MQA: Bursary Programme 2026

The Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) is excited to extend an invitation to learners currently in grade 12 or those already enrolled at a public university, university of technology, or a TVET college to apply for a MQA bursary for the 2026 academic year. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure financial support for your studies!

Position: Bursary Programme 2026
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 31 July 2025

The MQA Bursary Scheme was established to increase the number of students taking careers in the mining and minerals sector.

Today the bursary scheme continues to assist students by offering them the opportunity to study these careers at Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The MQA bursary is available to students that have enrolled with universities, TVET colleges, and universities of technology.

The bursary scheme covers full tuition and registration fees; residence fees or private accommodation allowance; books and meals; allowance per bursar per semester, where applicable.

BURSARY APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 FUNDING OPEN ON 22 JUNE 2025 FOR:

UNEMPLOYED LEARNERS
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE MINING AND MINERALS SECTOR

1. BURSARY APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR FOR UNEMPLOYED LEARNERS

The MQA would like to invite learners who are presently in grade 12 or are already studying at a public university, university of technology or a TVET college to apply for a MQA bursary for the 2026 academic year of study.

A total of 430 bursary opportunities will be available for the 2026 academic year.

The bursary will cover tuition fees, allowances for accommodation, books and meals.

NB: The bursary is ONLY available to South African citizens.

The MQA bursary scheme focuses on funding the following qualifications at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges as indicated hereunder.

Qualifications funded at universities and universities of technology:

Metallurgical Engineering
Analytical Chemistry
Jewellery Design and Manufacturing
Electro-Mechanical Engineering
Geology
Industrial Engineering
Mining Engineering
Occupational Health and Safety
Mechanical Engineering
Occupational Hygiene
Mine Surveying
Occupational Medicine
Electrical Engineering
Operations Management
Chemical Engineering
Quality Management
Environmental Health and Management
Environmental Science

Qualifications funded at TVET colleges:

Boilermaker
Fitting (including Machinery)
Motor Mechanic (Diesel)
Instrumentation Mechanic
Electrician
Millwright
Fitter and Turner
Rigger Ropesman
Plumber
Carpenter and Joiner
Welder
Pipe Fitter
Mechatronics
Mechanic including automotive mechanic
Mechanical Fitter
Bricklayer

However, the MQA may allocate 20% of the total bursary allocations for qualifications which are not listed above, which the MQA may deem as qualifications necessary for the mining and minerals sector.

Preference will be given to the following aspects in the selection of candidates:

Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI).
Financially needy applicants – with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum – household income will be verified by MQA, and misrepresentation of household income will disqualify the application.
Female applicants.
Applicants with a disability;
Applicants living in rural communities.
Applicants who have applied to study at their local tertiary institutions.
Candidates with a strong academic record.
Candidate who are studying occupations in line with MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list.

APPLICATION WINDOW

The application window will open from 22 June 2025 and close on 31 July 2025.

To qualify for the bursary, the applicant must be unemployed at the time of the application and remain unemployed for the duration of his/her studies.

Please note that communication will be limited to successful applicants only.

If you have not received any communication from MQA by 1 October 2025, then consider your application as being unsuccessful.

APPLICATION LINK

More information about the MQA Bursary Programme, selection criteria and rules, as well as the online application form can be obtained from the following link:

Bursary Application Link for Unemployed Learners

2. BURSARY APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR FOR PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE MINING AND MINERALS SECTOR

The MQA would like to invite persons who are CURRENTLY employed within the mining and minerals sector and who would like to pursue studies for a qualification relevant to the mining sector to apply for a MQA bursary for the 2026 academic year of study.

A total of 70 bursary opportunities for employed bursars will be available for the 2026 academic year and for those that commenced with their studies in the second semester of 2025 academic year. The bursary will cover tuition and allowances for books ONLY.

The bursary is not available to applicants presently on an MQA funded Internship Programme or a Work Experience (P1/P2) Programme as this may be considered as “double dipping”.

NB: The bursary is ONLY available to South African citizens only.

Preference will be given to the following aspects in the selection of candidates:

Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI).
Female applicants.
Applicants with a disability.
Applicants living in rural communities.
Applicants who have applied to study at their local tertiary institutions.
Candidates with a strong academic record.
Candidate who are studying occupations in line with MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list.

APPLICATION WINDOW

The application window will open from 22 June 2025 and close on 31 July 2025.

Please note that communication will be limited to successful applicants only.

If you have not received any communication from MQA by 1 October 2025, then please consider your application as being unsuccessful.

APPLICATION LINK

More information about the MQA Bursary Programme, selection criteria and rules, as well as the online application form can be obtained from the following link:

Bursary Application Link for Employed Individuals

MQA Bursary Officials and institutions for which they are responsible:

The following MQA persons can be contacted for queries or assistance with applications for the specific institutions:

Mr Diiteleni Tshisevhe: