The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary Scheme was created to address the skills shortage in South Africa’s mining and minerals sector by increasing the number of qualified professionals in this field.

Today, the scheme continues to empower students by providing financial support to pursue qualifications related to mining and minerals at universities, universities of technology, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The bursary fully covers:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation (residence or private)
- Books and meals
- A semester-based allowance (where applicable)

Applications for 2026 Open on 22 June 2025

MQA invites the following groups to apply:
1. Unemployed learners
2. Individuals employed in the mining and minerals sector

1. Bursary Applications for Unemployed Learners

Eligibility:
Applicants must be:
- South African citizens
- Currently in Grade 12 or
- Enrolled at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college

Number of bursaries available: 430
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, books, meals, and a living allowance

Priority Fields of Study

At Universities and Universities of Technology:

·         - Metallurgical Engineering

·         - Analytical Chemistry

·         - Electro-Mechanical Engineering

·         - Geology

·         - Industrial Engineering

·         - Mining Engineering

·         - Mechanical Engineering

·         - Electrical Engineering

·         - Chemical Engineering

·         - Mine Surveying

·         - Occupational Hygiene

·         - Occupational Medicine

·         - Occupational Health and Safety

·         - Operations Management

·         - Quality Management

·         - Environmental Health & Management

·         - Environmental Science

·         - Jewellery Design and Manufacturing

At TVET Colleges:

·         - Boilermaking

·         - Fitting (including Machinery)

·         - Diesel Motor Mechanics

·         - Instrumentation Mechanics

·         - Electrician

·         - Millwright

·         - Fitter and Turner

·         - Rigger Ropesman

·         - Plumbing

·         - Carpentry and Joinery

·         - Welding

·         - Pipe Fitting

·         - Mechatronics

·         - Automotive Mechanics

·         - Mechanical Fitting

·         - Bricklaying

*Note: Up to 20% of bursaries may be allocated to other qualifications deemed relevant by MQA for the sector.*

Required Documents (Unemployed Learners)

·         - Certified ID copy (within 3 months)

·         - Grade 12 certificate or Grade 11 results (for current learners)

·         - Full academic record (if applicable)

·         - Certified copies of parents’ or guardian’s ID documents

·         - Proof of household income or affidavits if unemployed

·         - Death certificate/affidavit if a parent is deceased or unknown

Preference Will Be Given To:

·         - Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)

·         - Financially needy applicants (household income ≤ R600,000 per annum)

·         - Female applicants

·         - Students with disabilities

·         - Learners from rural communities

·         - Applicants studying locally

·         - Strong academic performers

·         - Applicants aligned with the MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations (SPOI)

Important Note: Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application and remain so during the funded period of study.

Application Window:
Opens: 22 June 2025
Closes: 31 July 2025

Only successful candidates will be contacted.
If you do not receive feedback by 1 October 2025, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

Apply here: Bursary Application Link for Unemployed Learners.

2. Bursary Applications for Employed Individuals in the Mining and Minerals Sector

MQA invites applications from individuals currently employed in the mining and minerals sector who wish to pursue a relevant qualification in 2026 (or who started their studies in Semester 2 of 2025).

Number of bursaries available: 70
Coverage: Tuition and textbook allowance only

Note:
- This bursary is not available to individuals currently funded by MQA through an internship or work experience programme (P1/P2).
- Applicants must be South African citizens.

Required Documents (Employed Applicants)

·         - Certified ID copy (within 3 months)

·         - Grade 12 certificate

·         - Academic transcript (if applicable)

·         - Employer letter confirming employment in the mining and minerals sector

Preference Will Be Given To:

·         - Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)

·         - Financially needy applicants (household income ≤ R600,000 per annum)

·         - Female applicants

·         - Students with disabilities

·         - Learners from rural communities

·         - Applicants studying locally

·         - Strong academic performers

·         - Applicants aligned with the MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations (SPOI)

Application Window:
Opens: 22 June 2025
Closes: 31 July 2025

Only successful candidates will be contacted.
If you do not hear from MQA by 1 October 2025, consider your application unsuccessful.

Apply here: Bursary Application Link for Employed Individuals.

Contact Details for MQA Officials

Mr Diiteleni Tshisevhe
Institutions: University of Limpopo, University of Venda, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Sol Plaatjie University, TVET Colleges in Limpopo, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and North West
Email: DiiteleniT@mqa.org.za
Tel: 011 547 5705

Ms Jenny Kekana
Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of Mpumalanga, Nkangala TVET College, Ehlanzeni TVET College
Email: JennyK@mqa.org.za
Tel: 011 547 2654

Mr Tebogo Thankge
Institutions: Universities in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West
Email: TebogoT@mqa.org.za
Tel: 011 547 2755

Mr Vutomi Chauke
Institutions: UNISA, TUT, UKZN, DUT, MUT, UZ, UFS, CUT, VUT, TVET Colleges in KZN and Free State
Email: VutomiC@mqa.org.za
Tel: 011 547 2625

Ninety One, a leading global investment manager rooted in South Africa, is committed to empowering talented young South Africans through education. Through its Changeblazers Bursary Programme, Ninety One offers more than just financial aid — it provides holistic support aimed at nurturing the next generation of professionals who will make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s economy and society.

This bursary is tailored for matriculants entering their first year of university in 2026. It is designed not only to alleviate the financial burden of tertiary education but also to develop well-rounded, confident, and capable graduates ready to thrive in their chosen careers and become change-makers in their communities.

