The Department of Water and Sanitation invites talented South African Matriculants and first‑year tertiary students to apply for the 2026 bursary programme, offering full study funding in water‑ and sanitation‑related fields, with a commitment to graduate and serve in its Learning Academy.

About the Bursary Provider

The DWS is the national authority managing water supply, sanitation, and water resource development in South Africa. Its Learning Academy supports the cultivation of skilled scientists and engineers for sustainable water service delivery.

Fields Covered

The bursary funds full-time undergraduate (BSc/BEng or National Diploma/BEng Tech) and Honours studies in:

  • Civil, Mechanical, Electrical (including Heavy Current) Engineering
  • Environmental & Water Sciences, Environmental Management
  • Hydrology, Geohydrology, Water Project Management
  • Water Care and related fields 

Expenses Covered

The bursary is comprehensive, covering:

  • Tuition and registration fees
  • Accommodation and meals (per university policy)
  • Books and stationery allowance
  • A monthly stipend

Bursars join the DWS Learning Academy for up to three years post-qualification, gaining on-the-job training and mentorship.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be South African citizens
  • Be in Matric or have completed Matric by the end of 2025
  • Be entering 1st year of any listed qualification (undergrad or Honours) in 2026
  • Be accepted or applying to one of the 21 listed public universities or TVETs
  • Have strong academic performance and demonstrate financial need
  • Not be receiving NSFAS or another bursary
  • Preference for previously disadvantaged, rural, or disabled students

How to Apply

1. Download and complete the DWS Bursary Application Form 2026 from the departmental website.

2. Attach clear, certified documents:

  • ID document
  • Grade 11 final results & Matric mid-year results, or Matric certificate
  • Proof of application or acceptance to your chosen institution
  • Academic transcript (for Honours applicants)
  • Parents’/guardians’ income proof (payslips, affidavits, SASSA letters)

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about the bursary.

3. Email the application and attachments to bursaries@dws.gov.za with subject line “DWS Bursary 2026”.

Closing Date

30 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

Department of Water and Sanitation – Bursary Coordinator:
Ms Nobulali Mtikitiki
Tel: 012 336 7149
Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
Website: dws.gov.za

1. Who is eligible?
SA citizens in Matric or first year (2026), accepted into an eligible water‑sector qualification at a listed public university or TVET; must show strong academics and financial need.
2. Which fields qualify?
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; Environmental & Water Sciences; Environmental Management; Hydrology/Geohydrology; Water Project Management; Water Care.
3. What costs are covered?
Full tuition, registration, accommodation, meals, books, stationery, and a monthly stipend.
4. What’s the commitment?
After graduation, bursars join the DWS Learning Academy for up to 3 years, receiving training and mentorship.
5. Can I have another bursary?
No—recipients must not receive NSFAS or another bursary for the same period.
6. How do I apply?
Email your form and certified documents to bursaries@dws.gov.za with subject “DWS Bursary 2026”. Remember to mention “www.bursaryforms.co.za”.
7. When is the closing date?
30 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
8. Are rural students prioritized?
Yes—there is preference for previously disadvantaged, rural, or disabled students.
9. What documents do I need?
Certified ID, Matric/Grade 11 and mid-year results, acceptance proof, academic transcript (if applicable), and parent/guardian income proof.
10. Who can I contact?
Contact Ms Nobulali Mtikitiki at 012 336 7149 or MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za for any questions.