Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA): Bursaries for 2025

Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA): Bursaries for 2025 The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) invites students across South Africa to apply for its Bursary Programme for the 2025 academic year. The MQA, as a key player in the mining and minerals sector, has long recognized the need for developing skilled professionals who can contribute to the industry’s sustainability and growth. Through its bursary programme, the MQA provides financial support to students who are pursuing qualifications related to mining and minerals, offering them an opportunity to build a promising career in this vital industry.

The application deadline for the MQA Bursary Programme is 21 September 2024. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to ensure consideration.

Types of Bursaries Offered

For the 2025 academic year, the MQA is offering two distinct bursary categories:

1. Unemployed Bursaries: A total of 700 bursaries will be awarded to unemployed students.
2. Employed Bursaries: A total of 70 bursaries will be awarded to employed individuals who wish to further their studies in mining-related fields.

Fields of Study Covered by the MQA Bursary Programme

The MQA bursaries will cover a wide range of disciplines that are critical to the mining and minerals sector. These fields of study are divided into two categories: those pursued at universities and universities of technology, and those offered at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

University and University of Technology Studies

The MQA bursary will support students pursuing undergraduate qualifications in the following fields:

• 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

For those studying at TVET colleges, the bursary will cover the following Nated courses (N4 to 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

Additional Fields

The MQA reserves the right to allocate up to 20% of the total bursary funds for the 2025 academic year to qualifications not listed above but deemed essential for the mining and minerals industry.

Purpose of the MQA Bursary Programme

The MQA Bursary Programme was established with the goal of increasing the number of qualified professionals in the mining and minerals industry. The programme continues to support students in various ways, offering them the financial backing needed to pursue higher education at public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges.

Coverage of the MQA Bursary

The bursary provides financial support that covers several essential expenses for students:

• Unemployed Bursary: The bursary covers tuition fees and provides allowances for accommodation, books, and meals.
• Employed Bursary: The bursary covers tuition fees and provides allowances for books. However, funding for international study tours, conferences, and seminars will not be included.

Notification of Successful Applicants

Successful applicants will be notified by 30 November 2024. If you do not receive any communication from the MQA by this date, you should consider your application as unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for the bursary. Failing to meet these requirements will result in the disqualification of the application.

Unemployed Bursary Applicants

To qualify for the unemployed bursary, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the aforementioned fields (note: postgraduate studies will not be funded).
• Be enrolled or intend to enroll at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college in South Africa.
• Be unemployed and remain unemployed throughout their studies.
• Be historically disadvantaged individuals (white males under the age of 35 years will be considered).
• Demonstrate financial need, with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum (verified by the MQA).
• Have a strong academic record. Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA): Bursaries for 2025

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Preference will be given to students from the following provinces:

• Northern Cape
• Western Cape
• Eastern Cape
• North-West
• KwaZulu-Natal

Additionally, people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employed Bursary Applicants

To qualify for the employed bursary, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently employed within the mining and minerals sector.
• Intend to pursue a qualification relevant to the mining-related sector.
• Be studying or intend to study at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college in South Africa.
• Not be currently enrolled in an MQA-funded Internship Programme or a Work Experience (P1/P2) Programme.
• Be historically disadvantaged individuals (white males under the age of 35 years will be considered).
• Be employed by an MQA levy-paying or levy-exempted employer.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for the MQA Bursary Programme 2025

To apply for the MQA Bursary Programme, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official MQA website and navigate to the bursary section.
2. Download the bursary application form and ensure that all required fields are completed accurately.
3. Prepare all supporting documents, including proof of South African citizenship, academic records, proof of financial need, and any other relevant information.
4. Submit your completed application form and supporting documents before the deadline of 21 September 2024.

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted online at: MQA Bursary Application 2025

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified): Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA): Bursaries for 2025

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)

• ID document (certified copy)
• Grade 11 final report or Matric mid-year report, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Proof of acceptance at a University, University of Technology or TVET College for 2025, if available
• Full tertiary academic record, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
• Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copy)