Southern Sphere Platinum Bursary Programme 2026

Studying in a mining‑aligned field and based in (or from) Sekhukhune District? Southern Sphere Platinum is inviting applications for its 2026 Bursary Programme for eligible second‑year university students in selected disciplines.

About the sponsor

Southern Sphere Platinum is a mining‑aligned company that offers this bursary to develop skilled graduates linked to its operations. The official bursary notice emphasises building employability after graduation by supporting strong students from local host communities in the Sekhukhune District.

What this bursary is

This bursary supports eligible second‑year university students studying in selected mining‑related and scarce‑skills fields (see below). It is targeted at students from local communities in Sekhukhune District and includes academic and document screening.

Fields of study covered

• Environmental Science / Environmental Management / Ecology / Conservation Biology
• Mining Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Geology
• Legal
• Information Technology / Computer Science
• Data Science

What it covers

The official bursary notice does not specify the exact cost items or value covered on the web page. Treat this as a bursary that may contribute to study costs, and confirm the funded items directly via the official bursary page and selection process.

Eligibility requirements

These are the key minimum requirements listed in the official notice (read carefully — most rejections happen here):

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Community requirement: Must be from local communities in the Sekhukhune District (proof required).
• Year of study: Must already be enrolled as a second‑year student in one of the listed fields.
• Academic minimum: Must have achieved at least a 60% average across all first‑year subjects.
• Institution: Must be studying at one of these universities: University of Limpopo, North‑West University, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, or University of Pretoria.
• No double funding: Applicants already receiving a bursary will not be considered.

The notice also states that preference may be given to students demonstrating financial need.

Quick tips for applicants

• Don’t apply unless you are already in second year and meet the 60% first‑year average.
• Make your Sekhukhune proof clear and credible (official letter/municipal proof/recognised documentation).
• Keep your cover note short: field of study, university, marks summary, and why you’re a fit for a mining‑aligned sponsor.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying as a first‑year or third‑year student (this call is for second‑year students).
• Not meeting the 60% average across first‑year subjects.
• Forgetting proof that you originate from Sekhukhune District.
• Missing documents or submitting after the closing time.
• Applying while already holding another bursary (double funding).

Application checklist

Prepare certified copies of the following documents (as listed):

• South African ID document
• Matric certificate
• Full academic record for first year (results/transcript)
• Proof of university acceptance or registration
• Proof that you originate from the Sekhukhune District

Resources & Guides Hub: https://bursaries-southafrica.co.za/ (use your preferred hub page link)

Closing date

Applications must be received by no later than 06 April 2026 (16:00 SAST). Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

How to apply

The official notice states that there is no application form. Applicants must apply via email by submitting all required documents and a short cover note explaining why they should be considered. Note: the email address is protected on the University of Pretoria page — use the official bursary page to view the email address.

After you apply

The notice states shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further assessments (including psychometric tests and/or interviews). If you do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.