MQA Bursaries 2027
MQA Bursaries 2027 applications are now open, offering educational funding opportunities for qualifying South Africans pursuing careers in mining, engineering, technology and related technical fields.
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) has announced two bursary funding programmes for the 2027 academic year, providing a combined 700 potential bursary opportunities.
The first programme offers 500 funding opportunities for financially needy and academically deserving unemployed students registered at eligible public universities and TVET colleges. The second provides 200 bursaries for qualifying individuals already employed within South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
Both application windows officially opened on 19 October 2026 and will close on 19 November 2026.
Prospective applicants should understand that the two programmes have different eligibility conditions and application procedures.
MQA Bursaries 2027: Programme Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) |
| Programme | MQA Bursary Scheme 2027 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Application status | Open |
| Opening date | 19 October 2026 |
| Closing date | 19 November 2026 |
| Unemployed student bursaries | 500 |
| Employed worker bursaries | 200 |
| Application method | Online, depending on programme |
| Official website | https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/ |
What Is the MQA Bursaries 2027 Scheme?
The Mining Qualifications Authority is a Sector Education and Training Authority established to support skills development within South Africa’s mining and minerals sector.
The organisation promotes education, training and professional development to address critical skills shortages within the industry.
Through its bursary scheme, MQA provides funding opportunities for qualifying learners and employed individuals pursuing relevant qualifications.
These opportunities help strengthen the skills base required for mining operations, technical services, engineering, innovation and related economic activities.
The 2027 bursary programme is divided into two funding categories.
1. MQA Bursaries 2027 for Unemployed University and TVET Students
The MQA has announced 500 bursary opportunities for academically deserving and financially needy unemployed students.
This funding is intended for students registered at eligible public universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges who will pursue approved qualifications during the 2027 academic year.
However, there is an important application requirement.
Students do not apply directly to MQA for this funding window.
Instead, public universities and TVET colleges submit funding applications on behalf of eligible students through the designated institutional application platform.
Funding agreements are administered through a Memorandum of Understanding between MQA and the participating institution.
Who May Benefit from MQA Bursaries 2027?
Potential beneficiaries include students who:
- Are registered or will be studying at eligible public institutions during 2027.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have satisfactory academic performance.
- Pursue qualifications aligned with MQA sector priorities.
- Meet the institution’s eligibility and selection requirements.
Students interested in this programme should contact their university’s financial aid office or their TVET college’s bursary administration office.
University Qualifications Funded for Unemployed Students
For the 2027 unemployed bursary funding window, the MQA specifically identifies:
- Mining Engineering.
This is the university-level qualification expressly listed in the published announcement.
Applicants should not assume that every engineering qualification qualifies under this particular funding category.
TVET College Qualifications Funded
The programme identifies several technical and artisan qualifications.
These include:
- Boilermaker.
- Motor Mechanic.
- Electrician.
- Fitter and Turner.
- Fitting, including machining-related training.
- Instrumentation Mechanic.
- Millwright.
- Rigger Ropes Man.
These qualifications are relevant to the technical workforce supporting mining and mineral processing operations.
Students pursuing these qualifications should contact their respective TVET colleges to enquire about eligibility and nomination arrangements.
MQA Bursaries 2027 for Technology and Innovation Studies
The MQA will also consider eligible TVET college students studying full qualifications connected to Just Energy Transition (JET) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) focus areas.
These include:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Cyber Security.
- Cloud Computing.
- Coding.
- Robotics and Programming.
- Renewable Energy Technologies.
- Solar and Photovoltaic Technology.
- Automation Technology.
- CNC Machining.
- 3D Printing.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality.
- Drones Technology.
- Internet of Things.
- Networking and Programming.
- Software Simulation.
- IT Linguistics.
- Welding Robotics.
The inclusion of these fields reflects the growing importance of digital technology, automation and sustainable energy within the mining industry.
Students must confirm whether their specific qualification and institution meet the applicable funding requirements.
How Unemployed Students Can Access MQA Bursaries 2027 Funding
Because institutions submit applications, unemployed students should follow this process.
Step 1: Contact your institution
Visit your university financial aid office or TVET college bursary office.
Step 2: Ask about the 2027 MQA bursary
Enquire whether the institution is participating in the 2027 MQA unemployed bursary funding window.
Step 3: Confirm your qualification
Ask whether your registered qualification falls within the approved study programmes.
Step 4: Provide required information
The institution may request academic results, registration information and documents confirming financial need.
Step 5: Follow institutional instructions
Complete any internal application or nomination requirements before the institution’s own deadline.
Step 6: Await the selection outcome
The institution will manage the relevant funding application and communication processes.
Official Institutional Application Portal for MQA Bursaries 2027
https://mqaoneview.org.za/webui/index.zul
Important: This portal is intended for participating institutions and should not be presented as a general individual student application portal.
2. MQA Bursaries 2027 for Employed Mining Workers
The MQA has separately announced 200 bursary opportunities for qualifying people currently employed within South Africa’s mining and minerals industry.
This programme enables eligible workers to pursue relevant qualifications that support career development and sector skills needs.
Unlike the unemployed institutional funding programme, qualifying employed applicants may submit their applications directly.
