The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is inviting employed and unemployed current MQA-funded bursars to apply for continuation of bursary support for the 2026 academic year.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: Existing MQA bursars (continuation only). MQA states that first-time applicants are not eligible in this window.
- What it covers: MQA describes the bursary scheme as covering full tuition and registration fees, accommodation support, books and meals, and an allowance per semester (where applicable).
- Key dates: Closing date: 22 January 2026 (late applications will not be considered).
- Where to apply: Use the BURSARY APPLICATION LINK on the MQA bursaries page (MQA SIMS portal).
Who’s offering this?
The bursary scheme is offered by the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the Mining and Minerals Sector.
What’s on offer
This is an application window for continuing bursars for the 2026 academic year. It is not a first-time bursary application round.
What it covers
MQA states that the bursary scheme covers the following (where applicable):
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Residence fees or a private accommodation allowance
- Books and meals
- An allowance per bursar per semester, where applicable
Because this is a continuation application, you should confirm the exact continuation terms and any additional requirements on the official MQA application portal.
Eligibility checklist
- You are an existing (current) MQA-funded bursar.
- You are applying for continuation support for the 2026 academic year.
- You submit your application before 22 January 2026.
Documents to prepare
The MQA bursaries page does not list the full document pack for this continuation round. Prepare to upload/submit the documents requested by the MQA SIMS application portal for your bursar type (employed/unemployed) and institution.
Closing date
22 January 2026. MQA states late applications will not be considered.
How selection and communication work
MQA’s bursaries page provides the continuation window information and directs applicants to the SIMS portal. For assistance, MQA lists contact persons allocated to specific universities and TVET colleges on the same page.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying as a first-time bursary applicant during a continuation-only window.
- Submitting after the closing date (MQA states late applications will not be considered).
- Starting the online application but not completing it (or not uploading required information on the portal).
- Using unofficial links instead of the official MQA bursaries page and SIMS portal.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Open the official MQA bursaries page.
- Click the BURSARY APPLICATION LINK to access the MQA SIMS portal.
- Complete the continuation application for the 2026 academic year (existing MQA bursars only).
- Submit before 22 January 2026.
I would like to ask when is the next reopening for the bursary since we’ll we weren’t aware about. I need it for my son who’s admitted at VUT university.
Hi Gabaza, it’s not clear when MQA will re-open their bursary program. If you are looking other mining related bursaries – some are still open e.g. https://bursaries-southafrica.co.za/lephalale-local-municipality-mayoral-bursary-fund-2026/. You can do a Bursary Search on the site, and look under the ‘Mining’ Category.
Good Luck!