The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary Scheme aims to support students pursuing careers in the mining and minerals sector. The scheme is available to both unemployed learners and currently employed individuals in the sector.

Applications open on 22 June 2025 and close on 31 July 2025.

1. For Unemployed Learners

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a South African citizen

• Currently in Grade 12, or already studying at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college

• Must be unemployed at the time of applying and remain unemployed throughout the duration of study

• Strong academic record

• Combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per annum

Fields of Study Supported (University & University of Technology)

• Mining Engineering

• Electrical, Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical, Industrial, Metallurgical & Chemical Engineering

• Analytical Chemistry

• Geology

• Environmental Science & Management

• Occupational Health, Medicine, Hygiene & Safety

• Mine Surveying

• Jewellery Design and Manufacturing

• Operations and Quality Management

Fields of Study Supported (TVET Colleges)

• Boilermaker

• Fitter and Turner

• Electrician

• Welder

• Motor Mechanic (Diesel & Automotive)

• Instrumentation Mechanic

• Rigger Ropesman

• Mechatronics

• Millwright

• Pipe Fitter

• Carpenter and Joiner

• Bricklayer

• Mechanical Fitter

• Plumber

Bursary Covers

• Full tuition and registration fees

• Accommodation (or private allowance)

• Books and meals

• Additional semester allowances (where applicable)

Documents Required

• Certified ID copy (not older than 3 months)

• Grade 12 certificate or Grade 11 results (if still in high school)

• Academic record (if already studying)

• Certified copies of parents’/guardian’s IDs

• Proof of income or sworn affidavits of unemployment

• Death certificates or affidavits if parents are deceased or missing

Apply here:
MQA Bursary Application – Unemployed Learners

2. For Employed Persons in the Mining and Minerals Sector

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a South African citizen

• Currently employed in the mining and minerals sector

• Studying (or planning to study) a qualification relevant to the mining sector

• Not already funded by an MQA internship or P1/P2 programme

Bursary Covers

• Tuition fees

• Book allowance only

Documents Required

• Certified ID copy

• Grade 12 certificate

• Academic record

• Letter from employer confirming support for application

Apply here:
MQA Bursary Application – Employed Individuals

Selection Preferences

The MQA gives preference to:

• Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs)

• Female applicants

• Applicants with disabilities

• Rural community residents

• Financially needy students

• Applicants studying in line with the MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI)

• Those studying at local public institutions

Contact Details for Assistance

For assistance with your bursary application, contact the MQA official responsible for your institution:

Mr Diiteleni Tshisevhe
DiiteleniT@mqa.org.za |  011 547 5705
Institutions: University of Limpopo, Vhembe TVET College, etc. (full list above)

Ms Jenny Kekana
JennyK@mqa.org.za |  011 547 2654
Institutions: University of Johannesburg, University of Mpumalanga, etc.

Mr Tebogo Thankge
TebogoT@mqa.org.za |  011 547 2755
Institutions: UCT, UWC, Rhodes, Fort Hare, etc.

Mr Vutomi Chauke
VutomiC@mqa.org.za |  011 547 2625
Institutions: UNISA, TUT, UKZN, UFS, DUT, etc.

Application Timeline

• Opening Date: 22 June 2025

• Closing Date: 31 July 2025

• Notification Deadline: 1 October 2025 (If no communication is received by this date, consider the application unsuccessful)