The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) was established under the Mine Health and Safety Act No.29 of 1996. It is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) that is responsible for driving transformation in the South African mining and minerals sector, by way of skills development programmes. The MQA aims to ensure that the country’s mining and minerals sector is equipped with sufficient skills to improve employment equity, health and safety, and productivity standards.
ABOUT THE MQA BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
MQA are inviting unemployed students, to apply for bursary funding for the 2024 academic year. MQA will be awarding 1 000 bursaries, for studies at public Universities, Universities of Technology, and TVET Colleges, in the following fields:
University and University of Technology students:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Health and Management
- Geology
- Industrial Engineering
- Jewellery Design and Manufacturing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering (extractive)
- Mine Survey
- Mining Engineering
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Occupational Hygiene
- Occupational Medicine
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College students:
- Boilermaker
- Electrician
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitting (including Machinery)
- Instrumentation Mechanic
- Millwright
- Motor Mechanic (Diesel)
- Rigger Ropes man
Note: MQA may also fund other qualifications which are necessary for the mining and minerals sector.
MORE ABOUT THE MQA BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE & SELECTION
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, book allowance, accommodation allowance and a meal allowance.
Successful applicants will receive feedback by 15 December 2021 at the latest – if you do not receive any communication, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MQA BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be unemployed
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards an Undergraduate qualification, in one of the aforementioned fields of study (postgraduate studies will NOT be funded)
- You must be studying or intend on studying at a public University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa
Preference will be given to:
- Female candidates
- Students who live in rural communities
- Candidates studying at a local tertiary institution
- Those in financial need (with a total household income of less than R600 000 per year)
- Students with a strong academic record
- HDI’s applicants
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MQA BURSARY
Download and complete the MQA Bursary Application Form 2024 (for unemployed students) (.pdf)
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 be disregarded):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final report, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- Full tertiary academic record, if currently at tertiary level (on institutions letterhead)
- Parents/ guardians ID documents (certified copies)
- Parents/ 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)
Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: [email protected]
(Insert the words “MQA Bursary Application” in the email subject line).
Please note these important details when applying:
- The applications form is in a fillable PDF format – you must complete it electronically (preferably on a desktop computer or laptop) and NOT by hand.
- Supporting documents must be scanned and properly named – please do not take pictures of your documents with a cellphone or tablet.
- Email your applications forms and all of your supporting documents in one email.
- Ensure that all the information you provide in your application form is true and correct – submitting false information and documents will result in disqualification.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE MQA BURSARY
30 September.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact your nearest MQA Regional Office:
1) Eastern Cape office:
Tel: 047 505 1047
Physical address: King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College, R61 Queenstown Road, Cicira Village, Mthatha,
2) Free State office:
Tel: 087 095 0266
Physical address: Goldfields TVET College, 14107 Ndaki Road, Tosa Campus, Thabong
3) Gauteng office:
Tel: 011 547 2600
Physical address: MQA Head Office, 7 Anerley Road, Block C, Parktown, 2193
4) Limpopo office:
Tel: 087 095 0267
Physical address: Sekhukhune TVET College, CN Phathudi Campus, Stand No. 2659, Praktiseer
5) Mpumalanga office:
Tel: 013 696 8120 / 013 696 2121
Physical address: Nkangala TVET College, Mpondozamkomo Campus, 1 Moses Kotane Drive, Ferrobank
6) North West office:
Tel: 014 555 8860
Physical address: Old Shopping Complex , 53 Karee Street, Mooinooi
7) Northern Cape office:
Tel: 053 723 0100
Physical address: Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Kathu Campus, Hans Coetzee Drive, Kathu