Exxaro Bursaries: Comprehensive Guide and Benefits

Why Become an Exxaro Bursary Holder?

Financial Support and Beyond

Exxaro’s full-time bursary program is designed for talented and driven individuals who aspire to achieve academic excellence and build successful careers. As an Exxaro bursary holder, you will receive comprehensive financial support covering all study-related expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books, data, travel, and wellness allowances. Additionally, recipients receive a one-time allowance for the purchase of a laptop or tablet.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Beyond financial support, Exxaro offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development. Bursary holders gain access to dedicated administrative support, mentorship from experienced leaders, and annual practical work exposure at one of Exxaro’s operations. These experiences are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the mining industry and related fields.

Policy Statement

Exxaro established its full-time bursary program to ensure a consistent flow of suitable young professionals into its graduate program, known as the Professional-In-Training (PIT) program, and its internship program. The intent of these programs is to cultivate and nurture a talent pool where young talent is recruited, trained, coached, and potentially prepared for successful careers within the organization.

Entry Requirements

To enter the PIT program, applicants need to have a 4-year/NQF8/Hons degree. For the internship program, a 3-year/NQF7 degree is required. These requirements ensure that the candidates have the necessary educational background to benefit from Exxaro’s rigorous training and development programs.

Bursary Disciplines

Exxaro’s bursary opportunities focus primarily on disciplines that support its core mining industry operations. The following fields of study are eligible for bursary consideration:

• BEng/BSc Degree Studies:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Metallurgy
  • Mining Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mechatronic Engineering
• BSc Geology/Rock Engineering (Hons)
• BSc/B Comp IT, Data Sciences
• B-Technical Degree (Hons) Mine Surveying
• Support Services:
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing
  • Community Development
  • Corporate Communication
  • Environmental Sciences

These disciplines are critical to Exxaro’s operations and strategic growth, and the bursary program aims to attract top talent in these areas.

Bursary Benefits

Comprehensive Financial Coverage

The Exxaro bursary provides comprehensive financial coverage, ensuring that all study-related expenses are fully covered. This includes:

• Tuition Fees: Full payment of tuition fees for the duration of the degree program.
• Accommodation: Coverage of accommodation costs, ensuring a comfortable living environment for bursary holders.
• Meals: Provision of meal allowances to support students’ nutritional needs.
• Books and Study Materials: Allowances for the purchase of textbooks and other essential study materials.
• Data and Travel Allowances: Support for data and travel expenses to ensure students can access digital resources and commute as needed.
• Wellness Allowances: Coverage of wellness-related expenses to support students’ overall well-being.
• Laptop/Tablet Allowance: A one-time allowance for the purchase of a laptop or tablet to facilitate digital learning and research.

Additional Benefits

The Exxaro bursary program also includes several additional benefits designed to enhance the academic and professional experiences of bursary holders:

• Association with Exxaro: Be associated with a company that powers better lives in Africa and beyond, and is a leader in sustainable growth and impact in the mining industry.
• Administrative Support and Monitoring: Dedicated support from Exxaro’s administrative team and regular monitoring to ensure academic success.
• Campus Visits: First and second-semester campus visits by talent management and mentors to provide guidance and support.
• Access to Senior Leaders: Opportunities to interact with and learn from senior and experienced leaders within Exxaro.
• Practical Work Exposure: Annual practical work exposure at one of Exxaro’s operations during the December/January break, providing hands-on experience in the mining industry.
• Digital Platform Access: Access to a digital platform to stay connected with Exxaro news and network with other bursary holders across different institutions.
• Annual PIT Symposium: Invitation to Exxaro’s annual PIT Symposium, a platform for learning and networking.
• Awards and Prizes: Consideration for awards and prizes as top-performing bursary holders.
• Mining Indaba Invitation: Invitation to the annual Mining Indaba, a premier event in the mining industry.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to Exxaro’s EAP for professional trauma-related support.
• Work Opportunities: Potential for work opportunities within Exxaro’s PIT or internship programs after graduation.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for the Exxaro bursary program is designed to identify and select the most talented and deserving candidates. Here’s an overview of the recruitment process:

Advertisement and Application

• Advertisement Period: Opportunities are advertised between September and October through university Head of Department (HOD) contacts, on student platforms, and Exxaro’s social media and website.
• Application Invitation: During this time, students are invited to participate in the selection process for the upcoming academic year.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages to ensure that the most suitable candidates are chosen:

1. Initial Screening: Applications are screened to ensure that applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria.
2. Assessment: Candidates may be required to undergo various assessments, including academic evaluations and interviews, to determine their suitability for the bursary.
3. Final Selection: The final selection is made based on the assessment results, and successful candidates are notified.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Exxaro bursary, applicants must submit a comprehensive application package that includes the following documents:

• Completed Application Form: Ensure that all sections of the application form are filled out accurately and completely.
• Certified Copies of Academic Records: Provide certified copies of your academic transcripts and any other relevant educational certificates.
• Proof of Registration: Proof of registration at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Motivational Letter: A motivational letter outlining your academic and career aspirations and explaining why you deserve the bursary.
• Certified Copy of South African ID: Provide a certified copy of your South African ID.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience.

Personal and Professional Development

Exxaro is committed to the personal and professional development of its bursary holders. Through various initiatives and programs, Exxaro ensures that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Mentorship Program

Bursary holders are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and advice throughout their academic journey. This mentorship helps students navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and develop essential skills.

Practical Work Exposure

During the annual practical work exposure, bursary holders gain hands-on experience at one of Exxaro’s operations. This exposure helps students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, develop practical skills, and gain valuable industry insights.

Workshops and Training

Exxaro organizes workshops and training sessions on various topics, including leadership, communication, and technical skills. These sessions are designed to enhance the personal and professional development of bursary holders and prepare them for successful careers.

Career Opportunities

One of the most significant benefits of the Exxaro bursary program is the potential for career opportunities within Exxaro after graduation. Bursary holders may be considered for Exxaro’s Professional-In-Training (PIT) program or internship program, providing a seamless transition from academic life to professional life. As stated in this article, you can browse your selection of available deals on smartphones and top brands and explore the service plans that best suit your needs.

Professional-In-Training (PIT) Program

The PIT program is designed for graduates with a 4-year/NQF8/Hons degree. It offers structured training, mentorship, and development opportunities to prepare young professionals for leadership roles within Exxaro.

Internship Program

The internship program is designed for graduates with a 3-year/NQF7 degree. It provides practical experience, on-the-job training, and exposure to various aspects of Exxaro’s operations, helping interns develop essential skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

The Exxaro bursary program is an incredible opportunity for talented and driven individuals to achieve their academic and career goals. With comprehensive financial support, mentorship, practical work exposure, and numerous additional benefits, Exxaro bursary holders are well-equipped to succeed in their studies and build successful careers in the mining industry and beyond.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about pursuing a career in one of the eligible fields of study, consider applying for the Exxaro bursary. This program not only alleviates the financial burden of tertiary education but also provides invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Embark on a journey of academic excellence and career success with the support of Exxaro.