💧 Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2026

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting students to apply for their 2026 bursary programme.
This opportunity supports undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing careers in water and sanitation-related fields –
a critical scarce skills sector in South Africa.

📌 About the Bursary Provider – Department of Water and Sanitation

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.

To achieve this, DWS established the Learning Academy, which provides bursaries and training opportunities
to grow much-needed skills in the water and sanitation sector.

🎓 Fields Covered

Undergraduate studies:

• Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Civil Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Environmental Management (BSc)
• Geohydrology (BSc)
• Hydrology (BSc)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Mechanical Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Water Project Management (BSc)
• Water Care (National Diploma)

Postgraduate studies:

• Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc Hons)
• Geohydrology (BSc Hons)
• Hydrology (BSc Hons)

💰 Expenses Covered

The bursary covers:

• Registration and tuition fees
• Book and stationery allowance
• Accommodation and meals
• Monthly stipend

After completing their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the
Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

• South African citizen.
• Completed Matric or currently in Matric.
• Intend to study full-time in 2026 towards one of the listed qualifications.
• Entering 1st year of undergraduate or Honours studies in 2026.
• Accepted or intend to study at one of these public universities:
• 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
• Strong academic record.
• Financial need.
• Must NOT receive other funding (NSFAS, scholarships, bursaries, etc.).
• Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Preference to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities.

📝 How to Apply

Download and complete the DWS Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf).

Submit your application via email to:
bursaries@dws.gov.za
(Use the subject line: “DWS Bursary 2026”)

📑 Required Documents

• Certified copy of ID
• Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results (if in Matric)
• Matric certificate (if completed)
• Proof of application/acceptance from university (for new students)
• Academic record and proof of acceptance (for Honours students)
• Parents/guardians proof of income (payslips, affidavit, or SASSA letter)

🚀 Apply Now for DWS Bursary 2026

⏰ Closing Date

30 September 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.