Are you a student in Peru who dreams of making your career in mining engineering, but you are concerned about how you can get the education? You are not alone. The tuition, transportation, safety equipment, and accommodation end up costing a lot. The financial burden is especially heavy—particularly when you are from a rural area or the first in your family to pursue a university education.

But the real deal here is that mining companies, the Peruvian government, and even NGOs are providing bursaries and sponsorships to students like you.

This is not an article that only the top 1 percent of the students should read. This is for the person who is willing to work, who wants to have a future in mining, and would like a little assistance in securing the same.

Whether you’re a:

• High school graduate

• University student

• Or someone aiming to upskill in a technical course

…this guide will give you a walkthrough of what opportunities are available and how you can apply to them.

The Importance of Mining Engineering to Peru

Before we launch into bursaries, let’s mention why mining engineering is a big deal in Peru:

• Peru is a top producer of copper, zinc, gold, and silver in the world.

• Nearly 10% of the country’s GDP and 60% of exports come from mining.

• In Cajamarca, Moquegua, La Libertad, Arequipa and beyond, mining is present in almost all regions.

But here’s the catch:
With the industry’s growth comes the challenge of needing qualified, ethical, and local talent. Peru requires engineers:

• Who know the land

• Who are aware of local challenges

• Who can bring fresh approaches—especially in areas like environmental protection, automation, and community engagement

That’s why most bursaries and training schemes are now targeting:

• Students from mining-affected areas

• Students from rural or low-income families

The national future of Peru’s mining industry is your own future, too.

To Whom Is This Guidance Fitted?

If any of the following is true for you, this guide will be helpful:

• ✅ You have graduated high school and want to study mining engineering but need help making it affordable

• ✅ You are already an engineering student and need financial assistance

• ✅ You live in a region with active mining (e.g. Apurímac, Tacna, Ancash)

• ✅ You belong to an Indigenous group, live in the countryside, or come from a low-income family

• ✅ You are at a technical institute or considering short-term mining certifications

• ✅ You want to live better and give back to your family or community

You do not have to be perfect. You do not need to be the best student in your class.
All you need is to stick to the process—and have the courage to seek help.

What Is a Bursary (and What Is the Difference Between a Bursary and a Scholarship)?

A good portion of students thinks scholarships and bursaries are one and the same thing, and it is necessary to know how to distinguish between the two notions.

• Scholarships are normally given on a merit basis. These awards usually come through high grades, competitions, or special achievements.

• Bursaries, however, are awarded based on financial, geographical, or social need.
  It is not necessary to be a high-achieving student—just someone in need who can benefit from the opportunity and contribute something in return.

What About Mining-Related Bursaries in Peru?

The majority of mining-related bursaries in Peru fall somewhere in the middle ground.
They usually consider:

• Your personal motivation

• Your geographical area

• Whether you are pursuing something related to the mining industry

Some even go further and provide practical support, such as:

• Subsidized and/or free housing

• Food or rent assistance

• Help getting to class or an internship

• Equipment like safety boots or helmets

• Mentorship and career clinics

Peru Mining Engineering Bursaries: Types

1. State and State-Owned Institution Bursaries

The national and regional governments of Peru offer various bursaries and grants—particularly for students in underprivileged areas or entering key professions like mining.

PRONABEC Programs

Available through www.pronabec.gob.pe, these include:

• Beca 18: For high-potential, low-income students. Covers technical and university studies, with special quotas for mining areas.

• Beca Permanencia: For students already in university but in need of financial assistance.

• Beca Técnico Productiva: For short-term, vocational training (e.g., safety training, machinery operation).

These are full-board tuition bursaries that often include:

• Food maintenance

• Travel and accommodation stipends

Applicants are selected based on:

• Academic performance

• Economic need

• Geographical origin

Regional Bursaries

Some mining-intensive regions also run their own local scholarship programs. Examples:

• Arequipa Regional Gobierno has bursary schemes for engineering students

• Cajamarca and Moquegua finance education for youth in mining zones

💡 Check your city or county government website, or visit your municipality office to find out more.

2. The Mining Firms’ Bursaries

Most major mining companies in Peru have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that offer scholarships to youth in the region.

They often target:

• Students from communities around the mine

• Children of mine workers

• Students who intend to return and contribute to their communities after graduation

Examples:

• Antamina (Ancash): Offers bursaries for technical and professional education, often paired with internships

• Southern Copper: Has a scholarship fund for youth in Tacna and Moquegua

• MMG Las Bambas (Apurímac): Funds students via collaborations with local schools and training centers

• Anglo American Quellaveco: Runs a scholarship program focused on environmental and technological studies

Many of these firms collaborate directly with universities or technical institutes, meaning your bursary may come with real work experience opportunities.

The hiring and bursary processes are often localized, with information shared via:

• Community bulletin boards

• Social media pages

• Information sessions organized by the mining companies in your area

3. University-Based Bursaries

The best universities and polytechnics in Peru as well will provide bursaries—especially those that feature good engineering.

Examples:

• Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria (UNI) provides affordability to poor students in priority professions, one of which is mining.

