South African students pursuing careers in mining, engineering and applied sciences now have a major funding opportunity on the table. The Tharisa Bursary Programme is officially open, offering comprehensive financial support to academically capable students who want to build careers in high-demand technical fields linked to the mining industry.
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For many students, especially those from mining communities and labour-sending areas, funding is often the biggest barrier to completing a qualification. This bursary removes that barrier by covering core study costs while also providing practical industry exposure and a clear post-graduation pathway into employment.
If your career ambitions lie in engineering, geology, metallurgy, or chemical sciences, this opportunity is structured not just to fund your studies, but to transition you directly into the workforce.
Quick Overview
Organisation: Tharisa
Reference Number: THMB006RM
Closing Date: 18 February 2026
Location Focus: North West Province and surrounding communities
Funding Coverage:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books
- Monthly allowance
Work Commitment:
- Vacation work at Tharisa mine annually
- Graduate internship with the company after completing studies
Eligible Fields of Study:
- Mining Engineering (REF: M-ENG003)
- Geology (REF: GEO-003)
- Analytical Chemistry (REF: A-C003)
- Electrical Engineering (REF: E-ENG003)
- Mechanical Engineering (REF: MEC-E003)
- Metallurgy / Chemical Engineering (REF: MET/CHE003)
- Mechatronics Engineering (REF: MECT-E003)
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary focuses on disciplines that are critical to modern mining operations and industrial engineering environments.
These include:
Engineering Disciplines
- Mining Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Science and Technical Fields
- Geology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Metallurgy
These fields align with scarce skills in South Africa and globally, which significantly increases employability after graduation.
What the Bursary Covers
One of the most attractive aspects of this opportunity is the comprehensive funding structure.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition payment to their tertiary institution
- Accommodation support
- Prescribed textbooks
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
This ensures students can focus entirely on academic performance without financial pressure.
In addition, the bursary includes structured industry exposure:
- Annual vacation work at the Tharisa mine
- One-year graduate internship after completing studies
This means students graduate with practical experience — something employers prioritise.
Eligibility Requirements
The bursary is targeted at current students and prospective students pursuing the listed disciplines.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Matric certificate
- Minimum 60% pass in Mathematics
- Minimum 60% pass in Physical Science
- Registration or acceptance at a tertiary institution in one of the listed fields
- Full academic transcript from the tertiary institution
Citizenship Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
Preference Criteria
Preference will be given to:
- Applicants from local communities near Tharisa operations
- Labour-sending areas linked to mining communities
Funding Restrictions
Students will not be considered if:
- They are currently funded by another bursary or sponsorship
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit complete documentation when applying.
Required documents include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of ID
- Proof of tertiary registration or acceptance letter
- Full academic record
Applicants must upload documents correctly in the application portal:
- CV in the “CV” section
- Academic and supporting documents in the “Qualifications and Payslip” section
Incomplete submissions will likely result in disqualification.
Closing Date: 18 February 2026
Late applications are typically not considered. Early submission is strongly recommended.
How to Apply
APPLY FOR THE THARISA BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- 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
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- 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
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
If you’re serious about this opportunity, approach it strategically.
Strengthen your application
- Highlight academic performance
- Include leadership or project experience
- Emphasise technical interest in mining/engineering
Prepare for selection
- Understand mining operations
- Learn about Tharisa’s work
- Build foundational engineering knowledge
Long-term mindset
This bursary is not just funding — it’s a career entry channel.
Use it to:
- Build networks
- Develop technical skills
- Gain industry exposure early
Students who treat bursaries as career platforms tend to succeed faster after graduation.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Graduates supported by Tharisa can pursue roles such as:
- Graduate Engineer
- Junior Geologist
- Metallurgical Technician
- Electrical Maintenance Engineer
- Mechanical Systems Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Mine Planning Specialist
Over time, career progression may include:
- Engineering Manager
- Mine Manager
- Technical Specialist
- Operations Director
- Research and Innovation roles
Mining and engineering careers also offer opportunities internationally, particularly in Africa, Australia, and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply for the Tharisa Bursary?
South African students studying or accepted into engineering, geology, metallurgy, or chemistry programmes.
- Does the bursary cover all costs?
Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly allowance.
- Do I need to do practical work?
Yes. Vacation work at the mine is required annually.
- Is there a work obligation after graduation?
Yes. Graduates must complete at least one year as graduate interns with Tharisa.
- Can NSFAS-funded students apply?
No. Students already funded by another bursary or sponsorship are not eligible.
- What marks do I need?
Minimum 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Is preference given to certain applicants?
Yes. Students from local communities and labour-sending areas are prioritised.
CLOSING DATE: 18 FEBRUARY 2026
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Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
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Disclaimers
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
- Funding is limited and competitive.
- Applicants must submit accurate and complete documentation.
- Final selection considers academic performance and institutional registration.
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