The Exxaro scholarship funds students in fields relevant to mining and resources, typically mining, mechanical, electrical, chemical and metallurgical engineering along with geology and related disciplines. As a corporate mining bursary it normally carries a work-back obligation.
Mining company bursaries are among the most generous available in South Africa, and correspondingly among the most competitive. They are recruitment programmes, so the company is selecting future employees rather than simply awarding funding.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- South African citizenship
- Study in a supported field, principally mining-related engineering and geosciences
- Strong results in mathematics and physical sciences
- Acceptance or application to an accredited institution
- Medical fitness, since mining work has health requirements
- A work-back obligation, typically a year of service per year funded
Income and Affordability Requirements
Corporate mining bursaries generally weight academic merit heavily, with financial need considered alongside it. Some schemes prioritise applicants from the communities in which the company operates.
Because this scheme publishes its criteria per intake and revises them, this page does not restate specific income thresholds, closing dates or award values. Confirm those directly with the funder, since an out-of-date figure is worse than none.
Credit and Financial Requirements
Bursaries do not assess your credit record and applying does not affect it. What they assess is academic performance, both to award funding and to continue it.
The work-back obligation is a genuine contract. Recipients who do not take up employment with the company are generally required to repay the funding, so read the terms carefully before accepting.
Documents and Verification Required
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your matric results or latest academic transcript
- Proof of household income, such as payslips or an affidavit where there is no formal income
- Proof of acceptance or application to an approved institution
- A completed application form and any motivation the scheme requires
- Supporting documentation for a disability, where applicable
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Applications open in an annual window. Because these bursaries are recruitment programmes, vacation work and internships during study frequently form part of the arrangement.
Strengthen your application with strong mathematics and physical sciences results and by demonstrating genuine interest in the mining sector. Note that mining work involves medical fitness requirements, particularly for underground roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fields does the Exxaro scholarship fund?
Principally mining-related engineering disciplines, geology and related fields relevant to the resources sector.
Is there a work-back obligation?
Mining company bursaries normally carry one, typically a year of service per year funded, with repayment if you do not take up employment.
Does it include vacation work?
Corporate bursaries commonly include vacation work or internships, since they function as recruitment programmes.
Are there medical requirements?
Mining work involves medical fitness requirements, particularly for underground roles. Confirm what applies with the company.
Confirm the supported field list, current criteria and work-back terms with Exxaro directly. See bursary requirements, NSFAS requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.