The MQA Bursary 2027 is offered by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to support students pursuing studies linked to South Africa’s mining and minerals sector. For the 2027 academic year, MQA has announced separate funding windows for employed people already working in the mining and minerals sector and for unemployed bursars whose funding is administered through public universities and TVET colleges.
This distinction is important because the application route and eligibility depend on which category a student falls into. Applicants should therefore check the relevant MQA announcement rather than assuming that every student can apply directly.
MQA Bursary 2027: Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bursary | MQA Bursary 2027 |
| Provider | Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) |
| Study fields | Mining, engineering, technical trades and selected technology-related fields |
| Study level | University, university of technology and TVET College programmes, depending on the funding window |
| Location | South Africa |
| Closing date | 19 November 2026 |
| Funding | Depends on bursary category; confirmed funding includes tuition and/or specified allowances |
| Application method | Online, depending on applicant category |
| Official source | MQA |
| Status | OPEN as of 28 October 2026 |
MQA states that applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 19 October 2026 and close on 19 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
What Is the MQA Bursary?
The Mining Qualifications Authority is the Sector Education and Training Authority responsible for skills development in the mining and minerals sector.
The MQA Bursary Scheme was established to increase the number of students entering careers relevant to this sector. The scheme supports studies at higher education institutions and TVET colleges.
For 2027, the MQA has published two important bursary funding routes:
- Employed bursars – for South African citizens already employed in the mining and minerals sector.
- Unemployed bursars – funding for financially needy and academically deserving students through public universities and TVET colleges.
The unemployed bursary route is particularly important because individual students do not simply submit the same direct application used by employed applicants. MQA says public universities and TVET colleges must apply for funding on behalf of qualifying students.
That means students should check with their institution’s financial aid or bursary office about the MQA funding process.
Who Can Apply?
The MQA bursary requirements depend on the funding category.
1. Requirements for employed bursars
The 2027 employed bursary announcement states that applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be currently employed in the mining and minerals sector.
- Intend to study towards a qualification relevant to the mining-related sector.
- Study at an eligible university, university of technology or TVET College.
- Meet the applicable academic and programme requirements.
MQA has also indicated that 200 bursary opportunities will be available for employed bursars for the 2027 academic year.
There is an important restriction: applicants who are currently on an MQA-funded Internship Programme or Work Experience (P1/P2) Programme are not eligible under this employed bursary window because this could constitute double funding.
2. Requirements for unemployed bursars
The unemployed bursary arrangement is different.
MQA has invited public universities and TVET colleges to apply for funding for financially needy and academically deserving students who will be studying during 2027. The institution administers the funding through an agreement with MQA.
MQA has announced 500 bursary opportunities for unemployed bursars for 2027.
Students should therefore contact their institution to determine whether they are being considered for MQA funding and what internal requirements or documents must be submitted.
Academic requirements
MQA’s published 2027 announcements do not provide one universal minimum percentage that applies to every bursary applicant.
Students should therefore avoid relying on unofficial claims about a particular average. Check the latest MQA requirements and the requirements communicated by the university or TVET College.
Citizenship requirements
For the employed bursary route, MQA explicitly states that the bursary is available only to South African citizens already employed in the mining and minerals sector.
Financial requirements
For unemployed bursars, MQA describes the target group as financially needy and academically deserving students.
The exact financial assessment and documentation requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institution.
Age requirements
The current 2027 MQA bursary announcements do not state a general age limit. Applicants should therefore not assume that an age restriction applies unless it appears in the applicable official requirements.
Study requirements
The qualification must fall within an area supported by the relevant MQA funding window.
This is one of the most important checks to make before applying.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Funding differs according to the category.
For the 2027 employed bursary, MQA specifically states that the bursary will cover:
- Tuition
- Book allowances
The announcement does not confirm a general accommodation, meals or transport allowance for this funding window, so applicants should not assume that these costs will automatically be paid.
For unemployed bursars, MQA’s announcement confirms the funding programme but does not provide a universal student-by-student allowance breakdown. Students should obtain the applicable funding details from their university or TVET College.
This is an important distinction when budgeting for university or college. A bursary that covers tuition does not necessarily mean every living expense will be covered.
Fields of Study
The MQA bursary is focused on qualifications that support skills development in the mining and minerals sector.
University and university of technology fields
For the employed bursary route, the listed fields include:
- 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)
MQA also indicates that up to 20% of the total bursary allocation may be used for qualifications not specifically listed where MQA considers them necessary for the mining and minerals sector.
TVET College fields
The 2027 employed bursary announcement lists:
- Boilermaker
- Motor Mechanic (Diesel)
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitting, including Machining
- Instrumentation Mechanic
- Millwright
- Rigger Ropesman
Technology and future-skills areas
MQA also identifies a range of technology-related qualifications that may be supported, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- 3D Printing
- Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
- Automation Technology
- Cloud Computing
- CNC Machining
- Coding
- Cyber Security
- Drone Technology
- Internet of Things
- Networking and Programming
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Robotics and Programming
- Solar and Photovoltaics Technology
- Software Simulation
- Welding Robotics
The precise availability of these areas depends on the applicable MQA funding category and institution.
MQA Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The MQA Bursary 2027 closing date is 19 November 2026 for the currently advertised funding windows.
