Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a South African student with strong academic performance and a passion for science, engineering, or mining? The Rio Tinto/ Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Programme 2026/2027 offers an exciting opportunity for talented individuals to pursue higher education in fields that support the mining and mineral processing industries. As part of its commitment to education, transformation, and skills development, RBM, a subsidiary of global mining giant Rio Tinto, provides financial assistance to students from disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
The RBM bursary is awarded to students pursuing qualifications in high-demand fields such as Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Metallurgy, Geology, Mining Engineering, Environmental Science, and Accounting, among others. The bursary typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend, enabling students to complete their studies without financial hardship.
In this comprehensive article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, fields of study, application instructions, required documents, and the official closing date. Whether you’re a matriculant preparing for your first year of university or a current student at a public tertiary institution, this bursary can help launch your career in one of South Africa’s most vital industries.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to get answers to questions like “RBM bursary application form 2026,” “how to apply for Rio Tinto bursary South Africa,” and “bursaries for engineering and mining students in South Africa.”
About Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM)
Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a leading South African mining company and a subsidiary of the global mining giant Rio Tinto Group. Established in 1976, RBM operates in the KwaZulu-Natal province, near Richards Bay, where it extracts mineral sands and produces titanium dioxide.
Ownership of the company is split as follows:
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74% – Rio Tinto Group
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24% – Blue Horizon Investments
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2% – Permanent RBM employees
The Rio Tinto Group is recognized globally as a top producer of zircon, high-purity pig iron, and titanium minerals, and is renowned for its mineral processing and sand mining operations.
About Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary
Fields of Study Covered
RBM is offering bursaries for the 2025 academic year to high-performing students pursuing full-time studies in the following fields:
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Accounting
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Actuarial Science
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Auditing
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Banking
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Chemical Engineering
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Computer Science
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Data Science
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Education
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Electrical Engineering
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Humanities
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Journalism
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Law
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Marine Engineering
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Medicine
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Metallurgical Engineering
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Mining Engineering
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Nursing
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Pharmacy
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Sound Production
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Supply Chain Management
The aim of this bursary is to invest in South Africa’s future by supporting passionate students and developing a skilled, educated workforce.
Eligibility Criteria for Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Application in 2026/2027
To qualify for the Rio Tinto / RBM bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
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Must be a South African citizen
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Must have completed Matric with strong academic results
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Must be studying or intending to study full-time in one of the fields listed above
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Must be enrolled or accepted at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
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Must be financially needy and meet the NSFAS financial eligibility guidelines
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Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
How to Apply for Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online at:
Rio Tinto / RBM Bursary Application 2025
Reference Number: #R10808
(You’ll need to create an account before submitting your application.)
Required Documents for Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Application in 2026/2027
Upload clear, certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following documents along with your application:
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South African ID document
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Matric certificate or latest statement of results
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Full tertiary academic record, if currently enrolled (on institution letterhead)
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Proof of university acceptance (on institution letterhead)
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Proof of bank account
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ID documents of parents/guardians, if applying on your behalf
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Proof of household income (e.g., payslips, affidavits, SASSA grant/pension slips)
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Motivational letter explaining why you should be awarded the bursary
(Tip: Make it personal and highlight your academic goals, challenges, and passion for your field.)
Closing Date for Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Application 2026/2027
24 January
Applications received after this date will not be considered. Please apply early to avoid missing the deadline.
Contact Details of Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Bursary Office
For any queries regarding the bursary, you can contact Rio Tinto directly:
Email:
