·Agriculture,Environmental Management,Arts,Humanities,Business,Economics,Education,Teaching,Engineering,Technology,Health Sciences,ICT,Law,Social Sciences,Natural Sciences,Physical Sciences
## About the Provider
Exxaro Resources Limited is one of South Africa's largest diversified resources groups. Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and headquartered in Pretoria West, the company has roots that go back to the unbundling of Kumba Resources in 2006, when its iron ore assets were separated and Exxaro emerged as a focused producer of coal and heavy minerals. Today the group operates across mining, minerals processing and energy, with offices and operating facilities spread across Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Exxaro is recognised as a top South African black-empowered company and continues to play a significant role in the country's mining sector. Its operations focus on responsible production, with clear targets around zero effluent, zero waste emissions, sustainable engineering and ambitious environmental standards such as wash-to-zero. The company is also actively positioning itself for a future shaped by energy transition, with growing interests in renewables and other lower-carbon technologies. This makes Exxaro a particularly interesting employer for graduates who want to work on the changing face of South African mining and energy.
The company's bursary programme reflects its commitment to building an inclusive talent pipeline. Exxaro recognises that the best teams are diverse teams, and that students who face additional barriers, such as those living with disabilities, deserve access to high-quality educational opportunities and career pathways. The Exxaro Bursary for students living with disabilities is therefore not a token gesture; it is part of a structured DEI strategy that supports recruitment, education, training and preparation for successful careers within the organisation.
Through this programme, Exxaro funds South African students from its host communities in Mpumalanga and Limpopo who live with a disability and meet a clear set of academic and personal criteria. The minimum entry requirement, in line with broader Exxaro recruitment, is a 4-year degree, but the bursary supports students enrolled in qualifications of three years or more across a wide spread of disciplines.
For learners who match the profile, this bursary is a rare opportunity to combine financial support with real career development, mentorship and a clear pathway into one of South Africa's most prominent black-empowered resources groups.
## About the Program
The Exxaro Bursary for the **2027 academic year** is offered specifically through Exxaro Corporate Centre (also known internally as The ConneXXion) and is reserved for students living with disabilities. It is part of the company's broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, which aims to remove the most common barriers to higher education and create equal access to careers in mining, energy and the wider economy.
Unlike many corporate bursaries that focus on a single discipline, this Exxaro programme funds a remarkably wide range of fields. Students can apply for support across:
- **Agriculture and Environmental Management**
- **Arts and Humanities**
- **Business and Economics**
- **Education and Teaching**
- **Engineering and Technology**
- **Health Sciences**
- **Information and Communication Technology (ICT)**
- **Law and Social Sciences**
- **Natural and Physical Sciences**
This breadth reflects Exxaro's belief that diverse talent and disciplines all contribute to the future of mining and the broader economy. A successful mine and corporate centre needs not only engineers and geologists, but also lawyers, accountants, teachers, healthcare professionals, ICT specialists and skilled administrators.
The programme targets students currently enrolled in a **minimum 3-year Degree or Diploma** at a recognised South African tertiary institution. Bursars are expected to maintain the academic average required by the bursary agreement and to provide regular progress updates to the bursary office. Strong communication, professionalism and adherence to the bursary terms are non-negotiable.
A particularly important feature of the programme is its work-back commitment. Bursars must be willing to fulfil any service obligations or internships with Exxaro after graduation, where applicable. This means the bursary is part of a structured talent pipeline rather than a one-off donation. Students who genuinely want to build a career with a major South African mining and resources group will find the work-back component an opportunity rather than a constraint.
Geographically, the programme is focused on Exxaro's host communities in **Mpumalanga and Limpopo**. These provinces are home to several of Exxaro's coal and mineral operations, and the bursary forms part of the company's commitment to giving back to the communities that host its mines and infrastructure.
## Bursary Benefits
The Exxaro Bursary for students living with disabilities is structured as a comprehensive support package. Specific benefits include:
- Funding for studies in any of the listed fields at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution, allowing students to pursue qualifications they are genuinely passionate about.
- Support for the **full duration** of a minimum 3-year Degree or Diploma programme, subject to maintaining academic performance and complying with the bursary agreement.
- Inclusion in **Exxaro's DEI talent pipeline**, with potential pathways into work-back service, internships and graduate programmes within the company.