Applications opened on 19 October 2026.
MQA has clearly stated that late applications will not be considered.
Students should avoid waiting until the final day. Online systems can experience heavy traffic, and missing supporting information may require time to correct.
For the employed bursary, MQA says communication will be limited to successful applicants. Applicants who have not received communication by 15 December 2026 should regard their application as unsuccessful.
Documents You May Need
The exact documents depend on the applicant category and application route.
Applicants should prepare documents requested by the official application system or their institution rather than uploading unnecessary paperwork.
Depending on the applicable process, students may be asked for documents such as:
- South African ID
- Matric results or certificate
- Latest academic results
- Academic transcript
- Proof of registration
- Proof of employment for employed applicants
- Proof of financial need where required
- Admission or acceptance information
- Other supporting documents requested by the institution or MQA
These should be treated as potential supporting documents rather than a guaranteed MQA checklist, unless specifically requested in the applicable 2027 application instructions.
A useful preparation step is to make sure scanned documents are clear, current and readable before starting the application.
How to Apply for the MQA Bursary 2027
The correct MQA Bursary application route depends on your circumstances.
Employed applicants
If you are already employed in the mining and minerals sector:
- Confirm that you are a South African citizen.
- Check that you are currently employed in the mining and minerals sector.
- Check that your intended qualification is supported.
- Prepare the required supporting information and documents.
- Complete the MQA online bursary application.
- Review every field before submitting.
- Submit the application before 19 November 2026.
- Keep evidence that the application was submitted.
- Monitor communication from MQA.
OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINK: MQA Bursary 2027
PROGRAMME INFORMATION: MQA Bursary 2027
Unemployed students
The process is different for unemployed bursars.
MQA has invited public universities and TVET colleges to apply directly for bursary funding on behalf of financially needy and academically deserving students.
If you are an unemployed student:
- Confirm that your university or TVET College is participating in the applicable MQA funding process.
- Contact the institution’s financial aid or bursary office.
- Ask whether MQA funding is available for your programme.
- Confirm the institution’s internal deadline.
- Submit any documents requested by the institution.
- Confirm that your programme is among those eligible for MQA support.
- Follow up through the institution if you need clarification.
The MQA system for institutional applications is:
MQA institutional bursary application portal
Do not submit an unemployed bursary application through the employed-person process simply because you find that link online.
ALSO APPLY FOR: ArcelorMittal SA Bursary 2027
Important Things Applicants Should Check
Before submitting an MQA bursary application, check the following:
- Your applicant category: employed or unemployed.
- Your qualification: make sure it is eligible.
- Your institution: confirm that it participates where institutional funding is required.
- Your documents: ensure they are complete and legible.
- Your personal details: check your ID number, contact information and academic details carefully.
- The deadline: submit before 19 November 2026.
- Existing funding: check whether another MQA-funded programme creates a double-funding problem.
- Application evidence: keep confirmation or other proof of submission.
- Official communication: use MQA’s website and official institutional channels for updates.
One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming that a qualification is funded simply because it appears related to mining. The safest approach is to compare the exact qualification with the current MQA list.
How to Avoid MQA Bursary Scams
Bursary seekers are often targeted by scams, particularly when funding opportunities become widely shared online.
Protect yourself by following these rules:
- Use the official MQA website to verify announcements.
- Do not pay someone who claims they can guarantee bursary approval.
- Never provide your banking PIN or OTP.
- Do not share passwords with another person.
- Be cautious of WhatsApp messages containing suspicious application links.
- Check the domain name before entering personal information.
- Do not assume a social-media post is genuine simply because it uses the MQA name or logo.
- If an agent demands payment to “secure” your bursary, stop and verify the opportunity independently.
The MQA publishes its bursary announcements and application information on its official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the MQA Bursary 2027 close?
The closing date for the currently advertised 2027 MQA bursary funding windows is 19 November 2026. MQA states that late applications will not be considered.
Who qualifies for the MQA Bursary 2027?
Eligibility depends on the funding category. The employed bursary is for South African citizens who are already employed in the mining and minerals sector. The unemployed bursary route targets financially needy and academically deserving students through public universities and TVET colleges.
What does the MQA bursary cover?
For employed bursars, MQA confirms tuition and book allowances. Other costs should not be assumed to be covered unless officially confirmed.
Can first-year students apply?
The 2027 announcements do not establish one blanket first-year rule applicable to every MQA funding category. Prospective students should check the requirements of their institution and the relevant MQA funding route.
Official Source
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is the official provider of the bursary.
Applicants should use the MQA’s official bursary information page and the specific application system relevant to their category.
The MQA bursary office can also be contacted through the organisation’s official contact channels.
Final Thoughts
The MQA Bursary 2027 is particularly relevant to students pursuing qualifications connected to mining, engineering, technical trades and selected future-focused technologies.
The most important point is to identify the correct application route. Employed applicants in the mining and minerals sector apply through the designated MQA process, while unemployed students are supported through participating public universities and TVET colleges.
With the 19 November 2026 closing date approaching, applicants should verify their qualification, funding category and supporting documents before submitting. Most importantly, use only official MQA or institutional channels and never pay anyone who promises guaranteed bursary funding.
