The Mining Qualifications Authority’s Bursary and Practical Training Scheme for 2010

Introduction

The Bursary and Practical Training Scheme of the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) was established in 2002 with the objective of creating and supporting a pool of high level technical and management talent within the mining and minerals sector. As of January 2010, the MQA will continue assisting students at Higher Education and Training (HET) institutions with bursaries. Bursaries will be awarded to students enrolled in the MQA identified scarce and critical skills list. Preference will be given to students enrolled in core mining related disciplines.

Target Group of the MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall apply to:

University or University of Technology (Degree, Diploma and B Tech) bursars.

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall apply to bursars registered with, or planning to register with academic institutions which are accredited with the Department of Education within South Africa. The academic institutions should be in compliance with the requirements of the qualifications, as specified by the mining and minerals sector.

The MQA sponsors students studying the following mining related disciplines:

• Mining Engineering;
• Mine Survey;
• Metallurgical Engineering (Extractive Only);
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current Only);
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Geology; and
• Jewellery Design & Manufacture.

Academic Year of Study

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall apply to:

• Bursars entering their first year of study, who possess a South African Matriculation Certificate (or an evaluated equivalent qualification) in the subjects and with subject grades that are required by the academic institution (or such equivalent qualification as that the institution may determine), for undergraduate studies;

• In addition to the above, meet any other entrance criteria as prescribed by the academic institution; and

• Bursars entering their second or third year of study, who meet the requirements as specified in this criteria.

Demographics

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall apply to bursars who are South African citizens.

Preferential Conditions

The MQA shall give preferential consideration to previously disadvantaged individuals and financially needy bursary applicants.

Additional Conditions

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall give additional consideration to:

• Bursars living within close proximity to the mining and minerals regions (“Shadow of the Headgear”);
• Female bursars;
• Bursars living in rural areas; and
• Bursars that have applied repeatedly, qualified for a bursary, but were not successful in the past.

Eligibility of Qualifying Bursars

Not all bursars meeting the specified qualifying criteria of the MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme shall necessarily be interviewed or awarded an MQA bursary. In the event of more qualifying bursars being available than funds allow, additional criteria shall be applied in an effort to narrow down the number of eligible bursars.

Duration of Bursary

Bursaries shall be granted for an initial period of one academic year and shall thereafter be renewable annually at the sole and absolute discretion of the MQA.

Contractual Obligations

Successful applicants will sign a contract with the MQA. Contracted students are required to work in the mining & minerals sector within South Africa for the sa