What the Ninety One Bursary Offers

Recognising that financial assistance alone is not enough, the Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary offers comprehensive, full-support funding. Recipients can expect:

• Full coverage of tuition fees at an accredited South African public university.
• Accommodation and meals, ensuring students have a safe and conducive environment to live and study.
• Learning materials, such as prescribed textbooks and required academic tools.
• Private tutoring for additional academic support in challenging subjects.
• Career guidance and mentorship, to help students make informed professional decisions.
• Mental health and emotional wellness support, acknowledging the challenges many students face in adjusting to university life.
• Resilience training to build personal strength and adaptability.
• Financial wellbeing sessions to equip students with lifelong money management skills.

In addition to this extensive support, Ninety One offers incentives to top-performing students in the programme:

• Driver’s license support in the final year of study — a vital asset for employability.
• A graduation gift — a start-up working wardrobe, giving students the confidence to step into the professional world.

Who Should Apply?

Ninety One is looking for motivated, high-achieving learners from under-resourced communities who are passionate about creating a better South Africa through their chosen field. Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Grade 12 (matric) and entering their first year of university in 2026.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and potential.
• Have a household income that shows financial need.
• Display leadership potential, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in society.

Fields of Study Covered

Ninety One’s bursary programme supports a range of high-impact and in-demand fields aligned with South Africa’s development priorities. These include:

Business, Finance and Economics

This includes degrees such as BCom (Accounting, Finance, Economics), Actuarial Science, and Investment Management — ideal for students interested in shaping the financial future of the country.

Technology & Computer Science

Fields like Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems are crucial in the fourth industrial revolution.

Engineering

Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and other Engineering disciplines essential for national infrastructure and industrial development.

Healthcare (excluding Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science)

Degrees such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health.

Psychology

Supporting mental health and wellbeing through counselling, clinical psychology, and research.

Education

Particularly in scarce skills subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology, where quality educators are urgently needed.

How to Apply

If you're ready to be a #Changeblazer and begin your journey toward making a difference in South Africa, here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the Bursary Application Page

Applications are processed via CareerWise, the bursary management partner of Ninety One. Visit www.careerwise.co.za and click on “Apply Now”.

2. Register or Log In

Create a profile or log in if you already have one. Make sure to complete your profile with accurate academic, personal, and financial details.

3. Select ‘Ninety One Bursary’

Once logged in, search for the Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary Programme and begin your application.

4. Submit Required Documents

You’ll be required to upload:

• A certified copy of your South African ID
• Your latest Grade 12 results or most recent academic transcript
• Proof of household income
• A motivation letter (if requested)
• Any additional documents specified on the platform
4. Submit Before the Deadline

Applications typically close in late September, but it’s best to check the website for the exact deadline each year.

Why Choose Ninety One?

Ninety One isn’t just offering a bursary — they are investing in your future. By joining this programme, you’ll gain access to a supportive community, world-class resources, and development opportunities that extend beyond graduation. This is your chance to pursue your dreams, shape your future, and play a role in transforming South Africa.

If you are a driven matriculant from a disadvantaged background with a passion for your studies and a desire to make a real impact, the Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary Programme is designed with you in mind. Take the leap — apply today, and begin your journey as a future leader and change-maker in South Africa.

The Investec CSI (Corporate Social Investment) Bursary Programme stands out as more than just financial assistance for university education—it is an investment in the holistic development of young South Africans. Driven by a vision to nurture well-rounded, work-ready graduates who are socially aware and economically active, the Investec bursary equips recipients with the tools they need not only to succeed academically, but also to thrive in the professional world.

This prestigious bursary is aimed at academically talented and financially deserving students who intend to pursue undergraduate degrees in fields relevant to the financial services sector and beyond, including commerce, engineering, law, computer science, and medicine. By supporting promising individuals from under-resourced communities, Investec aims to contribute meaningfully to transformation and economic growth in South Africa.

What the Investec CSI Bursary Covers

Investec offers full-cost bursaries, meaning that the bursary covers all essential educational expenses. This includes:

The bursary is administered in partnership with StudyTrust, a national bursary administrator and youth development organisation.

Who Can Apply?

The Investec CSI Bursary is open to:

Applicants must demonstrate both academic potential and financial need. Students who are in a gap year after Grade 12 are also eligible, provided they have not enrolled at a tertiary institution previously.

Eligible Fields of Study

Investec funds undergraduate degrees that align with critical skills required in the financial services sector and broader economy. These include:

Academic Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet strict academic criteria:

Note: Only applications from public universities in South Africa will be considered. Bursaries will not be awarded for studies at private tertiary institutions.

Required Supporting Documents

All applications must include certified copies of the following documents:

Note: Incomplete applications or missing documents will result in disqualification.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed on a combination of:

Strong candidates are those who not only meet the academic requirements but also demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a clear vision for their future.

Career Guidance Support

Recognising that many students are unsure about which career path to pursue, Investec also offers career development support through its CareerXplora platform. This interactive online tool provides guidance in:

Students can visit www.careerxplora.com or chat live with trained facilitators via WhatsApp on 057 814 5978.

How to Apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Application Steps:

Important Notes

Conclusion

The Investec CSI Bursary is more than just financial relief—it is a transformative opportunity for academically gifted students from under-resourced backgrounds. By investing in the education and personal development of future professionals, Investec is shaping a generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future. If you meet the criteria and are driven to excel, this bursary could be your first step towards a brighter, more empowered future.