If you are a young South African dreaming of a career in mining, engineering, geology, IT, or environmental health, here is an opportunity that could change your life forever.
ASSMANG (Pty) Ltd – Manganese Division, Black Rock Mine Operations in the Northern Cape is officially inviting applications for the 2026 ASSMANG Manganese Bursary Programme. This is one of the strongest, most reputable bursary schemes in South Africa’s mining sector – and it fully covers tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed books and even a laptop.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
Whether you’re a matriculant preparing for university or a current university student needing financial support to continue your studies, this bursary could open the door to a powerful engineering or mining career.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in a clear, simple, and empowering way.
Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Programme | ASSMANG Manganese Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Location | Black Rock Mine Operations, Kuruman (Northern Cape) |
| Who Can Apply | Matriculants (Bachelor pass) & University Students (Engineering, Mining, IT, Geology & more) |
| Covers | Tuition, Accommodation, Laptop, Prescribed Books |
| Age Range | 18–35 years |
| Fields of Study | Mining, Mechanical, Industrial, Metallurgical, Electrical, Mine Survey, Occupational Hygiene, Geology, IT |
| Closing Date | 12 December 2025 |
| Preference | Local JTG District youth, disadvantaged applicants & persons with disabilities |
About ASSMANG Manganese – Black Rock Mine Operations
ASSMANG (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa’s most established mining companies, specialising in manganese ore, iron ore, and chrome. Their Manganese Division, based at Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO) in the Northern Cape, is known for:
- World-class underground mining operations
- Cutting-edge engineering technology
- Strong community development and transformation efforts
- Commitment to upskilling young South Africans
BRMO plays a crucial role in the global supply of manganese – a key mineral used in steel production, batteries, renewable technologies, and the automotive sector.
For years, ASSMANG has invested heavily in youth education through bursaries, graduate programmes, learnerships, and apprenticeships. Their 2026 Bursary Programme is part of this long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of engineers, technologists, geologists, and mining professionals.
Fields of Study Covered by the Bursary (2026)
If you are planning to study any of the following programmes, this bursary is made for you.
- Mining Engineering (2 Bursaries Available)
- BTech: Mining Engineering
- Advanced Diploma: Mining Engineering
- BSc: Mining Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (1 Bursary)
- BTech / Advanced Diploma / BSc Engineering
- Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current (1 Bursary)
- BTech / Advanced Diploma / BSc Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering (1 Bursary)
- Metallurgical Engineering (2 Bursaries)
- BSc Metallurgy
- BTech / Chemical Engineering
- Mine Survey (2 Bursaries)
- Bachelor of Mine Surveying
- Advanced Diploma: Mine Surveying
- Occupational Hygiene (2 Bursaries)
- BTech Occupational Hygiene
- Advanced Diploma / Degree in Environmental Health Science
- Geology (1 Bursary)
- Information Technology (1 Bursary)
- BTech / BSc IT / Advanced Diploma IT
These are all high-demand, high-income fields – especially in the mining sector.
Minimum Requirements & Selection Criteria
ASSMANG uses a fair but competitive selection process. Here is what you need:
- Requirements for Matriculants
- Must be a South African citizen aged 18–35
- Bachelor pass / University exemption
- Preference to applicants with University acceptance for 2026
- Must NOT be receiving any other bursary or NSFAS funding
- Requirements for University Students
- South African citizen (18–35 years)
- Full-time enrollment at a South African University / University of Technology
- Studying one of the specified fields
Good academic performance:
- Average B-symbol (±70%)
- Passed all modules
- Must not hold any other bursary or financial aid
- Appointment Notes
ASSMANG gives preference to:
- Learners from disadvantaged communities
- Youth residing in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
- Persons with disabilities
Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
- Interviews
- Psychometric assessments
- Document verification
Contractual obligations (such as vacation work or work-back agreements) will be explained upon acceptance.
- Required Documents
Your application must include:
- Updated CV
- Latest academic record (for university students)
- Matric/Grade 11 report with proof of University acceptance (matriculants)
- Proof of current registration (if already in university)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Proof of residential address
Why This Bursary Matters
South Africa’s mining industry remains one of the largest employers and economic contributors in the country. However, engineering and mining careers require high-level education – which many young people simply cannot afford.
This bursary programme is designed to break that barrier.
Here’s why it’s a big deal:
It covers ALL major study costs
Not all bursaries include laptops or accommodation. This one does.
Engineering & mining graduates earn excellent salaries
Entry-level mining engineers and metallurgists can earn R30 000 – R50 000 per month early in their careers.
You gain guaranteed industry exposure
ASSMANG often provides:
- Vacation work
- Practical training
- Mentorship
- Graduate programmes
The Northern Cape mining belt is growing
More young professionals are needed to fill technical roles as older experts retire.
They prefer local and disadvantaged youth
This is NOT one of those bursaries only accessible to top urban schools – rural learners are encouraged.
How to Apply
ASSMANG accepts applications via their online submission portal.
APPLY FOR THE ASSMANG MANGANESE BURSARY PROGRAMME HERE
Tips for a strong application:
- Combine all documents into one neat PDF
- Ensure your ID and academic record are certified
- Use a clean, updated CV with correct contact details
- Mention your career goals clearly
- If you are from JTG District or a disadvantaged community, highlight it
Submit early to avoid email server issues
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Career Growth Path After Completing This Bursary
A bursary like this can launch your entire professional life.
Here’s what your future could look like:
Mining / Metallurgical / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering
- Graduate Engineer (Mining / Mechanical / Electrical / Metallurgy)
- Junior Engineer
- Section/Project Engineer
- Mine Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Senior management roles
Mine Surveying
- Miner Surveyor Trainee
- Junior Surveyor
- Mine Surveyor
- Chief Surveyor
Geology
- Geology Intern
- Junior Geologist
- Mine Geologist
- Exploration Geologist
Occupational Hygiene / Environmental Health
- OH Technician
- Environmental Officer
- Senior Occupational Hygienist
- Health & Safety Manager
Information Technology
- IT Support Technician
- Database Specialist
- Networking / Systems Engineer
- Mine Automation / Digitalisation Specialist
Mining is one of the few industries where you can grow quickly if you have strong technical skills and discipline.
Edupstairs Advice
If you truly want to change your life, this is your moment.
Opportunities like this don’t come often — especially one that covers everything and prioritises youth from rural and disadvantaged areas. Mining and engineering careers are powerful, stable, and high-earning fields. If you put in the effort, stay disciplined, and build your qualifications, you can build a future that transforms not just your life, but your entire family’s story.
Submit your application early, stay organised, and believe in yourself.
Edupstairs is rooting for you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does the bursary require work-back?
ASSMANG may require graduates to work for the company for a set period. This will be explained during the contract stage.
- Can I apply if I already get NSFAS?
No. Students funded by any bursary/financial aid will not be considered.
- Can TVET students apply?
This bursary is primarily for University and University of Technology qualifications.
- Can students older than 35 apply?
Unfortunately, no.
- Does the bursary fund postgraduate studies?
The 2026 programme is mainly for undergraduate degrees and advanced diplomas.
- Is accommodation included?
Yes – this is a full-cost bursary.
- Can I apply without university acceptance?
Matriculants must preferably have acceptance for 2026.
- What happens after I submit?
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews and assessments.
CLOSING DATE: 12 DECEMBER 2025
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
This article is a rewritten, educational summary created for awareness. Edupstairs is not the official recruiter, and we do not accept applications on behalf of ASSMANG. Always refer to the official advertisement for submission details, updates, and accuracy.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE