Valterra Platinum Bursary Programme 2026 Now Open

Valterra Platinum is inviting students to apply for the Valterra Platinum Community Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. The bursary is designed to support students from host communities who are facing real socio-economic challenges and may struggle to secure funding elsewhere.

What makes this bursary stand out is that it supports undergraduate studies in ANY field (as long as it is a first undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 or 7) — meaning you don’t have to study mining-related courses only.

Quick Overview

Bursary Name: Valterra Platinum Community Bursary Programme 2026
Funding For: Undergraduate studies in ANY field (NQF Level 6 or 7)
Who Can Apply: South African youth (18–25) from Valterra Platinum host communities
What It Covers: Tuition, accommodation, allowance (based on student needs)
Study Duration Covered: Full qualification duration (renewal depends on results)
Matric Year Required: 2024 or 2025
Closing Date: 1 February 2026 (23:59)
Administrator: Tshikululu Trust
Contact Email: valterraeducation@tshikululu.org.za
Contact Number: 011 544 0300

Valterra Platinum Host Communities (Who Qualifies by Location)

To apply, you must live in a host community linked to one of Valterra Platinum’s operations.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in host communities of the following sites:

Limpopo Operations

Amandelbult Mine (Limpopo)
Mogalakwena Mine (Limpopo)
Mototolo Mine (Limpopo)
Polokwane Smelter (Limpopo)
Twickenham Project (Limpopo)

North West Operations

Rustenburg Processing and Smelting Operations, including:
- Mortimer Smelter
- Convertor Plant (CP)
- Base Metal Refinery (BMR)
- Precious Metal Refinery (PMR)
- Waterval Smelter

If you are not sure whether your village/township falls under these host communities, don’t panic — you can still apply, but make sure your Proof of Residence is strong and clearly shows you belong to the local municipality/traditional authority linked to the area.

What the Valterra Platinum Bursary Covers (2026)

This bursary covers the major costs that usually stop students from studying successfully.

The bursary provides cover for:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Allowance

The final value of the bursary is not fixed, because it depends on the student’s real needs and what the Trustees approve.

In simple terms: the bursary is needs-based, and it is designed to support students properly — not just “a little money” that runs out after two months.

Will the Bursary Cover My Full Qualification?

Yes — the bursary will cover your studies for the entire duration of your qualification.

However, you must understand this important part:

Renewal is conditional

Your funding will only be renewed each year if your academic performance is acceptable during the funded year.

So you must take your studies seriously, attend classes, submit assignments, and pass your modules. The bursary is a privilege, not a once-off donation.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply, go through this checklist carefully.

You MUST meet all minimum requirements below (missing even one requirement may lead to rejection):

Minimum entry criteria

You must be a South African citizen
You must reside within a Valterra Platinum host community listed above
You must currently reside in, or have completed most of your schooling within a host community
You must have completed Matric in 2024 or 2025
You must be between 18 and 25 years old
You must be enrolled or accepted for your first undergraduate programme
Your qualification must be at NQF Level 6 or 7
Your qualification must be fully accredited with SAQA
You must be enrolled/accepted into a 3-year full-time programme
You must finish within 3 years (no later than December 2028)
You must be enrolled/accepted at a registered higher education institution (public or private)
You must NOT be a child of a Valterra Platinum employee

Preference will be given to vulnerable groups

Valterra Platinum will prioritise students from vulnerable backgrounds such as:

Orphans and vulnerable children
Unemployed households
Child-headed households

If this applies to you, make sure your supporting documents prove it.

Documents to Submit

This section is where many applicants lose the opportunity — not because they don’t qualify, but because they submit incomplete documents.

You must submit CLEAR copies of the following:

Required documents

Certified copy of your ID document
Certified copy of your Matric certificate
Most recent academic record (if currently studying, must be on institution letterhead)
Acceptance letter / conditional acceptance letter (if not studying yet)
Proof of tertiary registration (if available)
Proof of Residence (not older than 3 months)
- Must be stamped and signed by a traditional council or local municipality
Proof of vulnerability / household support, if applicable:
- Proof your parent/guardian receives a SASSA grant, OR
- An affidavit confirming that you fall into one of the vulnerable groups (orphaned, unemployed household, child-headed household)

Edupstairs tip before you upload documents

Make sure your documents are not blurry
Scan using a scanning app if you don’t have a scanner
Name files properly (example: “ID.pdf”, “MatricCertificate.pdf”)
Don’t upload screenshots if they look unclear

Closing Date for Valterra Platinum Bursary 2026

Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 23:59

Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.

