SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund Bursary
The SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund is a need-based support and top-up scheme that helps financially stretched first- and second-year students stay in mining, metallurgy and minerals processing while they await a company bursary. SAIMM contributes R220,000 per year to the Fund, supplemented by industry and individual donations, and the money is distributed through the mining and metallurgy departments of supported South African universities. It rewards good study habits so deserving early-years students can focus on their studies rather than on earning money.
Eligible Fields of Study
Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) (administered via the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund, a registered Public Benefit Organisation) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African student studying at a supported South African university
- ✓ Registered for Mining and/or Metallurgical / Minerals Processing studies (incl. Chemical Engineering Minerals Processing Option)
- ✓ In the early years of study (1st or 2nd year)
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need - a deserving student who has not yet been awarded a company bursary
- ✓ Good study habits and academic potential
- ✓ Selection and disbursement handled via the student's university mining/metallurgy department, which reports annually to the Trustees
What's Included
- ✓ Need-based financial support for deserving early-years (1st or 2nd year) students in mining, metallurgy or minerals processing
- ✓ Helps financially stretched students remain in their chosen discipline while awaiting a company bursary
- ✓ Rewards good study habits so students can focus on study rather than on earning money
- ✓ Funded by a registered Public Benefit Organisation supported by SAIMM (R220,000 per year) plus industry and individual donations
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) (administered via the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund, a registered Public Benefit Organisation) bursary application
- 1
Confirm your university is supported by the Fund (UCT, Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand or University of Johannesburg)
- 2
Contact your university's mining or metallurgy/minerals processing department, which administers selection and disbursement locally
- 3
Discuss your financial need and academic standing with the department - selections are made by the department rather than through a central SAIMM portal
- 4
If you need general guidance, contact SAIMM directly by email or phone
- 5
Successful students are funded through the department, which reports annually to the SAIMM Trustees
Required Documents
- 📄 Proof of registration for Mining, Metallurgical or Minerals Processing studies at a supported university
- 📄 Latest academic record / transcript demonstrating good study habits
- 📄 Proof of financial need (e.g. household income documentation)
- 📄 Confirmation that you have not yet been awarded a company bursary
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund Bursary for?
- It supports deserving first- and second-year students registered for Mining, Metallurgical or Minerals Processing studies at a supported South African university who have genuine financial need and have not yet secured a company bursary. The aim is to help financially stretched students stay in their chosen discipline while awaiting a company bursary.
- How much does the Fund award and where does the money come from?
- There is no publicly specified amount per student - it is a need-based support or top-up fund rather than a comprehensive multi-year bursary. SAIMM contributes R220,000 per year to the Fund, which is supplemented by industry and individual donations. Donations to the Fund are tax-deductible.
- How do I apply for the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund Bursary?
- There is no central SAIMM application portal. Applications and selections are handled through the mining or metallurgy department of your university (UCT, Stellenbosch, University of Pretoria, Wits or University of Johannesburg). Contact your department directly, or contact SAIMM at [email protected] / +27 (011) 538 0231 for guidance.
- Is there an application deadline?
- No public application deadline is published. Because selections run through the relevant university department, you should contact your department early in the academic year (and SAIMM directly if needed) to confirm timing for the 2026 intake.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 November 2025
Apply on Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) (administered via the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund, a registered Public Benefit Organisation)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) (administered via the SAIMM Scholarship Trust Fund, a registered Public Benefit Organisation):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 (011) 538 0231
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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