INTRODUCTION

The MQA Bursary and Practical Training Scheme, 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 2008, MQA will be continuing in assisting students at FET and HET Institutions with bursaries and practical training.

Bursaries will be awarded to students enrolled in the MQA identified scarce and critical skills list. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Mining disciplines.

Target Group of the MQA Bursary Scheme

The MQA Bursary Scheme shall apply to:

· University or University of Technology (Degree, Diploma and B Tech) Bursars;

· Further Educational and Training College Bursars;

· Vocational development of University Bursars during the December / January vacation period;

· Practical development for University of Technology Bursars who require on the job related experience as a pre-requisite for the awarding of the diploma.

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

Academic Year of Study

The MQA Bursary 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.

· Bursars entering their second or third year of study who meets the requirements as specified in this criteria.

Demographics

The MQA Bursary 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 applications.

Additional Conditions

The MQA Bursary Scheme shall give additional consideration to:

· Bursars living within close proximity to the MMS regions (“Shadow of the Headgear”);

· Female Bursars;

· Bursars living in rural areas;

· 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 Scheme shall necessarily be interviewed or awarded a 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