- Mentorship and ongoing engagement with the Exxaro bursary office, including academic progress monitoring and guidance.
- Recognition as an Exxaro bursar, which strengthens your CV when applying for vacation work, internships and graduate roles in mining, energy and corporate environments.
- Indirect support for confidence and inclusion, since the programme is specifically designed to remove barriers that students living with disabilities often face in higher education.
The specific value of the bursary, including allowances for accommodation, study materials and other costs, is determined by the bursary agreement. Students should engage with the Exxaro bursary office to clarify exactly which costs are covered and which they need to plan for from other sources.
## Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must satisfy each of the following criteria. Failure to meet any single requirement will lead to disqualification.
- You must be a **South African citizen**.
- You must be between **18 and 28 years old**.
- You must reside within an **Exxaro host community in Mpumalanga or Limpopo**.
- You must be living with a disability and declared disabled under the **Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEA)**.
- You must be currently enrolled in a minimum **3-year Degree or Diploma** programme in one of the funded fields.
- You must be studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- You must be able to maintain the academic average set out in the bursary agreement.
- You must commit to attending classes and completing assignments, projects and examinations.
- You must provide academic transcripts or progress updates each semester or term to the bursary office.
- You must participate in bursary initiatives offered by your institution and the company, where applicable.
- You must uphold good conduct and represent the company in a positive light.
- You must commit to work-back requirements and be willing to fulfil any service obligations or internships with Exxaro after graduation, where applicable.
- You must inform the Exxaro bursary office promptly of any changes in your study programme, institution or personal circumstances.
These requirements may seem demanding, but they reflect the structured nature of a corporate bursary linked to potential employment. Students who are committed to professional conduct and ongoing communication will find them straightforward.
## Required Documents
Submit clear, certified copies of all the documents below with your online application. Incomplete or unclear applications are usually disqualified at screening.
- Certified copy of your South African ID document.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Full tertiary record or transcripts, on the institution's letterhead.
- Proof of disability in the form of a letter from a registered medical doctor.
- Proof of residence confirming that you live in an Exxaro host community in Mpumalanga or Limpopo.
Upload each document in a clear, readable format and double-check that scans are not blurry or partially cut off. Group multi-page documents into a single PDF per item where possible.
## How to Apply
1. Carefully read the eligibility criteria and confirm that you qualify, particularly the host community and disability requirements.
2. Visit the Exxaro Learnership e-recruit portal and locate the bursary opportunity using reference **EXX260325-1**.
3. Create an applicant profile using a working email address and a strong password.
4. Complete the online application form in full, paying close attention to fields about your disability, year of study and field.
5. Attach a clear scan of your medical letter confirming your disability.
6. Upload certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate and full tertiary record on your institution's letterhead.
7. Submit your proof of residence showing that you live in an Exxaro host community in Mpumalanga or Limpopo.
8. Review every section of your application before submission to make sure your contact details and qualification are correct.
9. Submit your completed application before the **closing date of 31 May 2026**.
10. After submission, check your email regularly for any follow-up requests from the Exxaro bursary office, including potential interview invitations.
## Tips for Success
Bursaries that target specific groups, such as students living with disabilities, can be especially competitive because they attract focused, well-prepared candidates. The following tips will strengthen your application:
- **Apply only if you live in an Exxaro host community.** This bursary is geographically focused on Mpumalanga and Limpopo. If you live elsewhere, look at other Exxaro and broader DEI-focused bursaries instead of using a slot here.
- **Get a clear, recent medical letter.** Your proof of disability should be on a doctor's letterhead, dated within the last few months and clearly state the nature of your disability and how it qualifies you under the Employment Equity Amendment Act.
- **Prepare a strong proof of residence.** A recent utility bill, lease agreement or letter from a Tribal Authority or ward councillor are all useful. Make sure your name and address are clearly visible.
- **Maintain a strong academic record.** Bursars must continue to meet the average set out in the bursary agreement. Use mid-year results to push your average up before applying, where possible.
- **Take ownership of your communication.** The bursary expects regular updates, transcripts and engagement with the bursary office. Show that you are organised and responsive in your application by replying to any portal messages quickly and professionally.
- **Showcase resilience and growth in your CV.** Briefly mention how you have managed challenges related to your disability, the support systems you use and the strengths you bring to a workplace. This humanises your application.
