Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary

Fields of study

Undergraduate studies

• Civil Engineering (BSc / BEng)
• Civil Engineering (National Diploma / BEng Tech)
• Construction Management (BSc)
• Construction Management (National Diploma / BEng Tech)
• Electrical Engineering (BSc / BEng)
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (National Diploma / BEng Tech)
• Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc)
• Geohydrology (BSc)
• Hydrology (BSc)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc / BEng)
• Mechanical Engineering (National Diploma / BEng Tech)
• Quantity Surveying (BSc)

Postgraduate studies

• Construction Project Management (BSc Hons)
• Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc Hons)
• Geohydrology (BSc Hons)

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
• Intend on studying full time towards one of the qualifications listed above
• Be entering your 1st year of study in 2027 (undergraduate or Honours)
• Intend on studying at one of these public institutions in South Africa
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • North West University
  • Rhodes University
  • Sol Plaatje University
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Fort Hare
  • University of the Free State
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of Limpopo
  • University of Mpumalanga
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • University of Venda
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of Witwatersrand
  • University of Zululand
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Walter Sisulu University
• Have a strong academic record
• Be in financial need
• Not be in receipt of any other funding (including NSFAS, bursary, scholarship or other award)
• Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities

What the bursary covers

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Book allowance
• Stationery allowance
• Accommodation
• Food (per university guidance)
• A monthly stipend

Documents you will need

• ID document (certified copy)
• Grade 11 final results AND Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copies)
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• First time/ new students: proof of application/ provisional acceptance letter/ firm offer from university (on institutes letterhead)
• Honours students in first year: academic record of undergraduate and proof acceptance (on institutes letterhead)
• Parents/ guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2027Email [email protected]Email [email protected]

   Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around September. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Phone 012 336 7149

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Department of Water and Sanitation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) manages South Africa's water resources and oversees water and sanitation services.