Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA): Bursaries 2026

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programmes, for the 2026 academic year.

MQA is offering 2 types of bursaries for studies within the Mining and Minerals sector – Unemployed Bursaries (430 bursaries will be awarded) and Employed Bursaries (70 bursaries will be awarded).

University and University of Technology studies:

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

TVET College studies (Nated courses: N4 to N6 and NCV qualifications):

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

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Unemployed bursary: tuition fees, accommodation allowance, book allowance and meals allowance.
• Employed bursary: tuition fees and book allowance.

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:
 

Unemployed bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards an Undergraduate qualification, in one of the aforementioned fields of study (postgraduate studies will NOT be funded)
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a public University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa
• You must be unemployed and must remain unemployed throughout your studies
• You must be in financial need, with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum (this will be verified by MQA)

Employed bursary:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently employed within the mining and minerals sector
• You must intend on pursuing studies for a qualification relevant to the mining related sector
• You must be studying or intend on studying at a public University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa
• You must NOT be currently on an MQA funded Internship Programme or a Work Experience (P1/P2) Programme

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

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