• PUCP offers need-based and academic performance-based financial aid, and the university has links to the mining industry.

• UNSA (Arequipa) collaborates with the local government in financing engineering students living in rural communities.

Certain programs are involved in the bigger support system:

• Free tutoring

• Meal vouchers

• Lower or Free Tuition

• On-campus work schemes

These bursaries are competitive, indeed, but again, not all of these need to be only merit-based. Reach out to the scholarship office or financial aid department in your university to find out application information.

What Exactly Do Peru Mining Bursaries Cover?

After you find a bursary that is suitable, the next question is: what does it really grant? The answer can change lives of many students (at least those of country or at least modest backgrounds). In Peru, most of the bursaries in the mining engineering programmes are not focused on providing tuition fees only. They think little to nothing of the covering cost of obtaining a degree including housing, meals, and safety equipment to internships.

These bursaries aim at making students concentrate in learning rather than concentrating on how to survive every day. It makes you much more likely to graduate and be successful when you have all your basic living expenses and course materials covered. And even transportation allowance or internet support during period of lighting of students in the remote areas can be the difference in the case of students in the remote areas.

Other bursaries even go to the extent of providing a mentorship or career paths. Student bursaries offered by mining firms are usually connected to the programs of internship or gaining employment. Therefore, an initial financial help has a possibility to turn into a complete educational period in career making.

The Way of Applying a Mining Engineering Bursary in Peru

The process of applying bursaries may look intimidating, particularly when it is done the first time. However, when you take it one by one, you find it easy to tackle it. The students who are successful with their bursary applications were not large people; they began by writing their own questions, compiling their own documents, and completed an application even when they felt uncertain.

The process normally starts by determining which bursary suits your profile. The source of information about national programs such as Beca 18 is PRONABEC, whereas mining companies like Antamina, Southern Copper, or Anglo American announce their bursary calls in local places. In universities, funding opportunities are also shared by the university departments of student services.

After you have found a bursary that you qualify to apply, you will be required to prepare your documentation. These usually comprise your national ID, transcripts, evidence of income and a certificate of your residence or region. Your personal letter or essay is one of the most significant components of the application. This is the place to give your story, aspirations, and your affiliation with the mining industry.

It Is More Important to Write Your Story Than to Be Perfect

You do not have to be a perfect writer when you are preparing your motivation letter. It does not matter so long as you are honest and hearted in telling your story. It is a common mistake made by many students to do their best to sound formal or even academic. The thing is though, bursary committees prefer to get to know the real you.

State your reasons as to why you are enthusiastic about mining engineering. Perhaps the effect of mining has been felt in your own town or your family is employed in the industry. Perhaps you have seen these environmental problems and you want to be the solution. It is your voice and personal connection that can make your application outstanding.

In case you can, find somebody—a teacher, a mentor, a friend—to read your letter and comment. A little touch of better clarity or organization can at times improve your prospects. However, it is important to remember that your earnestness will make the biggest impression.

Study the Past Experiences of Students That Are Just Like You

A large number of people who have gained success through bursaries did not consider they would be eligible. One good example is that of Diego, a student of Huancavelica who used to think that bursaries were not meant for the best students. He was even tempted not to apply. However, he managed to apply with the support of a teacher and became one of the five hundred applicants of a regional mining company initiative. He is completing his last year at the university today, and more importantly, he already has an outstanding job offer.

Diego was in a good position to get his grades, but that is not all that helped him. His ability to explain clearly why he wanted to study mining engineering, and his intentions of using the education was among the factors that made him win in spite of the fact that he did not hail out of the industry. It made a good appeal based on his honesty, regional roots, and motivation to enhance mining safety.

Your story is not microscopic at all. Each student knows why s/he began to do this, and once you make known your reason, it may be the breakthrough you need to receive assistance.

The Fear, or No More Delay

Many children do not have the opportunity due to thinking that they are not worthy or not prepared. Some wait until the last moment and cannot apply on time. Bursary programs are there as there are thousands of students in Peru, who have similar problems as you. They are created to fit the individuals who are dedicated to developing and educating themselves, regardless of whether these individuals do not have the answers as yet.

And do one simple thing today. Look for bursaries at the local levels. The question must be asked to your university. Speak to the teacher. Email contact. A little bit will take you ahead. And the sooner you begin collecting your documents, or writing up your motivation letter, the more confident you will be.

Bursaries are not prizes to star students, but have to be seen as an investment in the future. And the mining industry is seeking young persons concerned with doing the work correctly, enhancing conditions, and having a positive impact.

My Opinion

Mining engineering works in Peru are not the job but a profession that has an ability to change whole societies. As natural resources abound in the country and the country shifts towards innovating and becoming sustainable, there is indeed a demand for engineers who are knowledgeable in the science as well as the social and governmental responsibility that comes with the aspects.

This should compel you to apply to a bursary in case you have been waiting to get that—this is the time. It does not require you to be the master of answers. It is only necessary to start. Your adventure may begin with a letter, a couple of papers, and end up leading you straight to the core of the largest industry in Peru—with the experience, the meaning, and even an opportunity to pay it back.