About The Organization – Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a South African organization that helps young people and workers get the skills needed to work in the mining and minerals industry. It was created to make sure the mining industry has enough trained and skilled people who can help improve safety, productivity and fairness in the workplace. The MQA works with schools, colleges, universities, and employers to support training and learning that leads to real jobs. It also makes sure mining training meets high quality standards.
About The Bursary Programme:
The MQA Bursary Programme helps students pay for their studies if they want to work in the mining and minerals sector. The bursary gives money to learners and students so they can afford to go to university, university of technology, or a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. It is open to both unemployed learners and people already working in mining who want to study for qualifications related to the industry.
🧾 What Does The Bursary Cover?
The bursary can help pay for:
* Tuition and registration fees
* Accommodation or private housing allowance
* Books and learning materials
* Meals and a semester allowance where applicable
🎯 Eligibility Requirements – Who Qualifies For Funding?
You can apply for the MQA bursary if you meet all of the following:
✔️ You are a South African citizen
✔️ You are in Grade 12 or already studying at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college
✔️ You are unemployed, OR currently employed in the mining and minerals sector and want to study a related qualification
✔️ You plan to study in one of the fields supported by MQA (like Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geology, Occupational Health & Safety, Analytical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and certain artisan trade qualifications at TVET level)
❌ Who Should Not Apply?
Do not apply for the MQA bursary if you:
❌ Are not a South African citizen
❌ Are studying in a course not supported by the MQA bursary fields
❌ Are studying at a private college that is not a public university, TVET college, or university of technology
❌ Are already funded for the same course by the MQA (unless you are applying to continue the bursary for the next year)
📝 How To Apply For The Bursary
1.Get the application form from the MQA website.
2. Fill in the form electronically (do not hand-write it).
3. Prepare certified copies of
Your ID
Latest school results or Matric certificate
Proof of acceptance or registration at your institution
Proof of household income (or affidavit if unemployed)
4.Submit everything online or by email to: [bursaries@mqa.org.za]
👉 Application Link: Visit the official MQA bursary page at [https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/]
📅 Opening Date:
➡️ January 2026 – First-time applicants for the 2026 academic year can start applying.
🗓️ Closing Date:
➡️ 22January 2026 – This is the deadline for submitting your bursary application. Late applications are not accepted.
📞 Bursary Department Contact Details:
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
📍 Physical address: 7 Anerley Road, Block C, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
📞Tel: 011 547 2600
📧 Email: [bursaries@mqa.org.za]
🌐Website: [https://www.mqa.org.za/bursaries/]
