The Exxaro Bursary Scholarship Programme 2026, officially known as the Exxaro Bursary Programme, is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive student funding opportunities. Offered by Exxaro Resources Limited — a JSE-listed, black-empowered mining and energy company headquartered in Centurion, Gauteng — this programme does far more than pay your tuition. It funds your full academic journey, provides mentorship from senior professionals and opens a direct pathway into a career in mining, engineering, renewable energy,or technology.
What makes the Exxaro Bursary unique is its structure. It operates as three separate bursary streams — each targeting a different category of student. Whether you are an engineering student, a youth from an Exxaro host community, or a student living with a disability, there is a stream built for you. In 2025-26, Exxaro reported group revenue of R41.8 billion, reflecting the company’s financial strength and its continued commitment to education and skills development across South Africa.
This guide covers all three Exxaro bursary types, eligibility, benefits, required documents, last dates and how to apply step by step.
Exxaro Bursary Scholarship Programme 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Exxaro Bursary Programme 2025-26 |
| Offered By | Exxaro Resources Limited |
| Headquarters | Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Number of Bursary Streams | 3 — Feeder Scheme, Social Scheme, Disability Bursary |
| Eligible Fields | Engineering, Geology, Mine Surveying, Data Science, IT, Education, All fields (Disability) |
| Degree Level | Minimum 3-year Diploma or Degree (4-year BEng for Feeder Scheme) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 28 years |
| Nationality | South African citizen |
| Application Mode | Online — Exxaro official recruitment portal (exxaro.com) |
| Disability Bursary Last Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Feeder Scheme Last Date | Next cycle mid-2026 |
| Company Revenue (2025) | R41.8 billion (~USD 2.3 billion) |
Three Types of Exxaro Bursaries — Compared
Exxaro runs three distinct bursary programmes. Each has different eligibility requirements and target beneficiaries. It is essential to identify the correct stream before applying, as applying to the wrong one will result in disqualification.
| Feature | Feeder Scheme | Social Scheme | Disability Bursary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Students | Engineering & science undergrads | Community students in Exxaro host areas | Students with disabilities in host communities |
| Fields Covered | Engineering, Geology, Mine Surveying, Data Science | Computer Science, IT, Education (Maths/Science/ECD) | All fields of study |
| Degree Type | 4-year BEng / BSc (NQF8) | Min. 3-year Diploma or Degree | Min. 3-year Diploma or Degree |
| Host Community Residence Required? | No | Yes (Limpopo / Mpumalanga) | Yes (Limpopo / Mpumalanga) |
| Disability Proof Required? | No | No | Yes — declared under EEA |
| Post-Graduation Pathway | Professional-in-Training at Exxaro | Community career support | Learnership / Internship / PIT at Exxaro |
| Closing Date 2026 | Nov–Dec annually | Check official portal | 12 June 2026 |
Exxaro Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet the following general requirements regardless of which stream they apply to:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Enrolled at or accepted into a recognised DHET-accredited institution in South Africa
- Between 18 and 28 years of age at time of application
- Pursuing a minimum 3-year Diploma or Degree programme
- Strong academic record as per bursary contract requirements
- Willing to fulfil work-back obligations, internship commitments, and submit semesterly academic reports
For the Social Scheme and Disability Bursary, applicants must also reside in an Exxaro host community in Limpopo or Mpumalanga. For the Disability Bursary, applicants must additionally hold official disability declaration under the Employment Equity Amendment Act.
