The Valterra Platinum Community Bursary Programme 2026 supports undergraduate students from host communities studying any field at NQF Level 6 or 7. Learn about eligibility, coverage, and required documents.
Valterra Platinum has opened applications for its Community Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, offering meaningful financial support to students from its host communities who face genuine socio-economic challenges.
Unlike many company bursaries that focus only on mining-related qualifications, this programme supports undergraduate studies in any field, as long as it is a first undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 6 or 7. This makes it a valuable opportunity for students who want to study in diverse fields such as business, education, health sciences, IT, law, or engineering.
The bursary is administered by Tshikululu Trust and is aimed at helping students complete their qualifications successfully, not just assisting for a short period.
What Makes the Valterra Platinum Bursary Different
One of the most important features of this bursary is its needs-based approach. Funding is structured around the real circumstances of each student rather than a fixed amount for everyone.
The programme is designed to remove the major financial barriers that often prevent capable students from completing their studies.
What the Bursary Covers
The Valterra Platinum Community Bursary provides support for the main costs associated with full-time undergraduate studies, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- A living allowance
The final bursary value is determined based on individual student needs and approval by the Trustees. The intention is to provide proper, sustained support rather than partial funding that runs out during the academic year.
Duration of Funding
The bursary covers the full duration of the undergraduate qualification, provided that the student meets the renewal requirements each year.
Funding renewal depends on acceptable academic performance. Students are expected to attend classes, submit assignments, and pass their modules consistently. Continued support is linked directly to commitment and progress.
Valterra Platinum Host Communities
To qualify, applicants must come from host communities linked to Valterra Platinum operations. These are located in Limpopo and North West.
Limpopo Operations
Host communities linked to operations such as Amandelbult Mine, Mogalakwena Mine, Mototolo Mine, the Polokwane Smelter, and the Twickenham Project fall within the eligible areas.
North West Operations
Eligible host communities include those linked to Rustenburg processing and smelting operations, including facilities such as smelters, refineries, and associated plants.
Applicants who are unsure whether their area qualifies are still encouraged to apply, provided that their proof of residence clearly reflects the relevant municipality or traditional authority.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements to be considered. Missing even one requirement may result in disqualification.
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Reside in a Valterra Platinum host community
- Currently live in, or have completed most of your schooling in, a host community
- Have completed Matric in 2024 or 2025
- Be enrolled or accepted for your first undergraduate qualification
- Be studying towards an NQF Level 6 or 7 qualification
- Be registered for a three-year full-time programme
- Be enrolled or accepted at a registered public or private higher education institution
- Not be a child of a Valterra Platinum employee
Preference is given to students from vulnerable backgrounds, including orphans, learners from unemployed households, and child-headed households.
Documents Required
Incomplete or unclear documentation is one of the main reasons applications are rejected. Applicants must submit clear, legible copies of the following:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Most recent academic record (on institutional letterhead if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance or conditional acceptance
- Proof of tertiary registration, if available
- Proof of residence not older than three months, stamped by a municipality or traditional council
- Proof of vulnerability where applicable, such as SASSA confirmation or a sworn affidavit
Documents should be scanned clearly and named properly to avoid confusion during assessment.
Important Date
The closing date for applications is 1 February 2026.
Late submissions are not considered, and applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to allow time to correct any issues.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check:
- Matric year (2024/2025)
- Age (18–25)
- Host community requirement
- 3-year programme requirement
Step 2: Prepare documents first
Before opening the application page, ensure all documents are ready and certified.
Step 3: Apply online and upload correctly
Complete the online form and upload all supporting documents.
Step 4: Double-check before submitting
Confirm:
- You did not skip any section
- Your ID number is correct
- Your email address is correct
- Your documents uploaded successfully
Step 5: Keep proof of submission
If the portal provides confirmation, screenshot it or download it for your records.
Contact Details (Bursary Administrator)
For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact Tshikululu Trust:
Tshikululu Help Desk
Tel: 011 544 0300
Email: valterraeducation@tshikululu.org.za
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
If you struggle to submit your application, contact them immediately (don’t wait until the closing date).
APPLY ONLINE NOW THE VALTERRA PLATINUM BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026
Final Thoughts
The Valterra Platinum Community Bursary Programme 2026 is a strong opportunity for students from host communities who want to complete an undergraduate qualification without constant financial pressure.
By supporting students across all fields of study and committing to funding the full duration of the qualification, this bursary plays an important role in long-term educational and community development.
For eligible students who meet the criteria, applying early and submitting complete documentation can make all the difference.
