The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) for the mining and minerals sector in terms of the Skills Development Act No 97 of 1998.
The first application window for Discretionary Grants allocations, for the period 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, will open on Monday, 19 January 2026 at 08H00.
Employers and other stakeholders in the sector are invited to submit their applications for the following projects:
- Adult Education and Training
- Artisan Aides Skills Programme
- Artisan Development Centres of Specialisation
- Artisan Development Programme
- Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) and Non-Artisan RPL
- Candidacy Programme
- Higher Education Institutions Lecturer Support Programme
- Internships Programme (including artisan internship)
- Internships Programme for learners to be place at Universities and Universities of technology – NB: Only to be applied for by Universities and University of technology
- Multi-year agreement/partnership with employers and other organisations for placement of MQA bursars in internships and work experience programmes.
- Learning Material Development
- Management Development Programme
- Mine Community Development Programme (see briefing session note below)
- Unemployed Youth Development Programme (see briefing session note below)
- Non-Artisan Learnerships (Core)
- Non-Artisan Learnerships (Beneficiation)
- Non-Artisan Learnerships (People with Disabilities)
- Non-MQA Learnerships
- Occupational Health and Safety Skills Programme
- Small Scale Mining Programmes
- Standard Setting
- TVET College Partnerships
- CET College Support
- NCV Level 4 Graduates
- Work Experience Programme (P1/P2 and Vacation Work)
- Workplace Coaches Programme
- NPOs, NBOs, CBOs, Small Business and Cooperatives Support Programme
- Worker Initiated Training Intervention
- 4IR Learnerships
Application forms and grants rules:
- MQA Funding Policy 2026-2027
- Mine Community Development Programme Annexure 2026-2027
- Unemployed Youth Development Programme District Annexure 2026-2027
Briefing Session for Mine Community and Unemployed Youth
- Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026
- Link: Mine Community and Unemployed Youth
Applications must be submitted via the Discretionary Grants online application system.
The online application system can be accessed through the MQA website at https://mqaoneview.org.za.
Closing date: Applications must be submitted before 00:00 on Monday, 16 February 2026.
Please note:
- Terms and conditions will apply in accordance with the MQA Funding Policy.
- Applications must be submitted via the Discretionary Grants online application system only. Applications sent to other sources or emails will not be considered.
- MQA may call for applications for projects, but it is at MQA discretion to allocate the grants on these
- For Mine Community and Unemployed Youth Programme, a briefing session is scheduled for January 29, 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00. The registration form and link will be available on the MQA website. For the districts and programmes to apply for, please refer to the annexure attached on the MQA website.
Enquiries: Employers and stakeholders are welcome to contact Phumlani Mkhize on phumlaniM@mqa.org.za or Khensani Khumalo on KhensaniK@mqa.org.za or 011 547 2600 if they experience any difficulties or challenges completing the application forms. Alternatively contact the MQA regional offices listed below:
| Office | Name | Contact Number | Email address |
| North West | Reokeditswe Tlhapane | 014 555 8860 | ReokeditsweT@mqa.org.za |
| Eastern Cape & KZN | Nandipha Elijar | 087 095 0497 / 047 505 1047 | NandiphaE@mqa.org.za |
| Free State | Seipati Rapholo | 087 095 0266 | SeipatiR@mqa.org.za |
| Mpumalanga & KZN | Erica Raphotho | 013 696 8121 / 8120 | EricaR@mqa.org.za |
| Northern Cape | Nkosinathi Mbokane | 053 723 0100 | NkosinathiM@mqa.org.za |
| Limpopo | Tebatso Mafokane | 087 095 0267 | TebatsoM@mqa.org.za |
To apply mqaoneview.org.za.