MQA Bursary Scheme for the 2026 Academic Year
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
