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 two 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.