My advice?
Don’t apply on the last day. Networks go down. Documents disappear. Sites crash. You get stressed. You rush. Then you make mistakes.

Apply early, while you still have time to correct problems.

How to Apply (Practical Steps to Follow)

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check:

Matric year (2024/2025)
Age (18–25)
Host community requirement
3-year programme requirement

Step 2: Prepare documents first

Before opening the application page, ensure all documents are ready and certified.

Step 3: Apply online and upload correctly

Complete the online form and upload all supporting documents.

Step 4: Double-check before submitting

Confirm:

You did not skip any section
Your ID number is correct
Your email address is correct
Your documents uploaded successfully

Step 5: Keep proof of submission

If the portal provides confirmation, screenshot it or download it for your records.

Contact Details (Bursary Administrator)

For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact Tshikululu Trust:

Tshikululu Help Desk
Tel: 011 544 0300
Email: valterraeducation@tshikululu.org.za
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00

If you struggle to submit your application, contact them immediately (don’t wait until the closing date).

APPLY FOR THE VALTERRA PLATINUM BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice (Important Application Strategy)

If you truly want this bursary, treat the application like a job interview.

My best advice:

Apply early (don’t wait for the final week)
Upload clear certified documents
Make sure your Proof of Residence is correct
Be honest in your application
Take your studies seriously once funded
Avoid scammers
- This bursary has official contact details and is administered by Tshikululu Trust
- Do not pay anyone to “help you apply” unless it’s a legitimate support service
If you get accepted, stay consistent
- Many students lose funding because of attendance issues, missed assignments, or poor planning

Remember: funding is not just money. It’s responsibility.

Career Growth Path After This Bursary (What Comes Next)

A bursary doesn’t just pay for education — it opens doors for long-term career growth.

Here’s what becomes possible after completing your studies:

1) Formal employment opportunities

With an accredited qualification, you increase your chances of employment in:

Government departments
Mining sector and support industries
Banking and finance
Education and training
Admin and business management
Technology and digital careers
Healthcare and community services

2) Internship and graduate programmes

After graduation, you can apply for:

Graduate internships
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities
Learnerships that require tertiary education

3) Entrepreneurship opportunities

Even if you don’t get a job immediately, your qualification gives you knowledge and credibility to build your own business or offer services professionally.

4) Postgraduate studies

Some students use undergraduate bursary support as a foundation, then later apply for:

Honours
Postgraduate diplomas
Masters programmes

Your life doesn’t end at graduation. That’s where it begins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can I apply if I want to study ANY course?

Yes. The bursary is for undergraduate studies in ANY field, as long as it is NQF Level 6 or 7 and SAQA-accredited.

2) Can I apply if I matriculated in 2023?

No. The requirement states you must have completed Matric in 2024 or 2025.

3) Can I apply if I’m older than 25?

No. Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.

4) Does the bursary pay for accommodation?

Yes. It covers accommodation as part of the bursary package.

5) Does the bursary pay for food and transport?

The bursary includes an allowance, and depending on your funding structure, that allowance may help cover basic living needs. The final value depends on student needs and Trustee approval.

6) Can I apply if I’m already studying?

Yes, as long as you have your academic record and you are studying your first undergraduate qualification.

7) Can TVET College students apply?

If your programme is NQF Level 6 or 7, accredited, and meets all requirements (including the 3-year completion condition), then you may qualify. Always verify the NQF level of your qualification.

8) Can I apply if my parent works at Valterra Platinum?

No. You must NOT be a child of a Valterra Platinum employee.

9) What happens if I fail my modules?

The bursary is renewable, and renewal depends on performance. Poor results may affect renewal.

10) Can I submit without Proof of Residence?

It is listed as compulsory, and missing documents can lead to disqualification. Submit a valid Proof of Residence (not older than 3 months).

CLOSING DATE: 01 FEBRUARY 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

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Disclaimers

Edupstairs is not affiliated with Valterra Platinum or Tshikululu Trust.
The bursary information shared in this article is based on the official opportunity details provided.
Valterra Platinum and the bursary administrators reserve the right to select candidates according to their internal criteria and available funding.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee funding.
Always verify details on the official application platform and contact the administrator for queries.

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. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY

Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationValterra Platinum

SourceOfficial website/career portal

Open source link

Apply viaOnline portal

ReferenceValterra_Platinum Bursary2026

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