Rand Refinery Bursary South Africa | Complete Guide

The Rand Refinery Bursary is a funding programme by a top precious-metals refinery in South Africa. The aim is to help deserving young students access tertiary education — particularly in engineering and science fields. Through this bursary, qualified students receive financial support and study resources, giving them the chance to focus fully on their studies without worrying about fees or living costs.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the Rand Refinery Bursary, applicants must meet the following:

• Be a South African citizen aged between 18 and 25 years.
• Be enrolled in first, second, or third year of an undergraduate degree at a recognised South African university or university of technology.
• Have completed Matric (high school).
• Hold a minimum academic average of 70 percent (for fully funded streams).

Supported Fields of Study

The bursary supports a range of technical and science-related fields, including:

• Engineering: Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Robotics & Advanced Control.
• Science and technology related fields: Biotechnology, Information Technology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry (for some of these fields funding may be capped rather than fully covered).

What the Bursary Covers

If awarded the bursary, students receive:

• Full payment of tuition fees (for core engineering streams)
• Coverage of required textbooks and study materials
• Provision for stationery (and sometimes a laptop)
• Monthly stipend to help with living costs
• Accommodation support if needed

For some of the non-core/science streams the funding may be capped (i.e. a fixed amount, rather than full support).

Application Requirements & Process

To apply, candidates must submit an online application through the official bursary portal. They need to upload:

• A certified copy of their South African ID
• Their Matric certificate or proof of Matric completion
• Their most recent academic transcript (if already in university) or proof of registration
• A current CV
• Sometimes proof of parents’ or guardians’ income (depending on course stream)

Incomplete or uncertified documents may lead to disqualification, so it is important to make sure everything is clear and properly prepared before submission.

Important Notes & Deadlines

• The bursary is generally targeted at students in their first three years — not for honours or postgraduate studies.
• Deadlines tend to be around late in the year — applicants must apply before closing date.
• For core engineering disciplines, funding is full; for science/technology-related courses outside core engineering, funding may be capped or partial.
• Even if partially funded, the bursary offers valuable support that can reduce the financial burden of tertiary education.

Why the Rand Refinery Bursary Matters

For young South Africans aiming to study engineering, IT or science, the Rand Refinery Bursary is more than financial aid — it could be a doorway to a stable education and a promising career in one of the country’s top industrial sectors. By covering tuition, materials and living costs, the bursary allows students to focus on academics and skill-building. For many, this support can make the difference between being able to attend university or not.

Final Thoughts

If you are a South African student between 18 and 25, currently enrolled (or about to enrol) in a relevant undergraduate programme, and you meet the academic requirements, the Rand Refinery Bursary could significantly ease your study journey. Gather all required documents carefully, submit your application on time, and you may unlock valuable financial support and a strong academic future.