For many South African students lookinf for , the dream of becoming an engineer, mining specialist, financial professional, or IT expert often depends on one important factor — funding.
Tuition fees continue to rise. Accommodation costs increase every year. Textbooks alone can cost thousands of rands.
That’s why bursary programmes play such an important role in shaping future careers.
The Mwelase Group of Companies has officially opened applications for its 2026 Bursary Programme, offering financial support to motivated students pursuing qualifications aligned with the mining and industrial sectors.
If you are planning to study in engineering, mining, finance, IT, HR, or business-related fields in 2026, this opportunity could significantly reduce your financial burden and open doors to long-term career growth.
Quick Overview: Mwelase Bursary 2026
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the programme offers:
Programme: Mwelase Group of Companies Bursary Programme 2026
Number of Bursaries Available: 16
Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Eligible Applicants: First-year and undergraduate students
Fields of Study: Engineering, Mining, Finance, IT, HR, Business, Safety & Environmental Management
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, academic excursions (where applicable)
Preference Given To: Residents of Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete Municipalities and historically disadvantaged individuals
Application Email: hr@mwelasemining.co.za
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date, your application should be considered unsuccessful.
Why This Bursary Matters in 2026
South Africa continues to face critical skills shortages in sectors such as:
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Mining engineering
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Electrical and mechanical engineering
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Environmental and safety management
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Financial management and accounting
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Information technology and systems design
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Human resources and operations management
The Mwelase bursary programme is aligned with these priority sectors. This means students funded through the programme are studying in areas that are highly relevant to the country’s economic development.
In simple terms — these are qualifications that lead to real employment opportunities.
Fields of Study Supported
Preference will be given to students pursuing qualifications in the following disciplines:
Mining & Technical Fields
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Mining Engineering
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Mining Survey
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Geology
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Metallurgy
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
Safety & Environmental Management
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Safety Management
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Environmental Management
Commerce & Corporate Fields
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Financial Management
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Accounting Sciences
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Business Administration
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Operations Management
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Human Resources Management
Information Technology
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Information Technology
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Information Systems and Design
These fields directly support mining operations, industrial production, and corporate management structures.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
The bursary is open to both new first-year students and current undergraduate students.
For New Students (First-Year Applicants)
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements aligned with your field of study:
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Minimum 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science (Engineering fields)
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Minimum 60% for Mathematics and Physical Science (Technical fields)
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Minimum 60% for Mathematics and Accounting (Commerce-related fields)
Strong academic performance is essential, especially for technical and engineering qualifications.
For Current Undergraduate Students
If you are already studying at a university or university of technology, you must:
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Maintain a minimum 65% academic average
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Submit a motivational letter requesting bursary funding
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Not be receiving funding from another scheme such as NSFAS
This bursary does not allow double funding.
New Opportunities 2026 in South Africa Now →
Additional Preference Criteria
The company prioritises:
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Residents of Emalahleni Local Municipality
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Residents of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality
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Historically disadvantaged individuals
This reflects a community upliftment strategy linked to mining operations in these areas.
If you come from these municipalities, highlight your local connection clearly in your application.
What the Bursary Covers
One of the strongest benefits of this programme is comprehensive financial coverage.
Successful students receive funding for:
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Full tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Prescribed textbooks
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Compulsory academic excursions or seminars (if required by the qualification)
This reduces financial stress significantly and allows students to focus fully on their studies.
The bursary is renewable annually, provided you maintain satisfactory academic performance.
The Selection Process
The selection process is structured and competitive.
Step 1: Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed based on:
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Academic performance
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Field of study alignment
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Completeness of documents
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Residency (where applicable)
Step 2: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
This stage assesses:
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Career goals
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Motivation
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Communication skills
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Understanding of chosen field
Step 3: Bursary Agreement
Successful candidates must sign a bursary agreement with the company.
This may include performance requirements and possible work-back obligations after graduation.
How to Apply for the Mwelase Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted via email.
📧 Email: hr@mwelasemining.co.za
📅 Closing Date: 20 February 2026
Late applications are not considered.
Supporting Documents Required
You should include:
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Certified copy of your ID
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Latest academic results
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Proof of residence (if applicable)
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Motivational letter
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Updated CV
Ensure all documents are:
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Certified
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Clear and readable
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Properly scanned
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
How to Write a Strong Motivational Letter
Your motivational letter can significantly influence your selection.
Include:
1. Why You Chose Your Field
Explain your passion for engineering, mining, finance, IT, or business.
2. Your Career Goals
Describe where you see yourself in five to ten years.
3. Your Financial Need
Explain how the bursary will support your studies.
4. Community Connection
If you are from a mining community, explain how you plan to contribute back to your region.
Be honest, professional, and specific.
Avoid copying templates.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
If you want to stand out:
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Apply early
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Double-check academic averages
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Ensure all documents are certified
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Avoid incomplete submissions
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Maintain strong academic performance
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Highlight leadership roles or volunteer work
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Demonstrate professionalism in your email
Professional presentation matters.
Career Growth After Completing This Bursary
Students who complete qualifications in these priority fields often progress into:
Entry-Level Opportunities
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Graduate trainee programmes
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Engineering internships
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Mining operations support roles
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Corporate finance positions
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HR and IT support roles
Mid-Level Career Progression
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Mining project engineer
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Systems analyst
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Financial controller
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Environmental compliance officer
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Operations manager
Long-Term Professional Roles
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Professional engineer
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Mining operations director
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Chartered accountant
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HR executive
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Corporate operations leader
These are high-impact careers contributing directly to national economic growth.
Why Mining and Industrial Skills Are Important in South Africa
Mining remains one of South Africa’s key economic drivers.
Skilled professionals in engineering, geology, metallurgy, safety, and finance are essential to maintaining sustainable operations.
By funding students in these areas, Mwelase contributes to:
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Local economic development
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Skills transformation
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Community upliftment
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Industrial growth
This makes the bursary not only a financial opportunity but also part of a broader development strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
South African students studying or planning to study in priority disciplines.
Can NSFAS-funded students apply?
No. Applicants must not be funded by another bursary scheme.
Is the bursary renewable?
Yes, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Does it cover accommodation and meals?
Yes, comprehensive financial support includes these expenses.
Is a motivational letter required?
Yes, especially for tertiary students requesting funding.
When will I receive feedback?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no response is received within 21 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you meet the academic requirements and are serious about building a career in engineering, mining, finance, IT, or business, this bursary is worth applying for.
It offers:
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Full financial coverage
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Structured support
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Career-aligned funding
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Community-focused development
Bursaries like this can change academic journeys completely.
The key is preparation.
Submit a complete, professional application before 20 February 2026 and ensure your academic performance remains strong.
Opportunities like this reward commitment, discipline, and ambition.
If you are eligible, do not delay.
Rajani Kant
Content Writer | South Africa & Namibia
Rajani Kant is an experienced content writer with over 7 years of expertise
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