Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student interested in pursuing a career in the mining and minerals sector? The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary 2026/2027 is now open for applications, providing financial support to learners who wish to study mining-related qualifications at recognized South African universities and TVET colleges. As part of the MQA’s mandate to develop skills and promote education within the mining and minerals industry, this bursary programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment in one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.
The MQA Bursary Programme covers key costs such as tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation, meals, and in some cases, allowances, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial burden. Fields of study supported by the bursary include Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgy, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Mine Surveying, and Occupational Health and Safety, among others. By supporting these disciplines, the MQA plays a vital role in addressing scarce skills in South Africa’s mining industry while preparing students for rewarding careers.
Applying for the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary 2026/2027 not only provides financial assistance but also opens doors to future employment opportunities within the mining sector.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, required documents, and deadlines for the MQA Bursary 2026/2027.
About Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) was established under the Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996. As a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), MQA is responsible for skills development in the South African mining and minerals sector.
Its mission is to ensure that the industry has the right skills to improve employment equity, health and safety, and productivity. Through bursaries and training programmes, MQA helps prepare the next generation of professionals for careers in mining and related fields.
About The MQA Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
MQA is inviting students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme.
There are two types of bursaries available:
- Unemployed Bursaries – 430 available
- Employed Bursaries – 70 available
University & University of Technology Studies
Fields of study include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Health & Management
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Jewellery Design & Manufacturing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mine Surveying
- Mining Engineering
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Occupational Hygiene
- Occupational Medicine
- Operations Management
- Quality Management
TVET College Studies (Nated N4–N6 and NCV qualifications)
- Boilermaker
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter & Joiner
- Electrician
- Fitter & Turner
- Fitting (including Machinery)
- Instrumentation Mechanic
- Mechanical Fitter
- Motor Mechanic (Diesel & Automotive)
- Mechatronics
- Millwright
- Pipe Fitter
- Plumber
- Rigger Ropesman
- Welder
Note: Up to 20% of bursary funds may go to other qualifications not listed but deemed essential for the mining and minerals sector.
What The Bursary Covers
- Unemployed bursary: Tuition fees, accommodation allowance, books, and meals.
- Employed bursary: Tuition fees and books only.
Successful candidates will be notified by 1 October. If you do not hear back by then, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements for MQA Bursary Application 2026/2027
Unemployed Bursary Applicants:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Must plan to study for an Undergraduate qualification (postgraduate not funded).
- Must be studying or accepted at a public University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa.
- Must be unemployed throughout studies.
- Must come from a household with a combined income of R600 000 or less per year.
- Preference will be given to:
- Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)
- Females
- Students with disabilities
- Applicants from rural areas
- Those studying locally at nearby institutions
- Students with strong academic performance
- Applicants pursuing qualifications on MQA’s Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list
Employed Bursary Applicants:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be employed in the mining and minerals sector.
- Must be studying towards a mining-related qualification.
- Must be enrolled (or accepted) at a public University, University of Technology, or TVET College in South Africa.
- Must not already be funded under an MQA Internship or Work Experience Programme (P1/P2).
- Preference will also be given to the same priority groups listed above.
How To Apply for MQA Bursary 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online at: Click here start MQA Bursary Application 2026
Required Supporting Documents:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Grade 11 final results or Matric mid-year report (if currently in Matric)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (if completed)
- Proof of acceptance at a University, University of Technology, or TVET College (if available)
- Full tertiary academic record (if already studying)
- Certified copies of parents/guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income:
- Latest payslips if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Affidavit if not in contact with one or both parents
- Proof of SASSA grant (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if deceased)
Tip: Ensure all documents are certified and submitted clearly, or your application may be disqualified.
Closing Date for MQA Bursary Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 31 July
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Information of Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
For queries, contact the relevant MQA officials based on your institution:
- Mr Diiteleni Tshisevhe
- Tel: 011 547 5705
- Email: DiiteleniT@mqa.org.za
- Covers: Capricorn TVET, Central Johannesburg TVET, Ekurhuleni East & West TVET, Lephalale TVET, Letaba TVET, Mopani TVET, Northern Cape Rural & Urban TVET, Orbit TVET, Sefako Makgatho University, Sekhukhune TVET, Sol Plaatje University, South West Gauteng TVET, Taletso TVET, Tshwane North & South TVET, University of Limpopo, University of Venda, Vhembe TVET, Vuselela TVET, Waterberg TVET, Western TVET.
- Ms Jenny Kekana
- Tel: 011 547 2654
- Email: JennyK@mqa.org.za
- Covers: Ehlanzeni TVET, Nkangala TVET, University of Johannesburg, University of Mpumalanga, Wits University.
- Mr Tebogo Thankge
- Tel: 011 547 2755
- Email: TebogoT@mqa.org.za
- Covers: Buffalo City TVET, CPUT, King Dalindyebo TVET, Nelson Mandela University, North West University, Rhodes University, Stellenbosch University, UCT, Fort Hare, University of Pretoria, UWC, Walter Sisulu University.
- Mr Vutomi Chauke
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- Tel: 011 547 2625
- Email: VutomiC@mqa.org.za
- Covers: CUT, DUT, Flavius Mareka TVET, Gert Sibande TVET, Goldfields TVET, Majuba TVET, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Motheo TVET, Sedibeng TVET, TUT, UKZN, UNISA, University of the Free State, University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology.
