Northam Platinum Booysendal Bursary – Eng, Geo, HR – Closes 3 Nov 2026

Act now – the Northam Booysendal Platinum Mine bursary deadline is approaching fast, and it could fund your university or college studies. Northam Booysendal Platinum Mine is offering ten bursaries for students who want to build careers in mining, engineering, geology, chemistry or human resources.

What the bursary offers

Northam Platinum – Booysendal Mine will fund qualified Grade 12 learners and current tertiary students for the 2027 funding cycle. The programme supports five study‑field groups and includes ten separate bursary positions.

Who can apply

You must meet the academic thresholds set out below. The bursary is open to:

• Qualifying Grade 12 learners (including those still writing their final exams)
• Students already registered at a university or college

All applicants need a minimum of 60% in the relevant subjects, as detailed in the table.

Benefits of the bursary

The funding can cover tuition, registration, textbooks and possibly accommodation or living allowances – the exact package will be confirmed by Northam after you are shortlisted. You also gain:

• Professional experience in South Africa’s mining and minerals sector
• Networking opportunities with industry experts
• A clear pathway to a rewarding technical or non‑technical career

How to apply – step by step

1. Check eligibility – Make sure your chosen field (Mining Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering/Analytical Chemistry, Geology or Human Resources) is listed, and that you meet the subject percentages shown in the table.
2. Prepare your CV – Highlight your education, grades, leadership roles and any relevant projects. Keep it clear and honest.
3. Gather supporting documents – Certified ID copy, certified copies of your Matric results (or Grade 11/Grade 12 mid‑year results), certificates, proof of university registration or acceptance, and any other required paperwork.
4. Write the email – Send your application to HRApplicationsBD@norplats.co.za. Use the subject line: BURSARIES – REF: BDHR26/26.
5. Attach all files – Include your CV and every supporting document. Double‑check that the files open correctly.
6. Send before the deadline – The final date to apply is 3 November 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Tips to improve your chances

• Match your subject results exactly to the thresholds (60% Maths & Physical Science for technical fields; 60% Language for HR and for current Grade 12 applicants).
• Proofread your email and attachments – errors can look unprofessional.
• Use the SETA SA eligibility checker for NSFAS or other funding routes to strengthen your application.
• Research the specific career you want on the SETA SA Career Explorer so you can speak confidently about your goals.

Next steps

Start by reviewing your results against the table below. If you qualify, gather your documents and submit the email before 3 November 2026. While you wait for a response, explore other funding options and keep your university applications on track.

Quick overview – Northam Booysendal Platinum Bursary Programme 2027

Study fields and bursary numbers

1. Mining Engineering – 3 bursaries

   Focuses on mine planning, safety and production systems. Ideal if you enjoy maths, physics and solving complex problems.

2. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering – 2 bursaries

   Electrical: power, motors, automation. Mechanical: machinery design, maintenance. Both are vital in modern mining operations.

3. Metallurgical Engineering & Analytical Chemistry – 2 bursaries

   Work on extracting and refining metals, and on laboratory testing of mineral samples.

4. Geology – 2 bursaries

   Study rocks, minerals and the Earth’s structure to support exploration and resource evaluation.

5. Human Resources – 1 bursary

   Manage recruitment, training, employee relations and workforce planning within large mining companies.

Detailed eligibility

Technical fields (Engineering, Geology, Chemistry)

• Grade 12 qualification
• Mathematics ≥ 60%
• Physical Science ≥ 60%
• Language ≥ 50% (or 60% for current Grade 12 applicants)

Non‑technical field (Human Resources)

• Grade 12 qualification
• Language ≥ 60%

Current Grade 12 learners

• May apply with Grade 11 or Grade 12 mid‑year results
• Maths 60%, Physical Science 60%, Language 60%
• Final bursary decision will depend on the final Matric results.

Registered tertiary students

• Must have at least a 60% aggregate in major subjects
• Provide proof of registration or acceptance.

What the bursary may cover

The advertisement confirms funding will be provided, but it does not list a specific amount or exact items covered. After you are shortlisted, ask Northam for a detailed breakdown – tuition, accommodation, textbooks, living allowance, etc. Also confirm any renewal conditions or post‑study obligations.

Choosing the right university or TVET college

Do not rely on the bursary alone; you must also meet the admission criteria of your chosen institution. Check the Admission Point Score (APS) and subject requirements for each university programme. The SETA SA University Explorer and TVET College Explorer can help you compare options across South Africa.

If you prefer a TVET qualification, verify with Northam whether the specific programme is accepted for the bursary before applying.

Career discovery tools

Before you decide on a field, use the SETA SA Career Discovery Assessment. It asks about your interests and suggests occupations that match your profile. After you get results, explore the relevant qualifications with the SETA SA Career and Qualification Explorer.

National skills insight

Use the SETA SA National Skills Intelligence Explorer to see which occupations are listed in the Occupational Framework and to understand sector skill priorities. This can guide you toward fields with strong demand, but remember that listed priorities are not guarantees of employment.

Other mining‑related bursaries for 2027

While you consider the Booysendal bursary, look at these additional opportunities (all with their own deadlines and criteria):

1. ArcelorMittal Engineering Bursaries 2027 – closes 4 Nov 2026.
2. Emalahleni Local Municipality External Bursary 2027 – closes 27 Nov 2026.
3. ATNS Air Traffic Services Bursary 2027 – closing date varies, check the listing.
4. Glencore Coal South Africa Bursary 2027 – closes 30 Oct 2026.
5. Northam Zondereinde Bursaries 2027 – closes 22 Oct 2026.
6. Limpopo Department of Public Works Bursary 2027 – closes 31 Oct 2026.
7. Silulumanzi Bursary Fund 2027 – closes 30 Nov 2026.

Visit the SETA SA website for the latest listings and verify each programme’s requirements.

Frequently asked questions

1. When does the application close? 3 November 2026.
2. How many bursaries are available? Ten, across five study fields.
3. Can current Grade 12 learners apply? Yes, using Grade 11 or mid‑year results; final Matric results will still be considered.
4. Can current university students apply? Yes, with a minimum 60% aggregate in major subjects.
5. Do I need 60% in Maths and Physical Science? Yes, for technical fields; HR requires 60% in Language.
6. Is accommodation covered? The exact coverage is not stated; confirm with Northam if you are shortlisted.
7. How do I apply? Email your CV and supporting documents to HRApplicationsBD@norplats.co.za, subject “BURSARIES – REF: BDHR26/26”.
8. Will I be notified? Only shortlisted candidates are contacted. No reply within 21 days after the deadline means you were not selected.
9. Does the bursary guarantee a job? No. Funding does not automatically include employment.

Final thoughts

You’ve worked hard to get good results in Maths, Physical Science and other subjects. That effort deserves a chance to continue. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare a clear CV, gather your certified documents and send the email before 3 November 2026.

Remember to keep looking for other funding sources and to apply to your chosen university or college separately. A bursary is one step; earning a recognised qualification and building skills will secure a sustainable career.

Reference: BDHR26/26 – Northam Booysendal Platinum Bursary – Closing date 3 Nov 2026.