The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, providing financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing selected qualifications related to water management, engineering, construction, and environmental sciences. The programme is designed to help develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the country’s water and sanitation sector.
The DWS Bursary 2027 is available to students entering their first year of undergraduate study and selected first-year Honours programmes at approved public higher education institutions in South Africa. Financial support may cover registration, tuition, accommodation, meals, books, stationery, and personal allowances. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
DWS Bursary 2027 Overview
- Bursary Provider: Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
- Academic Year: 2027
- Study Level: Undergraduate and selected Honours programmes
- Study Country: South Africa
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Method: Email
What Does the DWS Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants may receive comprehensive financial assistance toward several costs associated with tertiary education.
The bursary may cover:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Book allowance
- Stationery allowance
- Accommodation
- Meals or food costs in accordance with university guidelines
- Monthly or personal allowance
The level of support is intended to reduce the financial burden of tertiary education for qualifying students, particularly those pursuing technical and scientific qualifications relevant to the water and sanitation sector.
Fields of Study Covered by the DWS Bursary 2027
The bursary focuses on qualifications that contribute to the Department’s current and future skills requirements.
Undergraduate Qualifications
Students entering their first year in 2027 may apply for approved programmes such as:
- 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 Qualifications
Selected students entering their first year of Honours study may be considered for:
- Construction Project Management – BSc Honours
- Environmental and Water Sciences – BSc Honours
- Geohydrology – BSc Honours
The exact fields supported may depend on the Department’s annual skills requirements.
Who Can Apply for the DWS Bursary 2027?
Applicants should meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have completed Matric or currently be in Matric.
- Intend to study full-time.
- Be pursuing an approved qualification.
- Be entering the first year of undergraduate or first-year Honours study in 2027.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Not be receiving funding from NSFAS, another bursary, scholarship, or similar financial assistance.
Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference may also be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and financially disadvantaged or rural communities.
Approved Universities and Institutions
Applicants must intend to study at an approved public higher education institution in South Africa. Institutions included in the programme are:
- 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
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Venda
- University of the Western Cape
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
Applicants should confirm that their chosen institution and qualification are included in the current DWS bursary programme before applying.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare all supporting documents before submitting their applications. Depending on their current academic status, required documents may include:
- Completed DWS Bursary Application Form for 2027.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Grade 11 final results for current Matric students.
- Latest Matric results for current Matric students.
- Certified copy of Matric certificate for students who have completed Grade 12.
- Proof of university application.
- Provisional acceptance letter or confirmed university offer.
- Academic record for applicants entering first-year Honours.
- Proof of acceptance for Honours studies.
- Parent or guardian proof of income.
- Recent payslips where parents or guardians are employed.
- Affidavit where a parent or guardian is unemployed.
- SASSA grant letter, where applicable.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, legible, and properly certified where required. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for the DWS Bursary 2027
Applicants must complete the official Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form for 2027 and attach all required supporting documents.
Completed applications should be submitted by email to:
Use the following email subject:
DWS Bursary 2027 Government
Before sending the application, applicants should carefully review the form, confirm that all required fields have been completed, and ensure that all supporting documents are attached.
Students are encouraged to apply early, particularly where documents still need to be certified or university acceptance is pending.
How Are DWS Bursary Applicants Selected?
The awarding of a DWS bursary is not determined by academic performance alone. The Department considers several factors when assessing applications, including:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Departmental skills requirements
- Race and gender considerations
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted following the assessment process. According to the current bursary information, applicants who do not receive written feedback within approximately three months after the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.
What Happens After Graduation?
The DWS Bursary Programme may provide opportunities beyond financial support during university studies. Graduates who receive funding may be required to participate in the Water Learning Academy after completing their qualifications.
According to the programme information, bursary recipients may be placed under a fixed-term arrangement of up to three years, giving them an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in their respective fields. This can help graduates develop professional skills while contributing to South Africa’s water and sanitation sector.
DWS Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The application deadline is:
30 September 2026
Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline. Late applications may not be accepted or considered.
DWS Bursary Contact Details
For enquiries regarding the bursary programme, applicants can contact:
Ms Nobulali Mtikitiki
Bursary Coordinator
Telephone: 012 336 7149
Email: [email protected]
Final Reminder
The Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary 2027 offers South African students an opportunity to receive financial assistance while pursuing qualifications that support the country’s water, engineering, construction, and environmental sectors.
Eligible students should review the approved fields and institutions, prepare their supporting documents, complete the official application form, and submit their applications to [email protected] before the 30 September 2026 closing date.
