South African students from the Sekhukhune District have a big chance right now. The Southern Sphere Platinum Bursaries 2026 offer up to R200 000 in funding for second-year university studies. This programme helps strong students in mining-related fields like engineering and science. It builds skills for jobs and lifts up local communities.
This article covers the company behind it, what the bursary offers, who can apply, fields of study, costs it pays, documents needed, how to submit, and the selection steps. Read on to see if you qualify and how to take action.
About Southern Sphere Platinum
Southern Sphere Platinum works on prospecting and developing mines in the Steelpoort area. The company holds rights for platinum group metals and chrome. They plan an open-pit mining operation soon.
This firm cares about local growth. They support education to build skills and help communities. The bursary is part of that effort.
Here are key facts:
- Location: Steelpoort area, Limpopo
- Focus: Platinum group metals and chrome
- Current work: Developing open-pit mine
- Goal: Local skills and community upliftment
Overview of the Southern Sphere Platinum Bursaries 2026
The bursary targets second-year students from Sekhukhune District communities. It helps those with good grades in fields tied to mining. The aim is better job chances after university and stronger local talent.
Applications open on 13 March 2026. They close at 17:00 on 6 April 2026.
Key Dates and Location
Opens: 13 March 2026
Closes: 6 April 2026 at 17:00
Location: Sekhukhune District, Limpopo, South Africa
Fields of Study Covered
Students must study one of these areas to qualify. The list links to mining needs and related work.
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Mining Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Geology
- Legal
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary gives up to R200 000 per student. It pays for key costs during studies. This help lets students focus on school without money worries.
Maximum Support: R200 000 per student
It covers these items:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation at university residence or approved place
- Prescribed textbooks
- Meal allowance
The bursary does not pay old fees from past years.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants need to meet strict rules. Check each one before applying. Only those who fit all can move forward.
- South African citizen
- From local communities in the Sekhukhune District
- Enrolled as a second-year student
- Studying one of the listed fields
- Minimum average of 60% in all first-year subjects
- At one of these universities:
- University of Limpopo
- North-West University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
Students with other bursaries cannot apply. Those with financial need may get preference.
Required Supporting Documents
Gather certified copies of these items. Certification means a copy stamped as true by a commissioner of oaths or police station.
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record for first-year studies
- Proof of university acceptance or registration
- Proof that the applicant comes from the Sekhukhune District
Send all together. Incomplete sets may get turned down.
How to Apply for Southern Sphere Platinum Bursaries 2026
There is no form to fill out. Apply by email with a cover note and documents. The note should explain why you deserve the bursary.
Follow these steps:
- Write a cover note about your fit for the bursary and your goals.
- Collect all required supporting documents as certified copies.
- Email everything to [email protected].
Submit by 17:00 on 6 April 2026. Late entries may not count.
Selection Process and Timeline
The team reviews applications after the deadline. They shortlist top candidates.
Shortlisted students face these steps:
- Psychometric tests (tests of skills and fit)
- Interviews
Winners get full terms and conditions. If no word in 21 days after closing, the application did not succeed.
Feedback Timeline: 21 days after 6 April 2026