Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa For 2026. If you are a South African student with a passion for mining, engineering, commerce, or environmental sciences, the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa for 2026 is an excellent opportunity to fund your academic journey. This fully-funded bursary programme is aimed at empowering previously disadvantaged individuals and nurturing future industry leaders.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary, including eligibility criteria, covered fields of study, application requirements, and deadlines.
About Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC)
Zululand Anthracite Colliery (Pty) Ltd, commonly known as ZAC, is South Africa’s sole producer of prime anthracite. Located in Emakhalathini, near Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, ZAC operates as a deep-level underground mining facility. The company utilizes advanced methods such as continuous miners and drill-and-blast techniques for efficient extraction.
ZAC manages three fully operational shafts, with a fourth shaft opened in 2022 to expand its production capabilities.
Founded on a deposit discovered in 1981 by Transnatal Coal and Utah Mining JV, the mining operation was fully developed in 1985 by BHP Billiton. Since then, it has grown into a key player in South Africa’s mining industry.
Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary Programme Overview
The Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa is awarded to academically outstanding and financially deserving students who want to pursue studies in selected high-demand fields.
Fields Covered by the Bursary
ZAC is committed to supporting critical skills development. The bursary covers the following fields of study:
| Field of Study | Qualification Level |
|---|---|
| BCom | Undergraduate |
| Diesel Mechanical | Diploma / Engineering |
| Engineering | Undergraduate |
| Environmental | Undergraduate |
| Mining Engineering | Undergraduate |
These disciplines are chosen to align with the operational and environmental priorities of the mining sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa, applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen or naturalized citizen |
| Field of Study | Must be pursuing one of the listed study fields |
| Institution | Must be registered at a Council for Higher Education (CHE) accredited institution in South Africa |
| Academic Record | Minimum of 65% average for all completed modules |
| Equity Status | Must be a previously disadvantaged individual |
| Financial Need | Proof of financial need is mandatory |
| Employment Equity Act Compliance | Must be from a designated group as per Employment Equity Act |
Failure to meet any of the above criteria will result in the application being disqualified.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must compile a comprehensive application that includes the ZAC Bursary Application Form and several supporting documents. Missing documents may result in disqualification.
Documents Checklist:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| ID Document | Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID |
| Matric Certificate | Final school-leaving results |
| Tertiary Academic Record | Most recent official transcript |
| University Acceptance Letter | Confirmation of registration at a tertiary institution |
| Motivational Letter | Included in the application form; must detail academic ability, financial situation, and career goals |
| Parent/Guardian ID Copies | Certified copies of both parents’ or legal guardians’ IDs |
| Proof of Income | See options below |
Acceptable Proof of Income:
| Employment Status | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Employed | Most recent payslip (not older than 6 months) or official company letter |
| Unemployed | Affidavit confirming unemployment or temporary income support |
| Self-employed | Latest financial statements or income tax clearance certificate |
| Pensioner | Pension advice from social services or affidavit from Department of Social Services |
Note: Final academic results must be submitted within 20 days of receiving them. Bursary selections will be based on these results.
How to Apply for the ZAC Bursary 2026
To apply for the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa 2026, follow these steps:
- Download the application form:
You can access the official Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary Application Form (PDF) from the ZAC website or via request. - Fill out the form completely:
Ensure all sections are completed accurately. Incomplete forms will be rejected. - Prepare your supporting documents:
Refer to the list above and make sure each document is clear, certified, and valid. - Email your application to: [email protected]
ZAC Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary is:
November 18, 2025
Late applications will not be considered. Early submissions are encouraged to avoid last-minute issues or technical delays.
Contact Zululand Anthracite Colliery
If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact the bursary provider directly:
| Department | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Bursary Queries | [email protected] |
| Head Office | 035 874 7300 / 011 783 7996 |
| General Info | [email protected] |
Why Choose the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary?
Here are several compelling reasons to apply for the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa:
- Full financial support for tuition, books, and possibly accommodation
- Industry-aligned opportunities in engineering and mining
- Career advancement within a top-tier mining operation
- Focus on equity, diversity, and transformation
ZAC’s investment in education is a reflection of its broader commitment to community upliftment and skills development in South Africa’s mining sector.
FAQs About Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary 2026
Can I apply if I’m in my first year of study?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled in one of the listed fields and meet all eligibility criteria, first-year students are welcome to apply.
Does the bursary cover accommodation and living expenses?
While the bursary primarily covers tuition and academic expenses, additional support may be offered based on financial need and availability of funds. Please clarify with ZAC directly.
When will I hear back after submitting my application?
Successful candidates will be contacted within 30 days after the closing date. If you do not hear back within that period, consider your application unsuccessful.
Conclusion
If you’re a student from a previously disadvantaged background and wish to pursue a career in mining, engineering, or commerce, the Zululand Anthracite Colliery Bursary South Africa 2026 could be your stepping stone toward a bright future. With full financial backing and strong mentorship, ZAC’s bursary is more than just funding it’s an opportunity to transform your life and community.
