Impala Platinum (Implats) has opened applications for its Refineries Tertiary Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. The Implats Refineries bursary is aimed at South African Matric learners who want to study engineering or chemistry at university and build a career in the mining and metals sector. Funding covers tuition, accommodation and study materials, and applications close on 31 August 2026.
About the Programme
Implats is one of the world’s leading producers of platinum group metals, employing tens of thousands of people across its operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its Refineries complex in Springs, Gauteng, is where mined material is processed into final refined metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium that are exported around the world for use in vehicles, electronics and green hydrogen technology.
The Refineries Tertiary Bursary Programme is part of the company’s long-running investment in technical skills. Implats uses the bursary to develop the chemical, metallurgical, electrical and mechanical engineers it will need in the years ahead, and bursars gain exposure to a real refinery environment through vacation work while they study. For young South Africans, it is a funded pathway into one of the country’s most important export industries.
What Is Covered
- Tuition fees for your approved degree
- Accommodation support
- Study materials
- Paid vacation work at the Springs refineries during December and January holidays
- Skills development support and exposure to a leading industrial employer
Who Can Apply
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be a Matric learner or have completed Matric with results that qualify you for degree study
- You must plan to study one of the following at university: Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (heavy current preferred), Mechanical Engineering or Chemistry
- You need at least 60% (Level 5) for Mathematics
- You need at least 60% (Level 5) for Physical Science
- You need at least 60% (Level 5) for English
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Grade 11 final results and your latest Grade 12 results
- Conditional or firm university acceptance letter, if available
- Matric certificate, if you have already completed school
RELATED: VKB Bursary Programme 2027: Fully Funded, Closes 31 August
How to Apply
- Prepare certified copies of all your documents before you start
- Go to the official Implats careers application page for the Refineries Tertiary Bursary Programme
- Complete the online application form with your personal, school and subject details
- Upload your supporting documents
- Submit before the closing date and keep your confirmation
Start your application here: Apply at Implats
Closing Date
The closing date for the Implats Refineries Bursary 2027 is 31 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Mining remains one of South Africa’s biggest employers and foreign exchange earners, and platinum group metals are central to the global shift towards cleaner energy. Yet thousands of academically strong learners never study engineering because their families cannot afford university.
A full company bursary like this one solves that problem and adds something a loan never can: a direct relationship with a major employer, paid holiday work experience, and a strong chance of employment after graduation. If you are finishing Matric with solid marks in Mathematics and Physical Science, an engineering bursary from a company like Implats is one of the smartest applications you can submit this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The bursary targets Matric learners and school leavers heading to university, so no work experience is needed.
Can I apply from any province?
Yes. The bursary is open to South African citizens nationwide, although the vacation work component takes place at the refineries in Springs, Gauteng.
Does the bursary include a monthly allowance?
The bursary covers tuition, accommodation and study materials. Any additional allowances are confirmed during the application process.
Will Implats employ me after I graduate?
Bursars gain vacation work exposure and skills development support, which positions them strongly for graduate roles at Implats. Specific work-back conditions are confirmed during the application process.
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