African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Bursary Programme

1. 1

   Confirm the current closing date directly with ARM, as dates may vary by university and from year to year

2. 2

   Prepare your required documents, including a certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate, full university academic record on letterhead and your university acceptance / registration letter

3. 3

   There is no online application form: apply by emailing your documents to [email protected]

4. 4

   Use the subject line 'ARM Bursary 2026' when submitting your email application

5. 5

   Submit before the annual closing date (applications for the 2026 academic year closed 6 March 2026)

6. 6

   If shortlisted, you will be contacted within 21 days after the closing date to attend a panel interview and complete psychometric assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ARM Bright Sparks bursary closing date?

Applications for the 2026 academic year closed on 6 March 2026, although some sources cite 31 January 2026. Closing dates may vary by university and the programme is expected to reopen on a similar timeline each year, so always confirm the current closing date directly with ARM before applying. Shortlisted candidates are contacted within 21 days after the closing date.

How do I apply for the ARM bursary?

There is no online application form. You apply by emailing your required documents (certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate, full university academic record on letterhead and your university acceptance / registration letter) to [email protected], using the subject line 'ARM Bursary 2026'.

Who is eligible for the ARM Bright Sparks bursary?

You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID who has completed Matric and is already enrolled at a supported university, having completed your first, second or third year of study (up to Honours level). You need a strong academic record (typically a 65%+ average), must be studying a supported field, and must not be receiving funding from any other bursary.

Which universities and fields of study does the bursary support?

Supported universities are most consistently reported as the University of Pretoria (UP) and North West University (NWU); some aggregators also list UCT and Stellenbosch, so verify directly with ARM. Supported fields include several engineering disciplines, Geology, Built Environment, Accounting and Computer Science / IT.