Mining Qualifications Authority Bursaries for 2026
Deadline: 31 July 2025
Location: South Africa
About Mining Qualifications Authority Bursaries
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is currently accepting applications for the 2026 academic year bursary programme.
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
MORE OPPORTUNITIES:
- Macmillan Foundation Bursary 2026 for South Africans
- Vodacom Bursaries for 2026
- Permanent Groundsman vacancy at Faircape
Technical Vocational Education and Training (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 MQA reserves the right to allocate up to 20% of the total bursary funds for the 2026 academic year to qualifications not specified below, but which the MQA considers essential for the mining and minerals industry.
The MQA Bursary Program was created to boost the number of students pursuing careers in the mining and minerals industry.
Currently, the bursary program continues to support students by providing them with the chance to pursue these careers at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
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)
- Preference will be given to the following applicants/ students: Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI), females, those with disabilities, living in rural communities, applied to study at their local tertiary institutions, strong academic record, studying occupations in line with MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list
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
- Preference will be given to the following applicants/ students: Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI), females, those with disabilities, living in rural communities, applied to study at their local tertiary institutions, strong academic record, studying occupations in line with MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list
How to apply
To apply, visit MQA bursaries portal.
Note: Late applications will not be considered.
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