- **Highlight community involvement.** Volunteer work, community projects, religious organisations or school clubs all help demonstrate that you are committed to giving back, which aligns well with Exxaro's host-community focus.
- **Apply early and double-check details.** Last-minute applications often contain typos or missing files. Aim to submit at least one to two weeks before the **31 May 2026** deadline.
- **Plan for the work-back commitment.** Be honest with yourself about whether you are willing to work for Exxaro after graduation. If you are, mention this commitment in your application; if not, this bursary may not be the right fit.
- **Apply for backup funding.** Even if you are an excellent candidate, only a limited number of bursaries are awarded. NSFAS, university financial aid and other DEI-focused programmes are all worth pursuing in parallel.
## Career Prospects
Graduates funded by Exxaro emerge with both a strong qualification and direct exposure to one of South Africa's leading diversified resources companies. Career outcomes vary widely depending on the field of study, but the programme is structured to support real progression rather than a once-off financial top-up.
For engineering, technology and natural sciences graduates, the most direct path is into Exxaro's mining operations and corporate centre. Mining engineers, mechanical engineers, metallurgists, geologists and environmental specialists move through structured graduate programmes that combine technical work with leadership development. With experience, many become section managers, project leaders and ultimately senior operational executives.
ICT graduates have strong opportunities in mining technology, data analytics, cybersecurity, automation and enterprise systems. Modern mines are increasingly digital, with sensors, autonomous equipment and integrated planning systems. Graduates who can bridge mining operations and IT are particularly valuable across both Exxaro and the wider sector.
Graduates from business, law and economics typically join roles in finance, treasury, audit, supply chain, HR, communications, legal, governance and strategy. These functions are essential to running a JSE-listed mining group and offer pathways into senior corporate roles. Health sciences graduates may work in occupational health, employee wellness and medical surveillance, while education graduates can contribute to skills development, training and community education programmes.
For agriculture and environmental management graduates, opportunities exist in land rehabilitation, biodiversity, water management and community projects, given the strong link between mining and land use. Arts, humanities and social science graduates often find themselves in stakeholder relations, social performance, communications, marketing and community development roles.
More broadly, Exxaro bursars are well placed for careers across mining houses, energy companies, financial institutions, government agencies, NGOs and consulting firms. South Africa's growing focus on energy transition, renewables and responsible mining means that skilled graduates with technical and leadership ability will continue to be in demand. The programme's particular focus on students living with disabilities also helps build a more inclusive talent pool, which long term contributes to fairer hiring across the entire industry.
## Frequently Asked Questions
## Who can apply for the Exxaro Bursary?
South African citizens between 18 and 28 years old, living with a disability and residing in an Exxaro host community in Mpumalanga or Limpopo. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a minimum 3-year Degree or Diploma programme at a recognised tertiary institution.
## Which fields of study are funded?
Fields include Agriculture and Environmental Management, Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Education and Teaching, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, ICT, Law and Social Sciences, and Natural and Physical Sciences.
## Is this bursary only for engineering students?
No. While engineering is one of the funded fields, the bursary is open to a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, education and social sciences.
## Do I have to live with a disability to qualify?
Yes. This particular Exxaro bursary is reserved for students living with a disability, in line with the company's DEI strategy. You must be declared disabled under the Employment Equity Amendment Act and provide a medical letter as proof.
## Do I have to work for Exxaro after I graduate?
The bursary includes a work-back commitment where applicable. Successful candidates may be required to fulfil service obligations or internships with Exxaro after graduation. Specific terms are set out in the bursary agreement.
## When do applications close?
Applications close on **31 May 2026**. Submit your application early to avoid technical issues.
## What documents do I need to submit?
A certified ID, Matric certificate, full tertiary record on your institution's letterhead, a medical letter confirming your disability, and proof of residence.
## How will I know if my application was successful?
Exxaro will contact shortlisted candidates directly. Be sure to monitor your email and the Exxaro recruitment portal for updates.
## Can I apply if I am still in Matric?
No. The programme requires applicants to be currently enrolled in a minimum 3-year Degree or Diploma at a recognised tertiary institution.
## What if my study programme or circumstances change?
You must inform the Exxaro bursary office promptly of any changes in your study programme, institution or personal circumstances. Failure to do so could put your bursary at risk.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 31 May 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so submit early.