Fields of Study and Year of Study — Feeder Scheme
| Field of Study | Qualification | Year of Study Required (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | BEng Civil Engineering | 2nd Year |
| Electrical Engineering | BEng Electrical Engineering | 2nd Year |
| Industrial Engineering | BEng Industrial Engineering | 2nd Year |
| Mechanical Engineering | BEng Mechanical Engineering | 2nd Year |
| Metallurgical / Chemical Engineering | BEng / BSc Metallurgical or Chemical | 2nd or 4th Year |
| Mining Engineering | BEng Mining Engineering | 2nd Year |
| Mine Surveying | Diploma / BTech / Honours Mine Surveying | Varies — check portal |
| Geology / Earth Sciences | BSc Geology or Earth Sciences | Check official portal |
| Data Science / IT | BSc / Diploma in Data Science or IT | Check official portal |
What the Exxaro Scholarship Covers
Successful recipients receive a full financial and professional support package. Financial coverage includes registration fees, full tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation in residence, a meal allowance, a monthly cash allowance for personal expenses, and a once-off laptop or tablet with data. Beyond money, bursars receive semester campus visits from Exxaro Talent Management mentors, practical vacation work at Exxaro operations, and access to professional development workshops. Feeder Scheme recipients are prioritised for the Professional-in-Training Programme after graduation, while Disability Bursary recipients are considered for learnerships and internships within Exxaro.
Documents Required
Prepare all documents before starting your application. Missing or uncertified documents cause automatic disqualification:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Most recent academic transcripts (on institution letterhead)
- Proof of enrolment or acceptance letter for 2026
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter — goals, aspirations, and reason for applying
- Proof of disability under the Employment Equity Amendment Act — Disability Bursary only
- Proof of community residency in Exxaro host area — Social Scheme and Disability Bursary only
How to Apply for Exxaro Scholarship 2026
- Identify your bursary stream — Feeder, Social, or Disability. Confirm all stream-specific eligibility before proceeding.
- Verify your year of study — Feeder Scheme applicants must confirm they are entering the exact year required for their discipline in 2026.
- Certify all documents — visit a commissioner of oaths or police station to certify copies before uploading.
- Create a profile on the Exxaro recruitment portal at exxaro.com. Profiles must be 100% complete before the system allows submission.
- Complete the application form — enter all details exactly as they appear on your official ID and university records.
- Upload documents — attach all required certified documents in clear, legible format.
- Quote the reference number — use the specific reference number for your programme (e.g., EXX260325-1 for the 2026 Disability Bursary).
- Submit early — avoid the closing date rush; technical issues on portals are common in the final days.
- Monitor your inbox — only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you receive no feedback within 30 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful for that cycle.
Meet Akeka: A Student Who Discovered Exxaro on ScholarshipsX
Akeka is a 21-year-old mining engineering student from Africa. During a one-year exchange placement at the University of Pretoria, he discovered the Exxaro Scholarship while browsing ScholarshipsX.com. Akeka’s story highlights an important lesson: international students enrolled at South African universities should always contact Exxaro directly to discuss their eligibility. More broadly, ScholarshipsX helps Africa students discover global funding opportunities in mining, engineering and technology that most students never know exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Exxaro bursary include accommodation and a laptop?
Yes. The bursary covers accommodation in residence, a meal allowance, a monthly cash allowance, and provides a once-off laptop or tablet with data for academic use.
2. Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes. Depending on your bursary contract, you may be required to work for Exxaro for a defined period after graduation. Feeder Scheme recipients are also considered for the Professional-in-Training Programme.
3. How many times can I reapply for the Exxaro bursary?
Bursaries are renewed annually. Recipients must reapply each year and maintain the minimum academic average and all other bursary obligations to qualify for renewal.
4. What is the closing date for the Exxaro Scholarship 2026?
The Disability Bursary 2026 closes on 12 June 2026. The Feeder Scheme 2026 intake closed on 30 November 2025. Check exxaro.com regularly for the next Feeder and Social Scheme cycle opening.
Conclusion
The Exxaro Scholarship 2026 is a complete academic and career investment — covering tuition, accommodation, meals, laptop, mentorship and a clear post-graduation employment pathway. With three streams serving engineering students, community youth, and students with disabilities, Exxaro’s bursary programme is among the most inclusive and well-resourced in South Africa. If you are eligible, apply before the deadline and take the first step towards a high-impact career in mining, engineering, or energy.
For more scholarships and funding opportunities, visit ScholarshipsX.com — India’s most trusted scholarship discovery platform.
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Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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