Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary South Africa 2026: Excellent funding for Mining Engineering, Geology & More – Requirements & Alternatives

The Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary was established to increase the number of students taking careers in the mining and minerals sector. Today the bursary scheme continues to assist students by offering them the opportunity to study these careers at Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The MQA bursary is available to students that have enrolled with universities, TVET colleges, and universities of technology. The bursary scheme covers full tuition and registration fees; residence fees or private accommodation allowance; books and meals; allowance per bursar per semester, where applicable. The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the Mining and Minerals Sector in terms of the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998.

The Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary would like to invite employed and unemployed current MQA-funded bursars to apply for continuation of their bursary support for 2026 academic year.https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/

Quick Summary of the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

7. Table of Contents

• Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary Overview
• Who the Bursary is For
• Fields of Study Covered
• What the Bursary Covers
• Eligibility Requirements
• Required Documents
• Step-by-Step How to Apply
• Closing Date
• Selection Process (if available)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Important Notes & Warnings
• Related Searches Section

Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary Overview

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the mining and minerals sector in South Africa. It was established in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Skills Development Act to promote skills development and transformation in the sector. MQA helps train workers and students for jobs in mining, like engineers, geologists, and technicians.

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Bursary South Africa 2026 is a program to help students study in mining-related fields. It supports unemployed and employed students to get qualifications that the mining industry needs. The bursary is for studies at public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges.

MQA awarded 430 unemployed bursaries and 70 employed bursaries for 2026. The program helps fight skills shortages in mining and gives young people a chance to get good jobs.

Important update for 2026: First-time applications closed on 31 July 2025. Continuation for current bursars closed on 22 January 2026. The bursary is now closed. This page gives you the full honest details based on official sources so you know what the bursary offered and what to do next.

The MQA bursary is one of the best ways to get funded for mining studies without big debt. It has helped thousands of students and placed them in jobs in the sector. If you are a student with good marks and want to work in mining, this bursary can make your dream come true – but since it is closed, check the alternatives below.

The bursary is part of MQA’s work to transform the mining sector and create more opportunities for previously disadvantaged people. It is funded by levies from mining companies. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)

Who the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary is For

The MQA bursary is for South African students who:

• Are employed or unemployed
• Have good academic results
• Want to work in mining after studies
• Come from disadvantaged backgrounds (preference)

It is great for school-leavers or workers who want to upskill in mining fields like engineering or geology. Preference goes to students from rural areas or mining communities.

Fields of Study Covered by the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

The bursary covers mining and minerals sector qualifications, including:

• Mining Engineering
• Geology
• Metallurgy
• Mine Surveying
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering (Mineral Processing)
• Environmental Health & Management
• Jewellery Design & Manufacturing
• Electro-Mechanical Engineering
• Diesel Mechanics
• Fitting (including Machinery)
• Boiler making
• Millwright
• Fitter & Turner
• Welding
• Rigging
• Instrumentation Mechanic
• Electrician
• Earth Moving Equipment Mechanic
• Toolmaking
• Motor Mechanic

These fields are for NQF level 6 or above at public institutions.

What the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary Covers

• Full tuition and registration fees
• Residence or private accommodation allowance
• Books and meals allowance
• Semester allowance (where applicable)

The bursary is for one year and renewed if you pass. The amount depends on your course and institution. You may have to do vacation work or internships.

Who Qualifies for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

You must meet ALL of these:

• South African citizen
• Completed Matric or equivalent
• Accepted or registered for a mining-related qualification at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college
• Good academic record
• Unemployed or employed in the mining sector
• Financial need (for unemployed)

Required Documents When applying for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

• Certified copy of ID
• Certified copy of Matric certificate
• Latest academic record
• Proof of acceptance or registration
• Proof of income (payslips or affidavit)
• Affidavit if unemployed

All certified.

Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

Applications are now closed, but this is exactly how it worked:

1. Go to the official MQA portal or download the form
2. Complete the form
3. Upload or attach all documents
4. Submit online or via email/post

For continuation, contact allocated MQA personnel by institution.

Closing Date for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

First-time: 31 July 2025 (closed) Continuation: 22 January 2026 (closed)

Selection Process for Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

• Applications screened for eligibility
• Shortlisting based on academics and need
• Final selection
• Successful students notified

Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

Q: Is the MQA Bursary open for 2026? A: No, first-time closed 31 July 2025; continuation closed 22 January 2026.

Q: Can employed students apply? A: Yes, for employed bursaries.

Q: What average do I need? A: Good academic record – not specified, but stronger marks help.

Q: Is it for TVET colleges? A: Yes, public TVETs for mining qualifications.

Q: Do I have to work back? A: Not officially specified.

Q: Alternatives if closed? A: Other SETA bursaries like MERSETA, or NSFAS.

Q: Who to contact? A: Allocated MQA personnel by institution (see official site).

Q: Is it for postgraduate? A: Not officially specified – mainly undergraduate.

Important Notes & Warnings When applying for the Mining Qualifications Authority Bursary

• The bursary is for mining fields only.
• Always use the official MQA website – never pay anyone.
• The bursary is limited – high competition.
• For 2027, check mqa.org.za from May 2026.
• Beware of scams using the MQA name.

Related Searches Section

Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Mining bursaries South Africa 2026 Geology bursaries 2026 Metallurgy bursaries South Africa Mine surveying bursaries MQA learnerships SETA bursaries South Africahttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/