Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary 2025-2026
About the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA):
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) was established under the Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996. It operates as a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and plays a vital role in the South African mining and minerals sector. MQA’s primary focus is on driving transformation in the sector through skills development programs. Their mission is to ensure that the country’s mining and minerals sector has an adequate supply of skilled individuals to enhance employment equity, health and safety, and productivity standards.
About the MQA Bursary Programme:
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is offering bursaries for the 2025-2026 academic year. These bursaries are available to both unemployed learners and employed candidates within the mining and minerals sector. A total of 1000 bursaries will be awarded in various fields of study, including:
University and University of Technology students:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Health and Management
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Jewellery Design and Manufacturing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mine Survey
- Mining Engineering
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Occupational Hygiene
- Occupational Medicine
- Operations Management
- Quality Management
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College students:
- Boilermaker
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitting (including Machinery)
- Instrumentation Mechanic
- Millwright
- Motor Mechanic (Diesel)
- Rigger Ropes Man
MQA may also fund other qualifications necessary for the mining and minerals sector.
Coverage Value:
The MQA Bursary covers tuition fees, a book allowance, accommodation allowance, and a meal allowance.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the MQA Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Enrolled or intending to enroll in an Undergraduate qualification (postgraduate studies are not funded)
- Studying or intending to study at a public University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa
- Unemployed and remaining unemployed throughout the study period
Preference will be given to female candidates, students from rural communities, those who have applied to study at a local tertiary institution, students in financial need (with a total household income of less than R600,000 per year), those with a strong academic record, and historically disadvantaged individuals.
How to Apply:
To apply for the MQA Bursary, download and complete the MQA Bursary Application Form 2025-2026 (.pdf).
In the field asking how you heard about the MQA bursary, enter “Uni24.co.za.”
Supporting Documentation:
Submit clear copies of the following documents along with your completed application form:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final report or Matric mid-year report (certified copy) if currently in Matric
- Proof of acceptance at a University, University of Technology, or TVET College for 2025-2026 if currently in Matric (on institution’s letterhead)
- Matric certificate (certified copy) if completed Matric
- Full tertiary academic record (on institution’s letterhead) if currently studying
- Parents or guardians’ ID documents (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians’ proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, affidavit if not in contact with one or more parents, proof of SASSA payment if applicable, death certificate if deceased)
Application Submission:
Email your completed application form and all supporting documents in one email to: bursaries@mqa.org.za. In the email subject line, include your full name and ID Number.
Notes:
- The application form is in a fillable PDF format, and it should be completed electronically (preferably on a desktop computer or laptop) and not by hand.
- Rename the completed application form with your full name and surname.
- Properly name the supporting documents and do not submit them in a zipped folder.
- Ensure that all information provided in your application form is accurate and truthful, as false information and documents will lead to disqualification.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the MQA Bursary is 1 October. Ensure that you submit your application before this date to be considered.
Contact Information:
For any queries related to this bursary program, contact your nearest MQA regional office directly. Regional office contact details are provided on the MQA website.
