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MQA Bursary Scheme 2027: Mining, Engineering and TVET Funding in South Africa

By / October 22, 2026

The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) has opened bursary applications for the 2027 academic year, offering financial support for studies in mining, engineering, technical and other skills needed by South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.

The MQA bursary scheme supports students studying at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges. For 2027, the MQA has announced two funding streams: one for people already employed in the mining and minerals sector, and another for unemployed students whose bursary funding applications are submitted through eligible public universities and TVET colleges.

Closing date: 19 November 2026.

Applicants should carefully check which funding stream applies to them before applying.

MQA Bursary Scheme 2027: Overview

  • Bursary provider: Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA)

  • Academic year: 2027

  • Study level: University, university of technology and TVET college qualifications, depending on the funding stream

  • Fields of study: Mining, engineering, artisan trades and selected technology-related qualifications

  • Closing date: 19 November 2026

  • Official website: https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/

1. MQA Bursary for Employed Applicants

The MQA has announced 200 bursary opportunities for the 2027 academic year for South African citizens who are already employed in the mining and minerals sector and want to pursue a relevant qualification.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens.

  • Already be employed in the mining and minerals sector.

  • Intend to study a qualification relevant to the mining and minerals industry.

  • Meet the admission and other requirements for their chosen qualification.

Applicants currently on an MQA-funded internship or Work Experience (P1/P2) programme are not eligible for this bursary stream because this may be regarded as double funding.

What does the bursary cover?

For employed bursars, the MQA states that funding covers:

  • Tuition fees.

  • Book allowances.

The published announcement does not specify a fixed rand value for the bursary.

Which qualifications are supported?

TVET college qualifications

  • Boilermaker

  • Motor Mechanic (Diesel)

  • Electrician

  • Fitter and Turner

  • Fitting, including Machining

  • Instrumentation Mechanic

  • Millwright

  • Rigger Ropesman

University and university of technology qualifications

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Electromechanical Engineering

  • Environmental Geology

  • Environmental Health and Management

  • Environmental Management

  • Environmental Science

  • Geology

  • Geo-metallurgy

  • Industrial Engineering

  • Jewellery Design Manufacturing

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Metallurgical Engineering

  • Mine Surveying

  • Mining Engineering

  • Occupational Health and Safety

  • Occupational Hygiene

  • Occupational Medicine

  • Operations Management

  • Physics and Hydrogeology

  • Quality Management (Analytical Chemistry)

The MQA may also consider some additional qualifications it identifies as important to the mining and minerals sector, within the limits described in its official announcement.

How to apply

Eligible employed applicants can apply through the MQA’s online bursary application system:

Application link: https://sims.mqa.org.za/bursaryApplicationSocioEcoSelect

The application period runs from 19 October to 19 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

2. MQA Bursary Funding for Unemployed Students

The MQA has also announced 500 bursary opportunities for unemployed students for the 2027 academic year. This funding is intended for financially needy and academically deserving students registered at eligible public universities and TVET colleges.

Important: This funding stream is administered through the participating institutions. Students should contact their university or TVET college to establish whether they qualify and how their institution will handle the process.

Which qualifications are supported?

University

  • Mining Engineering

TVET colleges

  • Boilermaker

  • Motor Mechanic

  • Electrician

  • Fitter and Turner

  • Fitting, including Machinery

  • Instrumentation Mechanic

  • Millwright

  • Rigger Ropesman

The MQA will also consider certain full qualifications at TVET colleges linked to technology and energy priorities, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • 3D Printing

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

  • Automation Technology

  • Cloud Computing

  • CNC Machining

  • Coding

  • Cyber Security

  • Drone Technology

  • Internet of Things

  • Networking and Programming

  • Renewable Energy Technologies

  • Robotics and Programming

  • Software Simulation

  • Solar and Photovoltaics Technology

  • Welding Robotics

The official announcement also lists other technology-related areas. Students should confirm that their specific qualification is covered before relying on this funding.

How to apply

The application is submitted by the relevant public university or TVET college, rather than through the employed-applicant form.

Students should contact their institution’s financial aid office or bursary department to ask whether it participates in the MQA funding process and what documents it requires.

Institutional application portal: https://mqaoneview.org.za/webui/index.zul

The institutional funding application window closes on 19 November 2026.

Required documents

The documents required may differ between the two funding streams and the institution involved. Applicants should follow the official online application instructions or their institution’s guidance.

Prepare to provide relevant supporting documents if requested, such as proof of identity, academic results, proof of registration or admission, and other documents required to assess eligibility. Do not assume that a document checklist from an older MQA application form applies to the 2027 process.

Important information for applicants

  • The deadline for both advertised funding streams is 19 November 2026.

  • Late applications will not be considered.

  • The employed bursary is only for South African citizens already working in the mining and minerals sector.

  • Unemployed students should contact their public university or TVET college about the institutional funding process.

  • The MQA states that communication for the employed bursary will be limited to successful applicants. If you have not received communication by 15 December 2026, the announcement advises you to consider your application unsuccessful.

  • Funding is not guaranteed simply because an application has been submitted.

Contact the MQA

For bursary-related enquiries, the MQA lists the following contact:

Applicants applying through an institution should also contact that institution’s bursary or financial aid office.

Apply for the MQA Bursary Scheme

If you are already employed in the mining and minerals sector, check the employed bursary requirements and submit your application through the official MQA portal. If you are unemployed and studying at a public university or TVET college, contact your institution to find out whether you can be considered for the 2027 funding.

Closing date: 19 November 2026.

Use the official MQA website to confirm the latest requirements before submitting your application.

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