The Steve Kearney Bursary 2026 provides financial support to eligible South African students pursuing higher education in Engineering, Science and Technology.
The bursary was established by the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) in honour of Steve Kearney, who served as the former Chief Executive Officer of Impala Platinum Holdings Limited and made contributions to the Royal Bafokeng Nation and the mining sector.
The programme is aimed at talented students from historically disadvantaged groups who require financial assistance to complete their studies at a South African higher education institution.
If you are studying an eligible qualification in Engineering, Science or Technology, the Steve Kearney Bursary may be an opportunity worth considering.
Steve Kearney Bursary 2026 at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | Steve Kearney Education Bursary |
| Provider | Royal Bafokeng Nation |
| Study level | Undergraduate, Honours and Master’s |
| Fields | Engineering, Science and Technology |
| Citizenship | South African citizens |
| Institution | South African higher education institutions |
| Target group | Historically disadvantaged students |
| Selection | Application review and interviews |
About the Steve Kearney Bursary
The Steve Kearney Education Bursary was established in memory of Steve Kearney, former CEO of Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.
The bursary seeks to support talented South African students who have the academic potential to pursue higher education but require financial assistance to complete their studies.
Through its focus on Engineering, Science and Technology, the programme supports students studying in fields that can contribute to South Africa’s technical, scientific and professional workforce.
Who Can Apply for the Steve Kearney Bursary?
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Come from a historically disadvantaged group
- Be studying towards an undergraduate, Honours or Master’s degree
- Be enrolled at a South African higher education institution
- Be studying in an eligible Engineering, Science or Technology field
Students should make sure that their qualification falls within one of the relevant fields before submitting an application.
Which Fields of Study Are Supported?
The Steve Kearney Bursary focuses on three broad areas:
Engineering
Students pursuing relevant engineering qualifications may be considered for funding.
Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines involving the design, development and improvement of systems, structures, technologies and processes.
Science
The programme also supports relevant science-related studies.
Students studying scientific disciplines should confirm that their specific qualification falls within the programme’s requirements.
Technology
Technology-related qualifications may also qualify for consideration.
Because programme requirements can vary, applicants should check the official application information for their specific field of study.
What Does the Steve Kearney Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides financial support for several education-related expenses.
The listed areas of funding include:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Examination fees
- University residence accommodation
- Books and study materials
- Living allowance, as determined by the trustees
This means that successful applicants may receive support for both academic expenses and certain living costs associated with their studies.
The living allowance is determined by the Board of Trustees, so applicants should not assume that every student will receive the same amount.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare all required supporting documents before submitting their application.
The listed documents include:
Completed Application Form
Applicants must complete the official Steve Kearney Education Bursary application form.
Make sure all required sections are completed and that the information provided is accurate.
Updated CV
An updated CV should provide a clear overview of your:
- Education
- Academic achievements
- Relevant experience
- Skills
- Extracurricular activities
- Other relevant accomplishments
Certified ID Copy
Applicants must provide a certified copy of their South African identity document.
Certified Matric Certificate
A certified copy of the applicant’s Matric certificate must also be included.
Latest Academic Transcript
Current students should provide their latest academic results or academic transcript to demonstrate their progress at university or another eligible higher education institution.
Two Essays
Applicants are also required to submit two essays, as specified by the Board of Trustees.
Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided with the application form when preparing their essays.
How to Apply for the Steve Kearney Bursary
Applicants can submit their applications by email or hand delivery.
Email Application
Completed applications can be sent to: Gillian.drennan@wits.ac.za
Applicants should make sure that all required supporting documents are attached before sending their application.
Hand Delivery
Applications can also be delivered to:
Professor Gillian Drennan
Head of School: Geosciences
University of the Witwatersrand
East Campus
1 Jan Smuts Avenue
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
Applicants choosing hand delivery should ensure that their application is complete before submitting it.
Steve Kearney Bursary Application Form
Applicants can use the official application form to prepare their submission.
Download the Steve Kearney Education Bursary Application Form
Before completing the form, read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand all the information requested.
Steve Kearney Bursary Selection Process
Submitting an application does not automatically mean that you will receive funding.
The selection process includes several stages.
1. Application Review
Submitted applications are reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the requirements.
2. Shortlisting
Applicants who meet the relevant criteria may be shortlisted for the next stage.
3. Interviews
Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in interviews.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss their academic background, field of study, goals and reasons for applying for the bursary.
4. Final Selection
The Board of Trustees makes the final selection after the interview process.
Successful applicants are then informed according to the programme’s application process.
How to Prepare a Strong Bursary Application
A complete application is important, but students should also take time to present themselves clearly.
Highlight Your Academic Progress
Your latest academic transcript should accurately reflect your current studies and academic progress.
Keep Your CV Updated
Avoid submitting an old CV that does not reflect your current education, achievements and activities.
Take the Essays Seriously
The two required essays provide an opportunity to explain your background, goals and motivation.
Read the essay instructions carefully and answer the questions directly.
Check Your Documents
Before sending your application, check that all required documents are included.
A simple checklist can help:
- Completed application form
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate
- Latest academic transcript
- Two required essays
- Correct email address
- All documents attached
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Steve Kearney Bursary?
The Steve Kearney Bursary is an education funding programme established by the Royal Bafokeng Nation in honour of Steve Kearney.
Who is eligible for the bursary?
The programme is aimed at South African citizens from historically disadvantaged groups who are studying eligible undergraduate, Honours or Master’s qualifications in Engineering, Science or Technology.
Which qualifications are funded?
The bursary focuses on relevant qualifications in Engineering, Science and Technology.
Does the bursary cover tuition fees?
Yes. The listed funding includes registration, tuition and examination fees.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
University residence accommodation is included among the listed areas of financial support.
Does the bursary provide money for books?
Yes. Books and study materials are among the listed expenses covered by the bursary.
Is there a living allowance?
Yes. A living allowance may be provided, with the amount determined by the trustees.
Can Honours students apply?
Yes. Honours students are included among the study levels listed for the bursary.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. Master’s students may apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Are interviews part of the selection process?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews before the final selection is made.
Final Advice for Applicants
The Steve Kearney Bursary 2026 can provide valuable financial assistance to eligible students studying Engineering, Science and Technology.
If you intend to apply, do not wait until the last minute to prepare your documents. Make sure your application form is completed correctly, your CV is updated and your academic transcript is available.
Pay particular attention to the two required essays, as these form part of the application requirements.
Applicants should also remember that meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed, shortlisted candidates are interviewed and the final decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
Email applications: Gillian.drennan@wits.ac.za
Study fields: Engineering, Science and Technology
Study levels: Undergraduate, Honours and Master’s
Disclaimer: MojaMzansi provides educational information about bursaries and other opportunities. Applicants should consult the latest official application information and bursary documentation for current requirements and application details
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