Petra Diamonds Bursary 2026 Eligibility & How To Apply

Petra Diamonds bursary applications open only once a year (typically July to November). 

This bursary helps outstanding South African learners cover full tertiary study costs in certain mining and non-mining fields. 

If you qualify, missing the application window means waiting another year.

About the Organisation

Petra Diamonds is a leading diamond mining company with operations in South Africa (e.g., Cullinan, Finsch, Koffiefontein).

The company aims to build skills in local communities through bursaries and graduate programmes.

Fields of Study Funded

Petra Diamonds bursaries support studies in fields such as:

1. Electrical Engineering
2. Mechanical Engineering
3. Mining Engineering
4. Metallurgical Engineering
5. Geology
6. Information Technology
7. Earth Sciences / Geology specialisations (such as Environmental & Engineering Geology)
8. Surveying, Environmental Management, Financial Management, Human Resources Management in some cases

Benefits for Recipients

Petra Diamonds bursary recipients receive:

1. Full tuition fees paid
2. Full residence and meals or equivalent allowance
3. Annual cash allowance and travel allowance
4. Life skills training
5. Compulsory practical vacation employment during December and January
6. A renewable bursary is annually provided, performance is good, and conditions are met

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must meet all of these:

1. Be a South African citizen
2. Have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 35 for Engineering fields
3. Have an APS of at least 31 for non-engineering / other directions
4. Be accepted to study or already studying full-time at a recognised South African university or university of technology
5. Be medically fit to work in mining, including underground workplaces; no criminal record
6. Good academic performance for those already studying; current matriculants must meet the subject level requirements (especially in maths and science)
7. Applicants should be willing to relocate to mining/rural areas if required
8. Applicants from local mining communities will receive preference

How to Apply

You apply via the CareerWise website when the bursary call is open (typically July to November each year).

You must register, fill in the application, and submit all required documents.

Required Documents

You will need all of the following:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID document
2. Matric certificate or proof of Matric (if you completed) or current results (if still a matriculant)
3. Full academic record or transcript, including most recent results if you are at university
4. Proof of acceptance by a recognised tertiary institution (university or university of technology)
5. Proof of residence/address

Closing Date

Bursary applications are open from July to November each year through the CareerWise website.

You must submit before the deadline because late applications are not considered.

Contact Details

For enquiries, you can use:

• CareerWise (administrator of the application process) – Telephone: 086 100 7787
• Email: info@careerwise.co.za
• Petra Diamonds website, Bursaries & Graduate Programmes section