Hey future water heroes and sanitation saviours of South Africa! Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to clean water and a healthy environment? Do you dream of making a real difference in vital fields like Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, or Hydrology?
Then you absolutely NEED to hear about the **Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary for the 2026 academic year**! This isn’t just any bursary; it’s your golden ticket to a fully funded education in a critical sector, setting you up for an impactful career right here in Mzansi.
The DWS Bursary Programme is designed to support ambitious students like you who want to pursue studies in scarce skills areas within the water and sanitation sector. Think of it as a huge helping hand from the government to build a brighter, wetter, and healthier future for South Africa, all while getting your studies paid for!
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you qualify? Here’s the lowdown on what you need to be eligible:
- You must be a proud South African citizen.
- You need to have completed Matric, or currently be in Matric, with a strong academic record.
- You should be planning to study full-time towards one of the specific qualifications listed below, starting your first year of study (undergraduate or Honours) in 2026.
- Your chosen public institution must be one of the approved universities or universities of technology listed in the original post.
- You must genuinely be in financial need.
- No double-dipping allowed – you cannot be receiving any other funding (like NSFAS, another bursary, or scholarship).
- Students living with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply!
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities, helping to level the playing field.
Here are the awesome fields of study covered:
- 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)
For postgraduate adventurers:
- Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc Hons)
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous! If you’re successful, the DWS Bursary will cover pretty much everything you need:
- Your registration fees
- All your tuition fees
- A book allowance to get all your study materials
- A stationery allowance
- Accommodation costs
- Food (as per university guidelines)
- And even a monthly stipend to help with your living expenses!
But wait, there’s more! Upon completing your studies, you’ll be required to join the DWS Water Learning Academy for up to three years. This is an incredible opportunity to gain invaluable work experience and kickstart your career immediately!
How to Apply?
Applying is straightforward, but pay close attention to the details:
- **Download the Application Form:** Get your hands on the official Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2026 here.
- **Gather Your Documents:** Make sure you have clear, certified copies of all these compulsory documents (missing anything could mean disqualification!):
- Your ID document
- Your Grade 11 final results AND your latest Matric results (if you’re still in Matric)
- Your Matric certificate (if you’ve already completed Matric)
- If you’re a new student: proof of application, a provisional acceptance letter, or a firm offer from your university (on the institution’s letterhead)
- If you’re an Honours student: your undergraduate academic record and proof of acceptance (on the institution’s letterhead)
- Your parents’/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or an SASSA grant letter)
- **Submit Your Application:** Email your completed application form and all supporting documents to: bursaries@dws.gov.za. Remember to put “DWS Bursary 2026” in your email subject line!
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three months of the closing date. If you don’t hear back, please consider your application unsuccessful this time around.
**Closing Date: 30 September 2025** – Don’t miss out! Make sure your application is in *before* this date to be considered for this amazing opportunity.
If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, don’t hesitate — apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding career in water and sanitation! For any queries related to this bursary, you can reach out to Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator) at 012 336 7149 or MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za. Good luck, future change-makers, and explore even more funding opportunities on Bursaries Room!