Fifty-three students from all three faculties of the university are directly benefiting from the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). In a meeting that took place at the University on campus on 5 March 2024, Nkululeko Ngcobo, Financial aid Officer, said the bursary from MQA pays for all student’s necessities. “The bursary pays for tuition fees, books, accommodation and meal allowances,” said Ngcobo. Ngcobo also said that the students must meet 50% minimum pass requirements.
MQA Learner Programmes Administrator, Edmont Mabiletsa, said they fund students from all three faculties, starting from the first year up to PhD. However, at MUT they can go up to Master’s, which is the highest offering that the University has. Mabiletsa added the importance of funding students from families that are struggling with finances. “Through the bursary, the students can pay their registration fee as well. Altogether, the bursary gives some relief to the families of the students. Most importantly, the bursary provides a level playing field; all students can study, irrespective of their background,” said Mabiletsa. Mabiletsa also urged students who are benefiting from the bursary to spread the word to others.
Some of the 53 students who attended the meeting indicated their appreciation of the financial help they are receiving from MQA. Nomfundo Dladla, a 4th year BSc Environmental Health student, who is benefiting for the second time from the bursary, said that there was now “less financial burden on paying for tuition, and meals, which makes it easy for me to study”. Another 4th year BSc Environmental Health student, Sinikiwe Dlalisa, also explained what the bursary means to him. He said that this financial help assists him in meeting his financial obligations for MUT. His financial difficulties are also alleviated because of the funds allocated for him. He also said he appreciates the benefits of MQA in-service training.