The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa is now accepting applications from young people in the Western Cape who want to study engineering, built environment, or transport-related qualifications. The name Masakh’iSizwe comes from the Nguni languages and means “Let’s Build the Nation” – and that is exactly what this programme does. If you are a South African citizen planning to study full-time at Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, or Cape Peninsula University of Technology, this bursary could be your pathway to a rewarding career. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027: who qualifies, what it covers, which fields you can study, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme
The Western Cape Government established the Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme in 2006. The goal was to create cohorts of trained professionals in engineering and built environment fields. The programme addresses skills shortages in the province while empowering youth by giving them an opportunity to obtain a tertiary qualification through full-time studies at Higher Education Institutions in the Western Cape.
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa awards external bursaries for studies at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Western Cape Province. Your studies must relate to a degree or diploma in transport, engineering, built environment, or other disciplines that the Department of Infrastructure considers scarce and critical. The department has partnered with higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and relevant professional bodies to develop professionals in these fields.
Established: 2006 • Meaning: “Let’s Build the Nation” • Academic Year: 2027 • Bursary Type: Full-time studies at Western Cape HEIs
What Fields Does the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa Cover?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa supports students pursuing degrees or higher diplomas in the following disciplines:
- Property Studies
- City and Regional Planning
- Quantity Surveying
- Architecture
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Geomatics
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy current)
- Mechanical Engineering
These fields have been identified as scarce and critical skills in the Western Cape. By focusing on these areas, the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa helps build a workforce that can support the province’s infrastructure development goals.
What Does the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa Cover?
Successful applicants for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa receive comprehensive funding that includes:
- Tuition Fees – Your full registration and tuition costs are covered
- Prescribed books and materials – All required textbooks and study resources
- Support Programmes – Academic and personal support throughout your studies
- Accommodation and meals – Or transport costs if you live at home
Additional Benefits of the Programme
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa goes beyond just paying for your studies. The programme also:
- Prioritises disadvantaged learners when awarding bursaries, especially women, students with disabilities, and learners from rural communities
- Provides support services programmes to help you succeed
- Secures learning opportunities (internships) for Masakh’iSizwe bursars
- Secures employment opportunities for graduates after they complete their studies
Who Qualifies for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa?
Before you apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa, 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 be accepted or intending to study at one of these tertiary institutions: Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, or Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- You must be studying or intending to study full-time towards a degree or diploma in one of the fields listed above
- You must study at a Higher Education Institution in the Western Cape
Preference Will Be Given To:
- Persons with disabilities
- Financially disadvantaged students
- Female learners
- Applicants from the Western Cape – particularly those residing outside the Cape Metro (rural areas)
Which Universities Can You Attend?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa is only relevant for Higher Education Institutions in the Western Cape. You can apply for this bursary if you study at any of these three institutions:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – www.cput.ac.za
- Stellenbosch University (SU) – www.sun.ac.za
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – www.uct.ac.za
Important: Please ensure that you have applied for acceptance at one of these partner institutions before submitting your bursary application. The bursary cannot be used at any other university.
What Happens If You Get the Bursary?
If you are awarded the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa, you will need to commit to certain responsibilities during your studies:
- Attend workshops, events, and meetings on weekends when required
- Partake in outreach programmes organised by the department
- Undertake academic experiential training as part of your qualification
Upon graduation, bursars employed by the Department of Infrastructure will be required to complete a Professional Development Training Programme to acquire professional registration. This helps ensure that you become a fully qualified professional in your field.
Accommodation note: All applicants not residing at home must apply for on-campus student accommodation.
How to Apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa. The entire process is done online.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before you start the online form, gather these compulsory documents:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your parent(s)/guardian(s) ID
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate or latest results
- Certified copy of your academic record at your Higher Education Institution (if already studying)
- Full course outline or prospectus
- Estimation of study costs
- Proof of registration or application at your chosen Higher Education Institution
- Salary slips of both parents/guardian/spouse or an affidavit to support your financial status
- Proof of address (home address)
- Letter of motivation explaining why you deserve the bursary
Step 2: Gather Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Proof of financial aid (if you have other funding)
- Proof of existing debt
- Medical proof of disability (if applicable)
- Criminal record – SAPS Police Clearance
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official Masakh’iSizwe application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully.
Direct link: https://wa-dtpw-misbursary-prod-zan.azurewebsites.net/
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa: 31 August 2026 at midnight. Bursaries for the 2027 academic year open on 1 April and close on 31 August 2026. No late applications will be considered.
Important notes about your application: Separate applications must be submitted for different universities or more than one study discipline at the same university. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If your application is submitted via a company as a Bursary Collaboration Venture (BCV) Partner Application, it means the department has an agreement with the company, not with you directly.
Important Dates and Announcements
- Applications open: 1 April 2026
- Applications close: 31 August 2026 at midnight
- Notification date: Should you not receive a response by 12 February 2027, please consider your application unsuccessful
The number of bursaries awarded will depend on the Department of Infrastructure’s priority study fields and the funds available each year.
For a full list and explanation of the compulsory documents required, visit the official website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/masakhisizwe-bursary-programme
Contact the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Office
If you have any questions about the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa, please contact the Department of Infrastructure Masakh’iSizwe Office directly:
- Telephone 1: 021 483 0964
- Telephone 2: 021 483 9545
- Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
- Address: 23rd Floor, 9 Lower Burg Street, The Box, Cape Town, 8001
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Western Cape Government – Department of Infrastructure
- Bursary Name: Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary Programme
- Meaning: “Let’s Build the Nation”
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens studying full-time in the Western Cape
- Eligible universities: CPUT, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town
- Fields of study: Engineering, Built Environment, Transport, Property Studies, Planning, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Construction, Geomatics
- What is covered: Tuition, books, accommodation/meals or transport, support programmes
- Application method: Online via the MiS portal
- Closing date: 31 August 2026 at midnight
Frequently Asked Questions About the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa
1. Can I apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa if I live outside the Western Cape?
Yes, you can apply. However, preference is given to applicants from the Western Cape, particularly those residing outside the Cape Metro (rural areas). You must study at one of the three partner institutions in the Western Cape.
2. I am already at university. Can I still apply?
Yes, the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa accepts applications from current university students. You will need to submit your academic record along with your application.
3. Can I apply to more than one university through this bursary?
Yes, but you must submit separate applications for different universities or for more than one study discipline at the same university.
4. Does the bursary cover part-time or distance learning?
No. The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027 South Africa is only for full-time studies at Higher Education Institutions in the Western Cape.
5. What happens if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Make sure you upload all required documents and fill in every field marked as compulsory before submitting.
6. When will I find out if I got the bursary?
If you do not receive a response by 12 February 2027, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Only successful applicants are contacted.
7. Do I need to apply for university acceptance first?
Yes. Please ensure you have applied for acceptance at one of the partner institutions (CPUT, Stellenbosch University, or UCT) before submitting your bursary application.
8. Where can I find more bursaries in the Western Cape?
Visit EduFunds government bursaries page for more funding opportunities in the province.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Western Cape Government – Department of Infrastructure
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme 2027
Let’s Build the Nation • One Graduate at a Time