The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen who has completed Matric or is currently in Matric, and you are entering your first year of undergraduate or Honours study in 2027 in a water and sanitation-related field, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The Department of Water and Sanitation is a national government department responsible for managing South Africa’s water resources and sanitation services. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Department of Water and Sanitation DWS Bursary South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is a national government department responsible for managing South Africa’s water resources and sanitation services. Its mission is to ensure that all South Africans have access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and sustainable water resource management for economic and social development.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity supports undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing careers in water and sanitation-related fields, a critical scarce skills sector in South Africa.
Organisation: Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) • Focus: Water and sanitation-related fields • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded for studies within the water and sanitation field, particularly the following:
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)
What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027 will provide cover for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Book allowance
- Stationery allowance
- Accommodation
- Food (per university guidance)
- Monthly stipend
Eligibility Requirements for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
- You must intend on studying full-time towards one of the qualifications listed above
- You must be entering your 1st year of study in 2027 (undergraduate or Honours)
- You must be studying at one of the listed public institutions in South Africa
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must have financial need
- You must NOT be in receipt of any other funding (including NSFAS, bursary, scholarship, or other award)
Eligible Institutions
- 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 the Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
Important Information
- Bursaries will be awarded based on the following main criteria: academic performance, race and gender, financial need, and the need of the Department in relation to the student’s qualification
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities
- Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 months of the bursary closing date. If you do not receive any written communication feedback by then, please regard your application as unsuccessful
- On completion of their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if you already completed Matric)
- First-time/new students: proof of application / provisional acceptance letter / offer from university (on institution’s letterhead)
- Honours students: academic record of undergraduate and proof of acceptance (on institution’s letterhead)
- Parents/guardians proof of income:
- Latest payslips if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- SASSA grant letter
How to Apply for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027.
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2027.
Direct form link: https://www.dws.gov.za/learninga/Doc/2027%20DWS%20Internet%20bursary%20application-FINAL.pdf
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen entering your first year of study in 2027, not receiving other funding, and having financial need.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, academic results, proof of university application/acceptance, and proof of income.
Step 4: Submit Your Application via Email
Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to:
Email: bursaries@dws.gov.za
Email subject line: “DWS Bursary 2027”
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027: 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact the Department of Water and Sanitation directly:
- Contact person: Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator)
- Telephone: 012 336 7149
- Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
- Bursary Name: DWS Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens entering 1st year of study in 2027
- Fields of study: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental and Water Sciences, Geohydrology, Hydrology, Quantity Surveying, and related Honours programmes
- Institution type: 23 listed public institutions in South Africa
- Key requirements: Strong academic record, financial need, no other funding
- Preference given to: Previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities; students with disabilities encouraged to apply
- What is covered: Registration fees, tuition fees, book allowance, stationery allowance, accommodation, food, monthly stipend
- Work-back requirement: Join Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years after graduation
- Required documents: ID, academic results, proof of university application/acceptance, proof of income
- Application method: Download form, email to bursaries@dws.gov.za
- Email subject line: “DWS Bursary 2027”
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
- Notification period: Within 3 months of closing date
Frequently Asked Questions About the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am not in my first year of study?
The DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 is specifically for students entering their first year of undergraduate or Honours study in 2027. Students in later years are not eligible for this bursary.
2. Can I apply if I am receiving NSFAS funding?
No. The DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 requires that you are NOT in receipt of any other funding, including NSFAS, bursaries, scholarships, or other awards.
3. Can I apply if I am studying at a private institution?
The DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 requires that you study at one of the listed public institutions in South Africa. Private institutions are not covered.
4. What is the Water Learning Academy?
On completion of their studies, bursary recipients of the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years. This is a work-back obligation to contribute to the water and sanitation sector.
5. Are students with disabilities encouraged to apply?
Yes. The DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 encourages students living with disabilities to apply. Preference is also given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities.
6. What is the selection criteria?
Bursaries for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 will be awarded based on academic performance, race and gender, financial need, and the need of the Department in relation to the student’s qualification.
7. When will I know if my application was successful?
Shortlisted candidates for the DWS Bursary South Africa 2027 will be contacted within 3 months of the bursary closing date. If you do not receive any written communication by then, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
8. Where can I find more water and sanitation bursaries?
Visit EduFunds water bursaries page or environmental bursaries section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
Bursary Programme 2027
Ensuring water security • Developing scarce skills • Building South Africa’s future