Who Can Apply for MQA Bursaries 2027?
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be currently employed within the mining and minerals sector.
- Intend to pursue a qualification relevant to the industry.
- Meet the relevant bursary and academic requirements.
- Complete the application within the official period.
Individuals currently participating in MQA-funded internship or P1/P2 work experience programmes are excluded from this funding opportunity to avoid duplicate funding.
Fields of Study for Employed Applicants
The employed bursary programme supports a wider selection of qualifications.
Engineering and Mining
- Mining Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Chemical Engineering.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Metallurgical Engineering.
- Electromechanical Engineering.
- Mine Surveying.
Science and Environmental Fields
- Analytical Chemistry.
- Geology.
- Environmental Science.
- Environmental Management.
- Environmental Geology.
- Geo-metallurgy.
- Physics and Hydrogeology.
Health, Safety and Management
- Occupational Health and Safety.
- Occupational Hygiene.
- Occupational Medicine.
- Environmental Health and Management.
- Operations Management.
- Quality Management.
Technical Qualifications
- Boilermaker.
- Motor Mechanic (Diesel).
- Electrician.
- Fitter and Turner.
- Instrumentation Mechanic.
- Millwright.
- Rigger Ropes Man.
Additional qualifications connected to mining, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and innovation may also be considered.
MQA states that up to 20% of total bursary allocations may be used for other qualifications it considers necessary for the sector.
What Does the MQA Bursaries 2027 Employed Cover?
The employed bursary programme provides support specifically for:
- Tuition fees.
- Book allowances.
The official advertisement does not state that accommodation, transport or living expenses will be covered under this employed bursary.
Applicants should plan accordingly and confirm the funding terms before accepting an award.
How to Apply for MQA Employed Bursaries 2027
Eligible employed applicants can apply online.
Step 1: Open the application portal
Visit the official MQA application website:
https://sims.mqa.org.za/bursaryApplicationSocioEcoSelect
Step 2: Read the programme requirements
Confirm that you meet the citizenship, employment and qualification requirements.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Provide accurate personal, employment and academic information.
Step 4: Submit required documents
Prepare any identification, employment verification, academic and admission documents required by the portal.
Step 5: Review your application
Check all information before submitting to avoid incomplete or incorrect details.
Step 6: Submit before 19 November 2026
Save your application reference or confirmation for future enquiries.
MQA Bursaries 2027 Closing Date
Both programmes close on:
19 November 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Employed applicants should submit their own applications before the deadline.
Students seeking unemployed bursary support should contact their institutions immediately, since internal nomination deadlines may be earlier than the MQA closing date.
MQA Bursaries 2027 Application Outcomes
For the employed bursary programme, MQA states that communication will be limited to successful applicants.
Applicants who have received no communication by 15 December 2026 should regard their applications as unsuccessful, according to the official notice.
For institutional bursaries, students should enquire about selection and award notifications through their universities or TVET colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions About MQA Bursaries 2027
Are MQA Bursaries 2027 open?
Yes. Applications opened on 19 October 2026 and close on 19 November 2026.
How many bursaries are available?
MQA announced 500 opportunities for unemployed students through institutional funding and 200 for qualifying employed mining-sector workers.
Can unemployed students apply directly?
No. For the advertised 2027 unemployed student funding window, universities and TVET colleges submit applications on behalf of eligible students.
Can Grade 12 learners apply directly?
The announced unemployed bursary window is an institutional funding process for students studying at participating institutions in 2027. Current Grade 12 learners should contact their intended institution to ask about eligibility and admission arrangements rather than assuming there is a direct application route.
Does MQA fund Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is among the technology focus areas identified for eligible TVET qualifications under the unemployed institutional programme. It is also listed as an innovation-related qualification for the employed bursary programme. Eligibility depends on the applicant category and qualification.
Does MQA cover accommodation?
The employed bursary specifically advertises tuition and book allowances only. Funding details for unemployed students should be confirmed through the participating institution.
Can employed mining workers apply?
Yes. Qualifying South African citizens already working in the mining and minerals sector may apply through the individual application portal.
MQA Contact Information
For bursary enquiries, contact the Mining Qualifications Authority.
Telephone: 011 547 2600
Email: info@mqa.org.za
Official website: https://mqa.org.za/
Institution-specific bursary contact details are also available on the official MQA bursaries page.
MQA Bursaries 2027
The MQA Bursaries 2027 provide educational funding opportunities for qualifying students and employed mining-sector workers in South Africa.
With 700 announced opportunities across two programmes, the bursary initiative supports important qualifications in mining, engineering, technical trades, technology and environmental management.
Unemployed students should approach their university or TVET college for guidance, while eligible employed applicants may submit applications through the separate MQA online portal.
Closing date: 19 November 2026
Official information: https://mqa.org.za/bursaries/
Disclaimer
ZA Vacancies is an independent employment and educational information platform. We are not affiliated with the Mining Qualifications Authority and do not process, approve or guarantee bursary applications.
Applicants should verify all information directly through the official MQA website.
Source: Mining Qualifications Authority, official bursary announcements published 19 October 2026.
Article updated: 29 October 2026.
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Last Updated: October 29, 2026