Impala Platinum (Implats) mines and refines platinum group metals, with its main mining operation at Rustenburg in North West and a refinery in Springs, Gauteng. Implats uses its bursary scheme as the first rung of its leadership pipeline: many of the graduates in its graduate programme started as Implats bursars. Implats’ bursary application form states that applications close on 30 September each year, so this year’s round closed on 30 September 2026.
Degrees Implats sponsors
The Implats application form lets you choose from these disciplines:
- Mining engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering (heavy current only)
- Extractive metallurgy
- Geology (mining or exploration)
- BSc Chemistry
- BCom Accounting and BCom Human Resources
- Mine survey
- Nursing and teaching
The Implats website’s own list is slightly shorter and adds that chemistry, geology and accounting are funded through to honours level. Nursing and teaching appear only on the form, so confirm with the bursary office before choosing them.
Minimum marks: rating code 5 in three subjects
Implats will not consider an application without a university exemption (a Bachelor’s pass) and at least rating code 5, or 60%, in each of Mathematics, Physical Science and English. Matrics apply with their final Grade 11 results and latest Grade 12 results; university students send proof of registration and a full academic transcript.
Fees, residence and a cash allowance
- Registration and tuition fees for the full length of the course
- Residence fees
- A cash allowance
In return, an Implats bursar works for the company for as many years as the bursary funded and does vacation work at Implats at the end of each academic year.
Sending the Implats form
Implats works from a printed form rather than an online portal. Download the bursary application form from implats.co.za, complete it in black ink and block letters, and email it with your documents to bursaries@implats.co.za, the address on the Implats young talent page. The form also gives a postal address: Impala Rustenburg, Bursary Department, P O Box 5683, Rustenburg, 0300. Attach:
- A certified copy of your ID and your CV
- Certified Grade 11 final and latest Grade 12 results
- Proof of residence: a letter from a traditional leader, ward councillor or Royal Bafokeng Nation councillor
- An acceptance letter from a university, if you have one
- For university students: proof of registration and a full academic record
Implats rejects incomplete forms. If Implats has not replied within 30 days of the closing date, treat the application as unsuccessful. Shortlisted applicants attend a preliminary interview at the Rustenburg operations.
The separate Springs refinery intake
Impala Platinum Refineries in Springs advertised its own tertiary bursary programme for the 2027 academic year on Implats’ recruitment channels. That advert is no longer live. Watch the Implats careers site for the next refinery intake.
Related platinum and mining bursaries
Implats’ careers site also recruits for its Marula operation near Burgersfort in Limpopo; see the Marula Platinum bursary. The MQA bursary funds students across the mining sector, and our science bursaries list covers chemistry and geology funders.