The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
The Kumba Iron Ore Bursary will provide full cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, book fees and accommodation. Students will also have the opportunity to partake in paid vacation work (as part of the Institution’s requirements), which will take place in the Northern Cape.
The duration of the bursary contract will be dependent on the students current year of study.
Students must enter into a Bursary Loan Agreement with the company.
After graduation, bursary recipients may be able to join the company’s graduate program (depending on available placement and students performance).
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date – if you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Shortlisted candidates will then be required to take part in assessments and interviews.
Quick Summary of the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
| Bursary Name | Kumba Iron Ore Bursary 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company / Organisation | Kumba Iron Ore (Anglo American) |
| Fields Covered | Data Analytics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Finance, Geology, Geo-Tech, Human Resources, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Occupational Hygiene, Surveying |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens (Matric or studying) with strong academics – preference to Northern Cape host communities |
| Closing Date | 3 October 2025 (closed) |
| How to Apply | Online via official portal (now closed) |
7. Table of Contents
- Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Overview
Kumba Iron Ore is a major iron ore mining company in South Africa (part of Anglo American) with operations at Sishen and Kolomela in the Northern Cape. The Kumba Iron Ore Bursary helps talented students study in fields needed by the mining industry.
This bursary supports full-time undergraduate studies at recognized South African universities. It gives financial help plus practical experience through vacation work in the Northern Cape.
There is also a separate Community Bursary Scheme for youth from host communities (Sishen and Kolomela) that can include universities or TVET colleges.
Important update for March 2026: Applications for 2026 studies closed on 3 October 2025 (main bursary) and December 2025 (community scheme). The bursary is now closed. This page gives you the full honest details from official sources so you know what it offered and what to do next. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)
Who the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary is For
The bursary is for South African citizens who:
- Are in Matric or have completed Matric
- Want to study full-time in mining-related fields
- Have strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science
- Live in or come from Northern Cape host communities (preference)
- Are willing to do vacation work at Kumba operations
Preference goes to students from Sishen and Kolomela communities.
Fields of Study Covered by the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
Undergraduate studies in:
- Data Analytics
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Finance
- Geology
- Geo-Tech
- Human Resources
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Occupational Hygiene
- Surveying
Only full-time studies at recognized South African universities qualify.
What the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Covers
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation
- Books and study materials
- Paid vacation work in the Northern Cape
You sign a bursary agreement. The bursary continues if you pass each year. After graduation you may join Kumba’s graduate programme (depending on performance and vacancies).
Who Qualifies for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be in Matric or studying full-time (1st, 2nd or 3rd year in 2026)
- Have a strong academic record
- Be registered or provisionally accepted at a recognised South African university
- Be willing and able to do vacation work in the Northern Cape
- Have (or be able to get) a valid Code B driver’s licence
Strong preference for Northern Cape students.
Required Documents When applying for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
All certified copies:
- South African ID
- Matric results/certificate
- Full tertiary academic record (if already studying)
- Proof of university registration or provisional acceptance (on institution letterhead)
- Driver’s licence (if you have one)
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
Applications are now closed, but this is exactly how it worked:
- Go to the official online application portal (link shared on zabursaries.co.za or Anglo American Kumba site)
- Create or log into your profile
- Use promotional code KIO2026
- Fill in all details carefully
- Upload all required documents
- Write “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “how did you hear about us” field
- Submit before 3 October 2025
Only online applications were accepted.
When Does the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Close
3 October 2025 (applications are now closed for 2026 studies). The separate Community Bursary Scheme closed in December 2025.
Selection Process
- Applications screened for completeness
- Shortlisting based on academics and community ties
- Assessments and interviews
- Successful candidates contacted within 4 weeks of closing
- If no feedback after 4 weeks, your application was unsuccessful
Frequently Asked Questions When applying for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
Q: Is the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary open for 2026? A: No – it closed on 3 October 2025.
Q: Do I have to work for Kumba afterwards? A: You may join their graduate program after studies (not compulsory work-back for all).
Q: Can I study any course? A: No – only the listed mining-related fields.
Q: Is there preference for Northern Cape students? A: Yes – strong preference for host communities around Sishen and Kolomela.
Q: What if I am already studying? A: Yes – 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students can apply.
Q: Where can I check for 2027? A: Visit angloamericankumba.com/careers/graduates-and-bursaries from mid-2026.
Q: Is there a separate community bursary? A: Yes – it closed in December 2025 and was for host community youth (universities or TVET).
Important Notes & Warnings When Applying for Kumba Iron Ore Bursary
- This bursary is competitive and focuses on skills needed by Kumba.
- Always apply only through official Anglo American or trusted sites like zabursaries.co.za – never pay anyone.
- Keep your documents ready for the next cycle.
- If you missed it, try other mining bursaries (Exxaro, Sibanye Stillwater, Impala Platinum, Harmony Gold) or NSFAS.
- Beware of scams using the Kumba or Anglo American name on WhatsApp or Facebook.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Mining bursaries South Africa 2026 Sibanye Stillwater bursary Impala Platinum bursary Exxaro bursary Harmony Gold bursary Geology bursary South Africahttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/