MQA Bursary Scheme
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) offers full-cost bursaries to South African students pursuing engineering and science qualifications relevant to the mining and minerals sector. The scheme runs two streams: Unemployed Bursaries for matriculants and school-leavers, and Employed Bursaries for people already working in the sector. Preference is given to historically disadvantaged individuals, females, persons with disabilities and rural residents.
- Amount
- Full-cost bursary: full tuition and registration fees, residence fees or accommodation allowance, books and meals, plus a semester allowance where applicable
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ For the Unemployed Bursary: currently in or completed Matric, must be unemployed and remain unemployed throughout studies
- ✓ For the Employed Bursary: currently employed in the mining and minerals sector and not on an MQA internship/work-experience programme
- ✓ Studying (or intending to study) full-time at a public South African tertiary institution (university, university of technology or TVET college)
- ✓ Combined household income not exceeding R600,000 per annum (verified by MQA; misrepresentation disqualifies the application)
- ✓ Pursuing a qualification in a field relevant to the mining and minerals sector
- ✓ Preference given to historically disadvantaged individuals, females, persons with disabilities and rural residents
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition and registration fees
- ✓ Residence fees or private accommodation allowance
- ✓ Books and meals
- ✓ Semester allowance per bursar (where applicable)
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) bursary application
- 1
Visit the MQA bursary application portal at sims.mqa.org.za during the open application window
- 2
Select the relevant stream (Unemployed or Employed Bursary)
- 3
Complete the online socio-economic and bursary application form
- 4
Upload a certified copy of your ID
- 5
Upload your latest academic records and Matric certificate
- 6
Upload your institution acceptance/registration letter
- 7
Upload your parents' or household income verification documents
- 8
Submit the application before the closing date and await MQA verification and selection
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Latest academic records / transcripts
- 📄 Matric (Grade 12) certificate or latest results
- 📄 Institution acceptance or registration letter
- 📄 Proof of parents' or household income (income verification)
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do MQA bursary applications open for 2027?
- The MQA has not yet announced 2027 dates. It runs separate employed and unemployed bursary windows, normally advertised mid-year on mqa.org.za under Adverts. Check that page for the official notice.
- What is the difference between the MQA Unemployed and Employed Bursaries?
- The Unemployed Bursary is for matriculants and school-leavers who are unemployed and must remain unemployed throughout their studies (around 430 awarded each year). The Employed Bursary is for people already working in the mining and minerals sector who are not on an MQA internship or work-experience programme (around 70 awarded each year).
- When does the MQA bursary application window open and close?
- The scheme runs annually. First-time applications for the 2026 academic year closed on 31 July 2025, and continuation applications for existing bursars closed on 22 January 2026. The next intake, for the 2027 academic year, is expected to open around mid-2026. Always check mqa.org.za/bursaries for the current dates.
- Is there a household income limit for the MQA bursary?
- Yes. Your combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per annum. MQA verifies this, and misrepresenting your income will disqualify your application.
- Which fields of study does the MQA bursary cover?
- The bursary supports qualifications relevant to the mining and minerals sector, including mining, metallurgical, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, geology, analytical chemistry, mine surveying, environmental and occupational health fields, and TVET trades such as boilermaker, electrician, fitter and turner, millwright and welder.
When do 2027 applications open?
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The MQA runs employed and unemployed bursary windows each year, usually advertised mid-year on mqa.org.za.
Check Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 11 547 2600
Information verified 2026-09-17. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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