South African students pursuing mining-related qualifications can apply for the Thungela Bursary Programme 2027. The programme combines financial assistance with practical exposure relevant to the mining sector.
At a glance
Sponsor: Thungela
Study level: Undergraduate
Reference code: THUNGELA2027
Closing date: 31 August 2026
High-value notes
- The detailed eligibility note lists Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mining or Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy and Geology.
- Applicants who already submitted a CareerWise application during 2026 will be considered automatically.
- The introductory wording also mentions Environmental Sciences and first- or second-year students, while the detailed eligibility note lists first-, second- or third-year students but omits Environmental Sciences. Environmental Sciences and third-year applicants should confirm their eligibility in CareerWise before applying.
About Thungela
Thungela is a producer and exporter of thermal coal with operations in South Africa and Australia. Its bursary programme develops students in technical disciplines needed by the mining industry.
What the bursary covers
Thungela provides financial assistance and access to practical experience. Applicants should review the CareerWise opportunity for the final funding package and award conditions.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be a first-, second- or potentially eligible third-year student, subject to the CareerWise screening criteria.
- Study Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or Geology. Environmental Sciences applicants should confirm whether their qualification appears in CareerWise.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and a need for financial assistance.
Documents to prepare
Check the CareerWise form for the exact upload list. It is useful to have the following current documents ready:
- South African ID
- Latest full academic transcript
- Proof of university registration and current year of study
- Updated CV
- Evidence of household income or financial need if requested
Closing date
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying under the wrong CareerWise reference code
- Assuming Environmental Sciences is accepted without checking the current CareerWise form
- Uploading only one semester instead of a complete academic record
- Assuming third-year eligibility without checking the application platform
How this opportunity was verified
Last checked on 26 August 2026 against Thungela’s current bursary page. It confirms the study fields, South African citizenship requirement, reference code and 31 August 2026 deadline.
How to apply
- Register or sign in on the CareerWise website.
- Search using reference code THUNGELA2027.
- Complete the programme questions and upload the requested documents.
- Submit before the closing date and retain your confirmation.