About this role
MQA Bursary Scheme 2027
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Scheme. Funding opportunities are available for employed mining sector workers and financially needy, academically deserving students at public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges. Applications close on 19 November 2026.
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting applications for its 2027 Bursary Scheme, offering financial assistance to eligible students pursuing qualifications relevant to the mining and minerals sector.
The bursary scheme provides funding opportunities for two categories of applicants: individuals currently employed in the mining and minerals sector who wish to further their studies, and unemployed students who require financial assistance to pursue higher education at public universities, universities of technology and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Through this initiative, the MQA aims to increase the number of skilled professionals entering the mining and minerals industry while supporting skills development and transformation within the sector.
Both application windows have a closing date of 19 November 2026. Interested applicants and participating institutions are encouraged to complete the relevant application processes before the deadline.
About the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
The Mining Qualifications Authority is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) responsible for supporting skills development within South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Established in terms of the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998, the organisation plays an important role in developing skills, improving access to education and strengthening the availability of qualified professionals in the industry.
The MQA Bursary Scheme was established to encourage more students to pursue careers in mining and minerals-related fields.
The programme supports students studying at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges, helping to develop the technical and professional skills required by the sector.
For the 2027 academic year, the MQA has announced separate application arrangements for employed and unemployed bursary applicants.
- MQA Bursary for Employed Applicants – 2027
The first application window is specifically intended for individuals who are currently employed in the mining and minerals sector.
The MQA is inviting employed workers to apply for bursary funding to support their studies during the 2027 academic year.
This opportunity is intended to assist employees who want to further their education, improve their professional qualifications and develop additional skills relevant to the mining and minerals industry.
Interested employed applicants must complete the online application through the designated MQA bursary application portal.
Application Link: https://sims.mqa.org.za/bursaryApplicationSocioEcoSelect
Closing Date: 19 November 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
The MQA has indicated that communication will be limited to successful applicants. Individuals who have not received communication from the organisation by 15 December 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
- MQA Bursary for Unemployed Students – 2027
The second application window focuses on bursary support for financially needy and academically deserving unemployed students.
For this category, the MQA is inviting public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges to apply for bursary funding on behalf of eligible students for the 2027 academic year.
Unlike the employed bursary application process, this funding window involves participating educational institutions submitting applications on behalf of qualifying students.
The initiative aims to improve access to higher education and technical training for students who demonstrate academic potential but require financial assistance to continue their studies.
Eligible students should contact their respective institutions to establish the applicable application and selection procedures.
Institutional Application Portal: https://mqaoneview.org.za/webui/index.zul
Closing Date: 19 November 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
MQA Bursary Scheme 2027: Important Details
CategoryDetails
OrganisationMining Qualifications Authority (MQA)
OpportunityMQA Bursary Scheme 2027
Academic Year2027
Application CategoriesEmployed and unemployed students
Employed ApplicantsCurrently employed in the mining and minerals sector
Unemployed ApplicantsFinancially needy and academically deserving students
InstitutionsPublic universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges
Funding PurposeTertiary education and skills development
Application Deadline19 November 2026
Unsuccessful Applicant NotificationBy 15 December 2026
Official Websitehttps://www.mqa.org.za/