Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Scholarship Programme 2025

Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Scholarship Programme 2025

Are you interested in finding better ways to address climate change and deliver positive outcomes for people and nature? Are you passionate about sustainable development, and nature protection and restoration? We are encouraging the next generation of leaders and innovators through the Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Scholarship Programme.

The Nature Solutions team is a small, diverse and purpose-driven group of experts investing in and developing nature-based solutions projects that generate carbon credits and bring positive outcomes in Rio Tinto’s operating regions. Together, we are looking for future leaders to work with us on projects that help address climate change and secure more resilient livelihoods for communities through the protection, sustainable management and restoration of nature.

The Rio Tinto Nature Solutions Programme offers a great opportunity for students in the following fields at accredited South African institutions:

• Natural Sciences

• Climate Sciences

• Social Sciences

• Data Science/carbon modelling

• GIS

• Finance, Econometrics, Economics

• Management, Business Administration, Project Management

Why Apply?

• Financial support: covering tuition fees and learning materials

• Exclusive mentorship: guidance from experienced professionals in your field.

• Workplace experience: hands-on work within a global organisation

• Career opportunities: steppingstone into opportunities within a global company committed to finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

Who Can Apply

• Students enrolled in an honours level degree or in the final year of a Master’s degree.

• Students with excellent passing grades and good reviews from their institution

• Passionate about innovation and committed to making a difference in their communities.

• Purpose-driven and passionate about outcomes for people and nature, beyond carbon credits.

• An interest in and knowledge of biogeochemical processes, ecosystem services and/or inferential statistics will be beneficial.

• Not receiving any other scholarship funding.

• Serious about turning knowledge into action.

Based on your results you may have access to our Graduate program in 2026 once you complete your Honours/Master’s degree.

How to Apply

• Submit your application online

• Attach your CV, academic transcripts, and a motivational letter outlining why you’re the perfect candidate.

(Please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered)

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation and/ or anything else that makes us different. 

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Women, the LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities (PWD) and people from different cultural backgrounds.  

We acknowledge that all people are different and believe that our differences are our strength.  The diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our teams enhance our way of working and our ability to achieve success together