Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026 Applications Now Open
The Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026is officially open, offering comprehensive financial support to South African students pursuing careers in mining and engineering. Unlike partial funding programmes, this bursary covers full tuition, accommodation, prescribed textbooks, and a monthly allowance.
Beyond financial assistance, it also provides structured vacation work and a guaranteed graduate internship, creating a direct pathway into the mining industry.
📌 Closing Date: 18 February 2026 📎 Reference Number: THMB006RM
For students serious about building long-term careers in technical fields, this bursary represents more than financial relief — it offers real industry exposure.
Mining remains one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors. However, the industry continues to face shortages in critical technical and engineering skills.
The Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026 was created to:
Develop future mining professionals
Support scarce and critical skills development
Strengthen South Africa’s technical workforce
Provide structured career entry into the mining sector
Funding begins from the first semester of 2026, ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial pressure.
What the Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026 Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive support, including:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation
Prescribed textbooks
Monthly allowance
This structure ensures recipients can concentrate fully on academic performance.
Unlike some bursaries that only cover tuition, the Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026 removes most financial barriers students face at tertiary level.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is available to students studying in the following disciplines:
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 or Chemical Engineering (REF: MET/CHE003)
Mechatronics Engineering (REF: MECT-E003)
Applicants must already be registered or accepted at a recognised tertiary institution in one of the listed fields.
These qualifications align directly with industry demand and technical skills shortages within the mining and mineral processing sector.
Who Qualifies?
To be considered for the Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026, applicants must:
Be a South African citizen
Have a Matric certificate with at least 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science
Provide proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
Submit a full academic record
Students who are already receiving another bursary or sponsorship will not be considered.
Preference may be given to applicants from local communities and labour-sending areas, in line with company and Employment Equity requirements.
Work-Back and Internship Obligations
This bursary includes structured industry exposure.
Recipients must:
Participate in vacation work at the mine at the end of each academic year
Join Tharisa as a graduate intern for at least one year after completing their studies
These obligations ensure that students gain practical industry experience before transitioning into permanent employment roles.
It is important to understand that while the graduate internship is guaranteed, permanent employment is not automatically guaranteed.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following:
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified copy of South African ID
Proof of registration or acceptance letter
Full academic record
⚠️ Important:
The CV must be uploaded in the designated “CV” field
Supporting documents must be uploaded under “Qualifications and Payslip”
Incorrect document uploads may result in disqualification
Carefully review your submission before finalising the application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online using the reference number:
Exploring multiple options ensures you widen your career prospects while applying for competitive programmes like the Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, prescribed books, and a monthly allowance.
Is the graduate internship compulsory?
Yes. Recipients must complete at least one year as a graduate intern after graduation.
Can I apply if I have another bursary?
No. Students currently benefiting from another sponsorship are not eligible.
Is 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science compulsory?
Yes. A minimum of 60% in both subjects is required.
Does this guarantee permanent employment?
No. While a graduate internship is guaranteed, permanent employment is not automatic.
Final Thoughts
The Tharisa Scholarship Bursary 2026 offers more than financial assistance — it provides a structured development pathway into South Africa’s mining and engineering sector.
For students committed to technical excellence and long-term industry careers, this programme combines funding, practical exposure, and graduate development into one opportunity.
If you meet the academic requirements and are serious about entering a scarce and critical field, ensure your application is complete and submitted before 18 February 2026.
Preparation, accuracy, and strong academic performance will significantly strengthen your application.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
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