Meta Description: Applications are open for the Exxaro 2026 Bursary Student Grant Fund Programme. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and how this opportunity shapes South Africa’s next generation of engineers, scientists, and data specialists before the 30 November 2025 deadline.
Exxaro Bursary 2026: Building the Next Generation of South African Innovators
As South Africa continues to evolve its economy toward sustainability and technological innovation, one of the biggest questions remains: How do we prepare our youth for the future of work?
Exxaro Resources, a leading diversified mining and renewable energy company, may have one of the most practical answers. Its 2026 Bursary Student Grant Fund Programme is designed to invest in the next generation of engineers, geologists, and data scientists—individuals who will not only power industries but also help redefine South Africa’s growth story.
The programme is open until 30 November 2025, giving students across the country a chance to apply for a bursary that does far more than pay tuition—it provides mentorship, industry experience, and long-term career opportunities.
Why Exxaro’s 2026 Bursary Matters
In a time when many graduates struggle to find employment, Exxaro’s bursary initiative bridges the crucial gap between higher education and the job market. The company is not only funding studies but also shaping employable professionals who can make tangible contributions to the mining, engineering, and digital sectors.
Exxaro’s long-standing reputation for corporate responsibility and skills development makes this programme more than a scholarship—it’s an ecosystem of growth.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Comprehensive financial coverage including tuition, accommodation, and study materials.
- Mentorship and professional development, helping students align their studies with industry demands.
- Guaranteed work experience, where graduates gain practical exposure through internships or work-back opportunities.
- Commitment to transformation, ensuring diversity and inclusivity in South Africa’s technical professions.
Who Can Apply for the Exxaro 2026 Bursary?
The bursary is aimed at talented South African students who demonstrate academic excellence and passion for technical innovation. If you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, geology, or data science, this programme could be your stepping stone into a thriving career.
Below is the full list of eligible fields for 2026:
Useful Links:
- Learnerships Programme
- Online courses
- Funding Bursaries
- Internships Programme
- Youth Opportunities
- Learning Programmes 2026
| Field of Study | Year of Study in 2026 | Qualification Type |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 2nd or 4th year | BEng / BSc Civil |
| Industrial Engineering | 2nd or 4th year | BEng / BSc Industrial |
| Electrical Engineering | 2nd year | BEng / BSc Electrical |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2nd year | BEng Mechanical |
| Metallurgical / Chemical Engineering | 2nd or 4th year | BEng / BSc Metallurgical / Chemical |
| Geology | 2nd or 3rd year | BSc Geology |
| Mining Engineering | 2nd year | BEng / BSc Mining |
| Mine Surveying | 3rd or Honours year | BEng / BSc Mine Surveying |
| Data Science | 3rd year | BTech / BComp / BDataSci specialising in Data Science |
Students studying in these fields can apply online for the bursary and become part of Exxaro’s growing talent pipeline.
Q&A: Understanding the Exxaro Bursary Programme
Q: What makes this bursary different from others?
A: Unlike many funding programmes, the Exxaro bursary is deeply integrated with the company’s employment ecosystem. It not only supports your education but also connects you to real projects and mentorship within Exxaro, preparing you for life after graduation.
Q: Does the bursary guarantee a job after studies?
A: While job placement is not automatic, many bursary recipients are absorbed into Exxaro through internships or graduate programmes, particularly when they perform well academically and demonstrate professional growth.
Q: What kind of support can bursary holders expect?
A: Students receive financial support, mentoring sessions, exposure to industrial environments, and the opportunity to join professional workshops and training programmes.
Q: How important is academic performance?
A: Maintaining good grades is crucial. Exxaro expects students to uphold a minimum academic average and to submit progress reports each semester to demonstrate consistent effort.
What You’ll Need to Qualify and Apply
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Reference Number: EXX251104-3
Business Unit: Exxaro Corporate Centre (The ConneXXion)
Location: Centurion, Gauteng
Eligibility Checklist
To be considered, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be enrolled or accepted at a recognised South African university for 2026.
- Be pursuing one of the listed fields of study.
- Have a proven academic record of excellence.
- Be available for mentorship, training, and potential work-back opportunities after graduation.
Application Process
Applications are completed online via Exxaro’s official portal:
Apply here
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Latest academic transcripts or results.
- Proof of 2026 registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution.
- A motivation letter explaining why you deserve the bursary and how it aligns with your career aspirations.
What Is Expected of Exxaro Bursary Recipients?
Once accepted, bursary recipients are expected to maintain high academic standards and actively participate in bursary-related activities.
Core expectations include:
- Maintaining strong academic performance throughout the year.
- Submitting regular progress reports to the Exxaro bursary office.
- Attending classes, completing coursework, and engaging in community or educational projects.
- Participating in mentorship or career workshops organised by Exxaro.
- Adhering to university codes of conduct and representing Exxaro positively.
- Fulfilling work-back commitments if required after completing studies.
This level of accountability ensures that students are not only supported financially but also develop into capable professionals ready to contribute to South Africa’s economy.
Opinion: Why Programmes Like This Are Critical for South Africa’s Growth
South Africa faces a pressing challenge — a shortage of technical and digital skills that are essential to drive industrial growth and innovation. Many young graduates leave university without practical exposure or mentorship, which limits their employability.
Exxaro’s bursary programme directly addresses this by aligning academic study with the real-world needs of the mining, engineering, and technology sectors. It’s not just an investment in individuals; it’s an investment in the country’s future workforce.
By supporting students in fields such as data science, mining, and renewable energy engineering, Exxaro is helping to create a more self-reliant and forward-looking South Africa. These students represent the next wave of problem-solvers who will tackle energy transitions, sustainability challenges, and digital transformation across industries
Final Thoughts: Seizing the Opportunity
The Exxaro 2026 Bursary Programme is more than a scholarship; it’s a strategic gateway for South African students to join industries that define the nation’s progress.
If you’re an ambitious student studying in the fields of engineering, geology, or data science, this is your moment to apply. Beyond the financial benefits, this programme opens doors to mentorship, professional exposure, and long-term career opportunities with one of South Africa’s most respected employers.
Applications close on 30 November 2025 — and for many, this could be the first step toward shaping not just their careers, but South Africa’s future.
