South African students planning to study in engineering, mining, finance, IT, and business-related fields now have a major opportunity to secure funding for the 2026 academic year. The Mwelase Group of Companies has officially opened applications for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at supporting motivated learners and university students pursuing priority qualifications linked to the mining and industrial sectors.
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- View more 2026 Bursaries here
Quick Overview
Programme: Mwelase Group of Companies Bursary Programme 2026
Number of bursaries: 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: Residents of Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete Municipalities and historically disadvantaged individuals
Application email: hr@mwelasemining.co.za
Fields of Study Supported
Preference will be given to applicants who intend to pursue qualifications in the following disciplines:
- Mining Engineering / Mining Survey / Geology / Metallurgy
- Safety or Environmental Management
- Financial Management or Accounting Sciences
- Business Administration
- Information Technology or Information Systems and Design
- Human Resources Management
- Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical)
- Operations Management
These study areas reflect sectors where South Africa has a significant skills shortage, particularly within mining, infrastructure, and corporate operations.
Eligibility Requirements
New Students (First Year)
Applicants must meet academic entry requirements aligned with their chosen qualification:
- Minimum of 70% for Mathematics and Physical Science for engineering fields
- Minimum of 60% for Mathematics and Physical Science in technical fields
- Minimum of 60% for Mathematics and Accounting in commerce-related fields
Tertiary Students (Undergraduate)
Applicants already studying at a university or university of technology must:
- Have an academic record with a minimum 65% aggregate
- Submit a motivational letter requesting bursary funding
- Not be recipients of another bursary or funding scheme such as NSFAS
Additional Considerations
The following applicants will receive priority:
- Residents of Emalahleni and Steve Tshwete Local Municipalities
- Historically disadvantaged individuals
This reflects a targeted community upliftment strategy tied to mining operations in these regions.
What the Bursary Covers
The Mwelase bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Tuition fees
- Meals and accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks
- Compulsory academic excursions or seminars (where applicable)
The bursary is awarded for the duration of the qualification and is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Selection Process
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview
- Successful applicants must sign a bursary agreement with the company
Important note:
Communication will only be limited to selected candidates. If applicants do not receive feedback within 21 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application and supporting documents via email:
Email: hr@mwelasemining.co.za
Closing date: 20 February 2026
Supporting documents typically include:
- Certified ID copy
- Latest academic results
- Proof of residence (if applicable)
- Motivational letter
- CV
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Internship / Learnership Eligibility Checker
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice for Applicants
If you want to increase your chances of selection:
- Apply early and avoid last-minute submissions
- Ensure your academic results meet requirements
- Write a strong motivational letter explaining:
- Why you chose the field
- Your career goals
- Your financial need
- Highlight leadership roles, volunteering, or achievements
- Ensure all documents are certified and readable
Students from mining communities should emphasise their connection to the area and how they plan to give back.
Career Growth Path After This Bursary
Students who complete studies in these disciplines often progress into:
- Graduate trainee programmes
- Engineering internships
- Mining operations roles
- Corporate finance and HR positions
- IT and systems analyst roles
- Safety and environmental officer positions
Long term, graduates may become:
- Professional engineers
- Mining project managers
- Chartered accountants
- HR executives
- Operations directors
These are high-impact careers that contribute directly to national development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Mwelase bursary?
South African students planning to study in priority fields and those already enrolled in undergraduate programmes meeting academic requirements.
Can NSFAS-funded students apply?
No. Applicants must not already be funded by another bursary scheme.
Is the bursary renewable?
Yes, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
Will accommodation be paid for?
Yes. The bursary covers meals and accommodation.
Do I need a motivational letter?
Yes, especially for tertiary students requesting funding.
When will applicants receive feedback?
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if there is no response within 21 days after the closing date, the application should be considered unsuccessful.
CLOSING DATE: 20 FEBRUARY 2026
You can also:
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
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Disclaimers
- Information is based on the official bursary advertisement.
- Requirements and benefits may change at the discretion of the organisation.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring documents are accurate and submitted before the closing date.
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