Launching Your Career: The MQA Internship Programme 2025–2027

Explore the MQA Internship Programme 2025–2027 for South African graduates in law, supply chain, engineering, and more. Gain workplace experience

If you’re a recent graduate in law, governance, supply chain, engineering, OHS, or related fields, and you want structured workplace experience in a strategic sector, the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity.

Spanning two years, this fully funded programme includes hands-on learning, mentorship, and a reliable stipend—making it one of South Africa’s most credible graduate pathways into the mining and minerals industry.

1. What Is the MQA Internship Programme?

The programme is a graduate development initiative based within MQA, designed around your diploma or degree. Over 24 months, interns join MQA’s internal divisions—such as Legal & Governance, Supply Chain, Risk & Compliance, and Strategic Planning & Learning Programmes—to work on real tasks and build career-ready skills. With formal coaching and sector-specific training included, the internship bridges the gap between academic qualification and industry competence.

2. Who Should Apply?

This programme is ideal for:

• South African citizens
• Unemployed graduates with a degree, diploma, or N6 Diploma in relevant disciplines
• Those who have not previously held a funded internship
• Candidates with clean criminal records and in good health
• Applicants committed to a full-time, 24-month placement

Familiarity with disciplines such as law, procurement, governance, engineering, or occupational health and safety enhances your fit.

3. Internships Offered in the 2025–2027 Cycle

Here are the typical roles available:

Legal & Governance

• Duration: 24 months
• Stipend: ± R9,300/month
• Core Duties: Support contract compliance, liaise with stakeholders, assist in governance workshops, manage legal files and reporting

Supply Chain Management

• Duration: 24 months
• Stipend: ± R9,300/month
• Core Duties: Assist with procurement and tender evaluations, support PFMA/BBBEE compliance, process purchase orders, manage contracts and documentation

Strategic Planning & Learning Programmes

• Duration: 24 months
• Core Duties: Administer artisan learnerships, support monitoring and evaluation, contribute to sector planning efforts

Depending on sector demand within MQA, openings may also exist in areas like Risk & Compliance or project coordination.

4. What You’ll Gain from the Programme

Financial Support

• Monthly stipend (~R9,300) to help cover living expenses and support your training period

Professional Exposure

• Real-world experience in program coordination, compliance, governance, procurement, and stakeholder engagement
• Insight into SETA operations and mining sector regulatory framework

Skill-Building & Mentorship

• Formal mentorship by industry professionals
• Access to soft-skills training and technical modules linked to your discipline

Career Pathways

• Strong credentials to enter SETAs, government agencies, mining firms, or consulting roles
• A head-start in entrepreneurship or further academic and vocational development

5. Application Process & Key Dates

Timeline for 2025 Intake:

• Application window opens in july 2025
• Closing date typically falls august 2025
• Final onboarding and selection may take up to 90 days

Required Documents:

• Updated CV
• Certified ID, academic transcripts, and qualification certificates
• Matric certificate or equivalent proof
• Valid proof of residence
• Completed application or vacancy form as specified

Submission Instructions:

• Applications are submitted via email or hand delivery, following the guidelines provided in the official internship call
• online application

Selection:

• Interviews or assessments may precede selection
• Offers include signing a formal 24‑month Internship Agreement outlining roles, stipend amount, and responsibilities

6. Responsibilities by Role

Legal & Governance Intern:

• Help enforce contract compliance and track performance
• Assist with stakeholder correspondence and governance documentation
• Support policy implementation and workshop coordination

Supply Chain Intern:

• Support procurement cycle activities and contract administration
• Track supplier compliance with PFMA and BBBEE regulations
• Assist with purchase orders, deliveries, and stakeholder coordination

Strategic Planning & Learning Programmes Intern:

• Administer learnership intake and operational datasets
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and sector forecasting
• Work with programmes that develop artisan skills and services

7. What MQA Provides

MQA allocates a discretionary development fund—estimated at R340,000 per intern over two years—to cover:

• Practical stipend (usually between R7,000 and R9,300)
• Costs related to travel, PPE, medical aid, and short courses
• Administrative support and regular progress assessment sessions

Interns are integrated into MQA’s operations, treated as team members, and given opportunities to learn.

8. Tips to Craft a Competitive Application

• Customize your resume to highlight relevant experiences—even academic or volunteer projects
• Showcase your structured thinking and interest in compliance, stakeholder coordination, or governance
• Ensure your documents are updated and certified—incomplete or outdated submissions are often discarded
• Adhere strictly to application instructions, formatting, and submission guidelines

9. Addressing Common Challenges

High Competition

• Many hopefuls apply; submit early, follow up professionally, and prepare a standout application

Rejection Doesn’t Mean a Stop

• If unsuccessful, use any feedback to strengthen your next submission or explore similar opportunities

Avoid Scams

• Only apply through official MQA and SETA channels
• Never pay to apply for internships—this programme is free

10. From Intern to Industry Professional

Completing the MQA Internship Programme opens multiple pathways:

• Permanent employment in SETAs, regulatory bodies, or mining companies
• Further industry-funded learnerships or academic bursaries
• Consulting or entrepreneurial ventures in compliance, occupational health, or training coordination
• A strong professional network of mentors, peers, and sector contacts

Combining the internship with additional credentials—like certifications in project management or occupational health and safety—can significantly enhance your career prospects.

✅ MQA Internship at a Glance

🌟 Final Thoughts

The MQA Internship Programme 2025–2027 is more than just a temporary placement—it’s a structured entry point into the mining and minerals sector. With formal training, mentorship, a monthly stipend, and hands-on experience, this internship bridges your qualification to real-world competence.

Whether you’re interested in governance, procurement, planning, or health and safety, this programme gives you the tools, exposure, and support you’ll need to step into meaningful roles confidently.

If you’re ready to build your career in one of the country’s most critical industries, start preparing your application now. The opportunity to grow is here—take the first step today.