The MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen currently in Matric or having completed Matric, studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate qualification, this opportunity could help you fund your education. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a South African statutory body responsible for promoting skills development in the mining and minerals sector. Established under the Skills Development Act, the MQA works with employers, training providers and other industry stakeholders to improve the skills, knowledge and qualifications of people working in the mining industry.
It supports training programmes, learnerships, apprenticeships, internships and other skills development initiatives aimed at preparing individuals for careers in mining and related fields. The MQA also helps address skills shortages in the sector by supporting education and training opportunities for young people and existing workers.
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programmes for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) • Sector: Mining and Minerals • Focus: Mining-related university, university of technology and TVET studies • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 is offering bursaries for studies within the Mining and Minerals sector for unemployed and employed applicants, covering the following fields:
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 — 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
Expenses Covered
The MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following expenses:
Unemployed
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation allowance
- Book allowance
- Meals allowance
Employed
- Tuition fees
- Book allowance
Eligibility Requirements for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
Unemployed
- 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 in financial need, with a combined household income of not more than R600,000 per annum (this will be verified by MQA)
Employed
- 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
Preference will be given to the following applicants/students:
- Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDI)
- Females
- Those with disabilities
- Those living in rural communities
- Those that applied to study at their local tertiary institutions
- Those with strong academic record
- Those studying qualifications that are in line with MQA Sectoral Priority Occupations Interventions (SPOI) list
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form.
- ID document
- Grade 11 final report or Matric mid-year report, if currently in Matric
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric
- Proof of acceptance at a University, University of Technology or TVET College for 2027, if available
- Full tertiary academic record, if currently studying (on institution’s letterhead)
- Parents or guardians ID documents
- Parents or guardians proof of household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, affidavit if not in contact with 1 or more parent, proof of SASSA payment if applicable, death certificate if deceased)
How to Apply for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027. Applications must be submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, based on whether you are an unemployed or employed applicant, including the relevant academic and financial requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, including proof of acceptance, academic records, and proof of household income.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official MQA application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027: 19 November 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact your relevant MQA Bursary Officials directly:
- Mr Diiteleni Tshisevhe
Tel: 011 547 5705
Email: DiiteleniT@mqa.org.za
Institutions: University of Limpopo, University of Venda, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Sol Plaatjie University, Sekhukhune TVET College, Vhembe TVET College, Mopani TVET College, Capricorn TVET College, Lephalale TVET College, Ekurhuleni West TVET College, Ekurhuleni East TVET College, South West Gauteng TVET College, Vuselela TVET College, Orbit TVET College, Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Northern Cape Urban TVET College, Central Johannesburg TVET College, Tshwane South TVET College, Tshwane North TVET College, Letaba TVET College, Taletso TVET College, Western TVET College, Waterberg TVET College - Ms Jenny Kekana
Tel: 011 547 2654
Email: JennyK@mqa.org.za
Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Nkangala TVET College, University of Johannesburg, University of Mpumalanga, Ehlanzeni TVET College - Mr Tebogo Thankge
Tel: 011 547 2755
Email: TebogoT@mqa.org.za
Institutions: University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of Fort Hare, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, North West University, University of Pretoria, Rhodes University, Walter Sisulu University, King Dalindyebo TVET College, Buffalo City TVET College - Mr Vutomi Chauke
Tel: 011 547 2625
Email: VutomiC@mqa.org.za
Institutions: Tshwane University of Technology, University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Zululand, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Majuba TVET College, Gert Sibande TVET College, University of the Free State, Motheo TVET College, Goldfields TVET College, Flavius Mareka TVET College, Central University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology, Sedibeng TVET College
MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
- Bursary Name: MQA Bursary Programme
- Sector: Mining and Minerals
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens (unemployed or employed within the mining sector)
- Fields of study: 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; plus TVET trades (Boilermaker, Electrician, Fitter and Turner, Millwright, Welder, etc.)
- Study level: Undergraduate and TVET (N4–N6 and NCV)
- Institution type: Public University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa
- Key requirements (Unemployed): Unemployed throughout studies, household income not exceeding R600,000 per annum
- Key requirements (Employed): Employed in the mining and minerals sector, not on an MQA funded Internship or Work Experience Programme
- Preference: HDIs, females, those with disabilities, rural community residents, strong academic records, SPOI-aligned qualifications
- Expenses covered: Unemployed: tuition, accommodation allowance, book allowance, meals allowance. Employed: tuition and book allowance
- Required documents: ID, Grade 11/Matric results, acceptance proof, academic record, parents/guardians ID and proof of income
- Application method: Online via MQA website
- Closing date: 19 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Who can apply for this bursary?
The MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 is open to South African citizens who are either unemployed (studying towards an undergraduate mining-related qualification) or employed within the mining and minerals sector, at a public University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa.
2. What fields of study are covered?
The bursary covers a wide range of mining-related fields, including Engineering, Geology, Mine Surveying, Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Operations Management, Quality Management, as well as TVET trades such as Boilermaker, Electrician, Fitter and Turner, Millwright, Welder, Plumber and more.
3. What expenses does the bursary cover?
Unemployed applicants: tuition fees, accommodation allowance, book allowance, and meals allowance. Employed applicants: tuition fees and book allowance.
4. Will postgraduate studies be funded?
No. Postgraduate studies will NOT be funded by this bursary.
5. Who receives preference for this bursary?
Preference is given to HDIs, females, those with disabilities, those living in rural communities, those who applied to study at their local tertiary institutions, those with strong academic records, and those studying qualifications aligned with the MQA SPOI list.
6. What documents do I need to submit?
You need to submit: ID, Grade 11/Matric results, proof of acceptance, full tertiary academic record (if studying), parents/guardians ID documents, and proof of household income.
7. What is the closing date?
The closing date for the MQA Bursary South Africa 2027 is 19 November 2026.
8. Where can I find more mining bursaries?
Visit latest mining bursaries in South Africa for 2027 or latest bursaries in South Africa for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore bursaries South Africa 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
Bursary Programme 2027
Promoting skills development • Addressing skills shortages in the mining and minerals sector