Implats Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded Bursary for Grade 12 Learners in Engineering and Science
Closing Date: 31 August 2026 Location: Springs, Gauteng, South Africa Salary: Not stipulated — the opportunity is a fully funded bursary covering tuition, accommodation and study materials (see “What You Will Gain” below)
If you are a Grade 12 learner in South Africa dreaming of a future in engineering or the sciences, the Implats Tertiary Bursary Programme 2027 could be the door-opener you have been waiting for. Impala Platinum’s Refineries division, based in Springs, Gauteng, has opened applications for high-performing matrics who want to study toward a degree while being groomed for a real career in the mining and metals industry. For thousands of unemployed graduates and school leavers across the country still searching for a break into a stable, well-respected sector, this is exactly the kind of programme worth putting time into.
Job Overview
This is not a job in the traditional sense — it’s an investment in a young person’s future. Impala Platinum Refineries is looking for driven, academically strong Grade 12 learners who want to pursue degree-level studies (NQF Level 7) in fields that feed directly into the platinum refining and processing industry. Successful applicants will be part of the 2027 academic intake, sponsored from first year through to graduation, with practical exposure to the Refineries built into the programme along the way. It’s the kind of head start that turns a matric certificate into a fully-fledged engineering or science career.
Fields of Study Supported
Impala Platinum Refineries is specifically funding students who plan to study:
- Electrical Engineering (a preference is given to Heavy Current specialisation)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemistry
Learners with a genuine interest in any of these disciplines, and the marks to back it up, are encouraged to put their names forward.
Minimum Requirements
Before applying, make sure your academic record lines up with what’s expected. Applicants need to be:
- Currently completing Grade 12 in the year of application
- Achieving at least 60% (Level 5) in Mathematics
- Achieving at least 60% (Level 5) in English
- Achieving at least 60% (Level 5) in Physical Science
These are firm cut-offs, so learners hovering close to the mark should push hard in the remaining school terms to secure — or better — these results before results are finalised.
What You Will Gain
This bursary is designed to remove the financial barriers that stop talented young South Africans from reaching university in the first place. Recipients can expect:
- Full financial assistance covering tuition fees, accommodation and study materials
- December/January vacation work placements at the Refineries, giving real workplace exposure long before graduation
- Structured skills development aimed at building a long-term career within the organisation
For many families, this kind of backing is the difference between a dream deferred and a degree completed.
Required Documents
Applicants should have the following ready before starting the online application, as incomplete submissions will not be considered:
- A certified copy of your ID
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of residence (a parent’s or guardian’s municipal account is acceptable)
- Grade 11 final results
- A conditional acceptance letter from a tertiary institution
Getting these documents sorted in advance will save a lot of last-minute stress closer to the closing date.
Selection Process and What to Expect
Shortlisted candidates will go through a series of assessments as part of the selection process, so it’s worth preparing mentally and academically ahead of time. If you haven’t heard back within 30 days of the closing date, it’s safe to consider the application unsuccessful on this occasion — though that shouldn’t discourage learners from applying again in future intakes or exploring other opportunities within the sector.
It’s also worth noting that preference is given to scholars from Eastern Ekurhuleni, Ward 72, and schools surrounding the Springs operation, reflecting Impala Platinum’s commitment to uplifting the communities closest to its operations.
Skills and Competencies
While this programme is aimed at school leavers rather than experienced professionals, candidates who tend to stand out share a few common traits: strong problem-solving ability, a genuine curiosity about how things work, discipline with schoolwork and deadlines, and a willingness to learn in a technical, hands-on environment. A passion for engineering or chemistry that goes beyond the classroom — through science fairs, robotics clubs, or simply tinkering and reading — can also count in a learner’s favour during shortlisting.
A Word of Caution
Impala Platinum will never ask applicants to pay any form of fee during the recruitment or application process. Learners and parents should be alert to scammers impersonating the company and should only apply through the official channels listed below.
About Impala Platinum (Implats)
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited, widely known as Implats, is one of the world’s leading producers of platinum group metals (PGMs), including platinum, palladium, rhodium and nickel. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Johannesburg, Implats has grown into a major force in the global mining industry, with operations spanning South Africa’s Bushveld Complex, Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, and mining interests in Canada. The group’s operations include Impala Rustenburg, Marula, Two Rivers, Zimplats, Impala Canada and Mimosa, along with its toll-refining arm, Impala Refining Services.
Beyond the numbers, Implats prides itself on being a significant employer and community partner in South Africa, supporting local economies and investing in skills development programmes — like this bursary — that open doors for the next generation of engineers, scientists and industry leaders. With a workforce of tens of thousands across its operations, Implats continues to play a defining role in the country’s mining sector and in the lives of the communities surrounding its sites.
How to Apply
Ready to take the first step toward a funded engineering or science degree? Have your documents ready, double-check that your marks meet the minimum requirements, and get your application in well before the closing date of 31 August 2026.
