The De Beers Bursary Programme is among the top education funding opportunities in South Africa, but applications for the 2026 academic year have not yet opened.
Since it was established, the bursary has helped many South African students take their first steps toward a career in the mining sector. While the intake for 2026 academic year been announced yet, this is the perfect time to find out what the bursary offers and how to qualify.
ABOUT THE COMPANY – DE BEERS
De Beers is one of first companies in South Africa to mine and sell diamond. Since its formation in the 19th century, the company has grown to operate in about 35 countries globally. One of the successes of De Beers is its ability to brand diamond as a symbol of love which grew the demand for the commodity across the globe.
ABOUT THE DE BEERS BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS OF STUDY
De Beers offers financial assistance to students in a form of a bursary. The focus is mainly on mining related fields of study. Below is the list of studies that can receive the bursary from the company:
- Mining Engineering
- Mine Survey;
- Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Engineering Geology to specialise in Rock Engineering/Geotechnical Engineering.
- Metallurgical Engineering
MORE ABOUT DE BEERS BURSARY – VALUE & BENEFITS
South African students who are interested in the afore-mentioned fields of study must apply. They will have the following expenses taken care of by De Beers:
- Full Tuition,
- Books,
- Accommodation and meals,
- Laptop allowance,
- Student allowance.
Applicants who are successful for the bursary will be given practical training every year if they are studying a national diploma or vacation work should they be studying at a mainstream university.
DE BEERS BURSARY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- must be a South African citizen
- must undertake full-time undergraduate studies in a South African tertiary institution
- must pass Grade 12 with exemption
- must obtain a minimum of 70% in both Mathematics and Science Higher Grade and a minimum of 60% for English
- written proof of acceptance to an accredited South African mainstream university or university of technology.
- Student must be from the surrounding areas where the mine operates.
- certified copies of SA ID and their full academic record.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DE BEERS BURSARY
Applications have not opened for 2026 academic year. We will update you when the bursary is open for new intake.
Supporting documents that must accompany your application are:
- Your latest CV
- Your academic record
- Matric or grade 12 certificate
- Any proof of your birth place
CLOSING DATE
The De Beers Bursary is closed for application intake. Grads24 will update this article when new application window and deadline is announced.
You may want to see more Engineering Bursaries and Scholarships still open for 2026 application.