Kumba Iron Ore invites talented South African students to seize the opportunity and apply for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary for the 2026 academic year. This bursary supports aspiring professionals in mining-related fields, offering financial aid to help you excel in your studies. Don’t wait—start your application today!

About Kumba Iron Ore

Kumba Iron Ore, a leading South African iron-ore mining company, is the continent’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest iron-ore producer. Established in 2006 and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Kumba operates primarily through open-pit mining in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces, with port operations in Saldanha Bay. As a subsidiary of Anglo American plc, which holds a 69.7% stake, Kumba supplies high-quality iron ore to both domestic and international markets, including Japan, China, South Korea, the Middle East, and Europe. The organisation plays a vital role in the mining industry, offering financial assistance to develop skilled professionals in South Africa, particularly those from local mining communities.

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary covers studies in the following fields:

  • Data Analytics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Finance
  • Geology
  • Geo-Tech
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Occupational Hygiene
  • Surveying

Expenses Covered by the Bursary

The bursary will cover:

  • Tuition fees
  • Book fees
  • Accommodation
  • Paid vacation work in the Northern Cape (as part of institutional requirements)

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Applicants must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

  • Must be a South African citizen
  • Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
  • Must be studying or intend to study in one of the eligible fields listed
  • Must be enrolled at or accepted into a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
  • Must be entering your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study in 2026
  • Must have a strong academic record (Pure Maths & Science: Level 6 or 7 for Degree, Level 5 for B-Tech; English: Level 5)
  • Must be willing and able to complete vacation work in the Northern Cape during university holidays
  • Must have a valid Code B Driver’s License or be able to obtain one during the bursary period
  • Preference will be given to candidates from local mining communities (Sishen, Kolomela, Thabazimbi) and those originating from the Northern Cape

This page was updated on September 16, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary

To apply, download and complete the official application form:

Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Application Form 2026

Submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with the completed form:

  • South African ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric results or certificate (certified copy)
  • Full tertiary academic record, if currently studying (on letterhead)
  • Proof of registration or provisional acceptance into a tertiary institution (on letterhead)
  • Driver’s License, if applicable (certified copy)

Applications must be submitted via: Email or Fax

Email: bursars@angloamerican.com
Fax: 086 645 5160
Subject line: Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Application 2026

Use promotional code: KIO2026 when applying or tracking your application. Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the bursary.

Bursary Closing Date

3 October 2025

Ensure that you submit your application before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

Contact Kumba Iron Ore for Support

For queries, contact:

Career Wise (Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Administrators)
Tel: 011 258 4464
Email: info@careerwise.co.za
Website: https://www.angloamerican.com/careers/bursaries

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary? +
South African citizens in Matric or with a completed Matric, pursuing or intending to pursue studies in fields like Mining Engineering, Geology, or Data Analytics, entering their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year at a recognised university in 2026, with a strong academic record, are eligible.
2. What expenses are covered by the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary? +
The bursary covers tuition fees, book fees, accommodation, and includes paid vacation work in the Northern Cape as part of institutional requirements.
3. Which fields of study are supported by the bursary? +
Supported fields include Data Analytics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Finance, Geology, Geo-Tech, Human Resources, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Occupational Hygiene, and Surveying.
4. How do I apply for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary? +
Apply online at https://careerwise.co.za/ats/preregistration or download the form, complete it, and submit it with certified documents via email to bursars@angloamerican.com or fax to 086 645 5160, using the subject line “Kumba Iron Ore Bursary Application 2026” and promotional code KIO2026.
5. When is the closing date for applications? +
The closing date is 3 October 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
6. What documents are required for the application? +
Required documents include a certified ID, Matric results or certificate, full tertiary academic record (if studying), proof of registration or provisional acceptance, and a Driver’s License (if applicable), all certified.
7. Is a Driver’s License mandatory for the bursary? +
You must have a valid Code B Driver’s License or be able to obtain one during the bursary period, as it’s a requirement for vacation work in the Northern Cape.
8. How will I know if my application is successful? +
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date (by 31 October 2025). If you don’t hear back, consider your application unsuccessful.
9. Are there opportunities after completing the bursary? +
Bursary recipients may join Kumba Iron Ore’s graduate programme after completing their studies, depending on available placements and performance, though employment is not guaranteed.
10. Who gets preference for the Kumba Iron Ore Bursary? +
Preference is given to candidates from local mining communities (Sishen, Kolomela, Thabazimbi) and those originating from the Northern Cape.