African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary South Africa 2026 – Complete Guide
The African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary 2026 is aimed at academically strong South African students who are studying at selected universities in approved fields related to engineering, science, technology, and commerce. The bursary is designed to support students who are committed to their studies and who wish to contribute to skills development within South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
This guide sets out who should apply, which fields are funded, what the bursary covers, how selection works, and how to apply, based strictly on the official information provided.
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS (ARM)
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) was founded by Patrice Motsepe as South Africa’s first black-owned mining company. Today, ARM is one of the country’s leading diversified mining and minerals companies, with operations in South Africa and Malaysia.
ARM is involved in the mining and beneficiation of iron ore, manganese ore, chrome ore, platinum group metals (PGMs), nickel, and coal. The company operates through several divisions, including ARM Platinum, ARM Ferrous, ARM Coal, and Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd, which develops and operates gold assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE ARM BURSARY?
This bursary is intended for students who:
Are South African citizens
Have completed Matric
Are studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) or the University of Stellenbosch (SU)
Are enrolled in one of the approved fields of study
Have a strong academic record
Are not currently receiving any other bursary funding
The bursary is aimed at students who are committed to their academic development and who wish to grow with the company.
FIELDS OF STUDY COVERED
The ARM Bursary is awarded for studies at specific universities and in specific fields.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Accounting
Computer Science / Information Technology (IT)
Data Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
University of Stellenbosch (SU)
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Geology
Process Engineering
The bursary supports tertiary-level studies in the listed fields only.
WHAT DOES THE ARM BURSARY COVER?
The bursary provides cover for the following expenses:
Registration fees
Tuition fees
Textbooks
Laptop
Accommodation in a university residence
Meals
The bursary does not cover any outstanding fees.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date. If no feedback is received within this period, applicants should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Selection includes:
A panel interview
Psychometric assessments
Final selection is made after completion of these assessments.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ARM BURSARY
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Must be a South African citizen
Must have completed Matric
Must be studying at UCT or SU
UCT students must be in one of the listed fields and must have completed their first, second, or third year of study
SU students must be in one of the listed fields and must have completed their first year of study
Must have a strong academic record
Must not be receiving any other bursary funding
Failure to meet all requirements will result in the application not being considered.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ARM BURSARY 2026
Applications must be submitted via email.
Application process:
Prepare all required supporting documents
Email your application to: armbrightsparks@arm.co.za
Use the subject line: “ARM Bursary 2026”
Attach all required documents to your email
There is no application form to complete. Applications consist only of the required documents submitted via email.
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents:
Certified copy of ID document
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Full university academic record (on institutional letterhead)
University acceptance letter (on institutional letterhead)
Applications with missing documents may be disqualified.
APPLICATION PREPARATION TIPS
Applicants are advised to:
Ensure all documents are certified, clear, and legible
Confirm that academic records are official and up to date
Submit the application well before the closing date to avoid delays
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is there an application form to complete?
No. There is no application form. Applicants must submit the required documents via email.
How will shortlisted candidates be contacted?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date.
Does the bursary cover outstanding fees?
No. Outstanding fees are not covered by the bursary.
CLOSING DATE
30 January 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
CONTACT DETAILS
For queries related to this bursary programme, contact African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) directly:
Email: armbrightsparks@arm.co.za
This guide is published to provide accurate, up-to-date information on South African bursary opportunities and to support students, parents, and graduates in making informed education funding decisions.