MQA: Bursaries 2025

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programmes, for the 2025 academic year.

MQA is offering 2 types of bursaries:

• Unemployed Bursaries (700 bursaries to be awarded)
• Employed Bursaries (70 bursaries to be awarded).

Fields of study:

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following fields, related to the mining and minerals sector:

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 and allowances for accommodation, books, and meals.
• Employed bursary: tuition fees and allowances for books. Funding for international study tours, conferences and seminars will not be considered.

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 a historically disadvantaged individual (White males under the age of 35 years will be considered)
• 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)
• You must have a strong academic record
• Preference will also be given to students from the following provinces: Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North-West and KwaZulu-Natal
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply

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
• You must be a historically disadvantaged individual (White males under the age of 35 years will be considered)
• You must be an MQA levy-paying or levy-exempted employers
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply