bursary support?

The programme covers approved core and non-core disciplines, including engineering, geology, environmental science, health sciences, law, finance, computer science, and social sciences.

5. Must applicants have university acceptance?

Applicants must provide proof of provisional university acceptance on official institutional letterhead.

6. How can applicants contact Rio Tinto?

Applicants can email RTgraduaterecruitmentsupport@riotinto.com or recruitment.support@riotinto.com for bursary-related enquiries.

Conclusion

The Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals Bursaries 2027 offer eligible South African Matric learners an opportunity to pursue approved undergraduate qualifications with financial support.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents and select the correct application category. Most importantly, submit your application before 24 October 2026 to avoid missing this opportunity.

Siphesihle Rose Dlamini

Siphesihle Rose Dlamini is the Founder and Managing Editor of AfterMatric24, a South African career and opportunities platform covering jobs, learnerships, internships, bursaries, apprenticeships, and skills development programmes. She focuses on researching and verifying career opportunities from government departments, companies, SETAs, TVET colleges, universities, and other accredited institutions. Her goal is to make career and education information easier to understand and accessible to South African students, graduates, and job seekers. Through AfterMatric24, Itumeleng is committed to providing clear, accurate, and regularly updated information that helps readers discover opportunities and make informed career decisions.

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Rio Tinto RBM Bursaries 2027 – Apply Before 24 October 2026