African Rainbow Minerals Arm Bursary

Key Facts

Status: Check Provider for Dates
Provider: African Rainbow Minerals
Field of Study: Mining

Engineering
Study Level: Undergraduate

Honours
Academic Year: 2027

Reviewed & Verified by Makona Mandla Lead Editor, Bursary Verification

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ARM Bursaries

Eligibility Requirements

South African citizen
Not currently funded by another bursary or sponsorship
Applying for full-time undergraduate (or, at some universities, honours-level) study in a scarce-skills field such as engineering, geology, accounting or IT
Strong academic record
Applying to one of ARM's current partner universities for that year's intake

Documents Needed

Certified copy of South African ID document
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Full university academic record, on institution letterhead
University acceptance or registration letter, on institution letterhead

About African Rainbow Minerals Arm Bursary

African Rainbow Minerals runs an annual bursary programme, informally known as "ARM Bright Sparks", supporting South African students in scarce-skills fields linked to its mining operations - including engineering, geology, accounting, IT and related disciplines - at a number of South African universities.

Applications are handled directly by email rather than through an online portal, and closing dates have varied by partner university in past intakes. ARM is a separate, JSE-listed mining company from the Motsepe Foundation; although both are linked to the Motsepe family, they run distinct bursary and grant programmes.

Funding Details

Registration fees, tuition fees for the full duration of the qualification, prescribed textbooks, a laptop, accommodation in university residence, and meals.

Where You Can Study

ARM has historically administered this bursary per partner university, with separate closing dates. Past intakes have included the University of Pretoria, North West University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Limpopo; coverage varies by year, so confirm which institutions apply to the current intake before applying.

About African Rainbow Minerals

African Rainbow Minerals Limited (ARM) is a diversified, JSE-listed mining company (JSE: ARI), founded by Patrice Motsepe in 1994 and headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg. It mines and beneficiates iron ore, manganese …

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Fields of Study & Who Can Apply

Open to South African citizens who are not already funded by another bursary, applying for full-time undergraduate (and, at some partner universities, honours-level) study in a scarce-skills field, with a strong academic record.

Application Procedure

Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.

ARM Bursaries

Last verified:

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 12:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the ARM Bursary?

There is no online application form - applications and supporting documents are emailed to armbrightsparks@arm.co.za.

What does the bursary cover?

Registration fees, tuition fees for the full duration of the course, textbooks, a laptop, university residence accommodation and meals.

Which universities does ARM fund students at?

Coverage has varied by year and has included the University of Pretoria, North West University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Limpopo, often each with its own closing date.

Is the ARM Bursary the same as the Motsepe Foundation?

No. ARM is a separate, JSE-listed mining company; the Motsepe Foundation is a distinct philanthropic organisation. Both are linked to the Motsepe family but run separate programmes.

Will I be interviewed?

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend a panel interview and may undergo psychometric assessments before a final decision, typically within 21 days of the closing date.