Engineering

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) Bursary Programme

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd (RDM) (defence ammunition, propellants and missile systems manufacturer; joint venture majority-owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (Germany) with Denel SOC Ltd (South Africa); head office Somerset West, Western Cape; administered in-house via the Rheinmetall careers/recruitment platform, reference ZA00786)

The Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) Bursary Programme is a comprehensive bursary funded by the Somerset West-based defence manufacturer for high-achieving students pursuing engineering and science qualifications relevant to the ammunition, propellants and missile systems industry. It targets South African citizens with strong results in Mathematics and Physical Science (Grade 12 learners) or a strong overall aggregate (tertiary students) who are studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised South African university. Beyond covering tuition, books, accommodation and a living allowance, the bursary can lead to progression into the RDM Engineering / Accelerated Graduate Programme after completing a BEng qualification.

Amount
Comprehensive bursary (value not publicly stated) - university tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation and a living allowance
Deadline
31 October 2025
Renewable
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd (RDM) (defence ammunition, propellants and missile systems manufacturer; joint venture majority-owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (Germany) with Denel SOC Ltd (South Africa); head office Somerset West, Western Cape; administered in-house via the Rheinmetall careers/recruitment platform, reference ZA00786) supports students in the following disciplines

Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronic Engineering
Engineering and Science (general)

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African citizen
  • Completed Matric / Grade 12
  • Grade 12 / Matric learners: minimum 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science
  • Tertiary students: minimum 70% overall aggregate
  • Studying or planning to study full-time at a recognised / accredited South African university
  • Pursuing an eligible engineering or science qualification relevant to RDM

What's Included

  • University tuition fees
  • Prescribed books
  • Accommodation
  • Living allowance
  • Possible progression to the RDM Engineering / Accelerated Graduate Programme (AGP/EGP) after completing the BEng qualification

Work Commitment

Bursars may progress into the RDM Engineering / Accelerated Graduate Programme (AGP/EGP) at Rheinmetall Denel Munition after completing their BEng qualification. Specific service-back or work-back terms are not publicly stated - confirm directly with RDM via the Rheinmetall careers platform (reference ZA00786).

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd (RDM) (defence ammunition, propellants and missile systems manufacturer; joint venture majority-owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (Germany) with Denel SOC Ltd (South Africa); head office Somerset West, Western Cape; administered in-house via the Rheinmetall careers/recruitment platform, reference ZA00786) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm your eligibility (South African citizen, completed Matric, and the relevant 70% academic minimum - 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science for Grade 12 learners or a 70% overall aggregate for tertiary students)

  2. 2

    Prepare and certify your supporting documents and draft a CV and cover letter

  3. 3

    Visit the Rheinmetall careers platform for South Africa and search for the RDM bursary advert (reference ZA00786)

  4. 4

    Apply online via the Rheinmetall careers / recruitment platform when the bursary is advertised (typically from October each year)

  5. 5

    Submit your application with all supporting documents before the closing date

  6. 6

    Wait to be contacted by the RDM recruitment team if shortlisted

Required Documents

  • 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
  • 📄 Certified copy of Matric / Grade 12 certificate
  • 📄 Latest academic transcripts / results
  • 📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • 📄 Cover letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) bursary?
The bursary is open to South African citizens who have completed Matric / Grade 12 and are studying or planning to study a relevant engineering or science qualification full-time at a recognised South African university. Grade 12 / Matric learners need a minimum of 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science, while tertiary students need a minimum 70% overall aggregate.
What does the RDM bursary cover?
It is a comprehensive bursary covering university tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation and a living allowance. After completing a BEng qualification, bursars may progress into the RDM Engineering / Accelerated Graduate Programme (AGP/EGP). The exact monetary value is not publicly stated.
How do I apply for the Rheinmetall Denel Munition bursary?
Applications are administered in-house via the Rheinmetall careers / recruitment platform. Visit the Rheinmetall South Africa careers page, search for the RDM bursary advert (reference ZA00786), and apply online with your certified ID copy, Matric certificate, academic transcripts, CV and cover letter.
When do RDM bursary applications open and close?
According to the official Rheinmetall careers page, RDM bursaries are advertised annually in October. A specific closing date for the cycle has not been confirmed on the official source, so check the Rheinmetall South Africa careers platform (reference ZA00786) for the current deadline before applying.

Other Engineering bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

Columbus Stainless Bursary

Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd

Columbus Stainless, the Middelburg-based stainless steel producer, offers bursaries in metallurgical engineering and materials science, as well as accounting science and finance. The bursary is aimed at students who want to build a career in the South African stainless steel and metals sector.

View details →

CSIR Bursary Programme

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The CSIR Bursary Programme is a merit-based, full-cost bursary offered by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a national science council under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. It funds undergraduate, Honours, Master's and Doctoral students in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields such as computer science, electronic, mechatronic and chemical engineering, data science and the natural sciences. Recipients receive comprehensive financial support plus mentorship, vacation work and a pathway into research careers at the CSIR.

View details →

Masakh'iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme

Western Cape Government, Department of Infrastructure (administered in-house via the Masakh'iSizwe Bursary Office / online Masakh'iSizwe Bursary System)

The Masakh'iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme, established in 2006 by the Western Cape Government's Department of Infrastructure, is a full-cost bursary supporting full-time undergraduate and higher diploma students in scarce-skill engineering and built-environment disciplines. It covers tuition, prescribed textbooks, accommodation or transport and student support programmes for study at partner Western Cape institutions (UCT, Stellenbosch University and CPUT), with a strong focus on financially disadvantaged learners from rural Western Cape communities, women in engineering and persons with disabilities. The exact rand value is not publicly fixed, and the programme adds in-service training, internships and employment placement assistance for graduates.

View details →