Glencore Coal South Africa opened a new bursary round on 1 October 2026, and its Group Training Centre in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, accepts applications until 30 October 2026. This round funds one discipline only: mining engineering. Glencore takes both learners heading into their first year of university and students who are already registered.
One field this time: mining engineering
Glencore’s careers page for South Africa describes the coal business funding a wider spread over the years, including other engineering branches, finance, management and geology. The advert now open, reference GTC 2027/003, lists mining engineering and nothing else. If you plan to study electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, this round does not cover you; check Glencore’s jobs board later in the year in case the company posts further disciplines.
What Glencore Coal asks of applicants
- A CV together with your Grade 12 certificate
- If you are already at university: your latest academic transcript and an average year mark of at least 60% in your first or second year
- No funding from another organisation or company: Glencore will not consider students who already have a sponsor
- Willingness to sit assessments and interviews if Glencore shortlists you
Glencore gives preference to applicants who live in the communities around its coal operations in South Africa, and it selects bursars in line with its future talent needs and employment equity requirements. The advert asks for a Grade 12 certificate but does not say what learners still writing matric this year should upload instead, so attach your most recent school report and say in your CV when you finish Grade 12.
The Glencore Coal package, item by item
- Tuition fees
- Meals and accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Compulsory excursions or seminars your course requires
- A travel allowance for the first and second semester
- A personal allowance
The advert does not state rand amounts for the allowances or spell out the work-back terms. Ask about both if Glencore invites you to an interview.
Submitting through Glencore’s recruitment system
Glencore takes applications online only. Open the Glencore Coal SA Bursary Opportunity advert on glencore.com and click Apply, which takes you to Glencore’s application system. You register or log in, then upload a full CV and every supporting document. Glencore asks for a comprehensive CV, so include your school, subjects and marks, any leadership roles, and your home area if you live near a Glencore coal mine.
- Gather your CV, Grade 12 certificate or latest school results, and university transcript if you are already studying.
- Apply on the Glencore advert before 30 October 2026.
- Watch your email and phone for assessment and interview invitations if you are shortlisted.
Other mining funders to apply to alongside Glencore
Because Glencore funds a single discipline this round, spread your applications. The Kumba Iron Ore bursary also backs mining-related degrees, and the MQA bursary funds students heading into the mining sector. Our engineering bursaries list covers more companies that take Grade 12 applicants.
Can I apply to Glencore Coal if another company already sponsors me?
Glencore’s advert says it will not consider applicants already supported by another organisation or company. If you hold another bursary, check its terms before applying.
Do I have to live near a Glencore mine?
No, but Glencore gives preference to applicants from the communities where its South African coal operations are located.