Vaal Central Water Bursary South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – VAAL CENTRAL WATER

Vaal Central Water is a public water utility that plays a vital role in supplying safe and reliable bulk water to communities, municipalities, and industries across parts of South Africa. By managing water resources, treatment systems, and distribution infrastructure, the organisation supports economic activity, public health, and sustainable development in the regions it serves.
 

ABOUT THE VAAL CENTRAL WATER (VCW) BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

Vaal Central Water is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

20 bursaries will be awarded, for undergraduate studies within the water and environmental sector, including the following BSc/ BEng/BTech qualifications:

  • Chemical Engineering (water related specialisation)
  • Civil Engineering (water infrastructure focus)
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Hydrology
  • Information Technology (Cyber Security)
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Water Management
  • Water Treatment & Waste Management

Bursaries will be awarded to deserving students, who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to pursuing studies in scarce and critical skills required in the water sector.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE VAAL CENTRAL WATER (VCW) BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED, SELECTION & OBLIGATIONS

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: full tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation or residence and a living allowance.

Funding will be awarded for 1 academic year, and may be renewed based on satisfactory performance.

Bursary recipients may be required to partake in vacation work, work-integrated learning (WIL) or job shadowing.

After graduation, students will be required to complete a work-back period of 2 years.

Students will be selected based on the following main criteria: academic performance and APS score, financial need, career motivation and alignment with water sector priorities and alignment with VCW’s strategic skills pipeline.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to attend an interview or assessment.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Vaal Central Water Bursary.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VCW BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be between 18 and 25 years old
  • You must have completed Matric (NSC) or equivalent
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of 60% in Mathematics, Physical Science and related subjects in Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards a qualification relevant to the water and environmental sector, including the fields of study listed above
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited institution of higher education in South Africa
  • Engineering students: you must have achieved an APS of between 32 and 36 and a minimum of 60% for Mathematics and Physical Science
  • Hydrology and Cyber Security students: you must have achieved an APS of between 30 and 34
  • Environmental Science students: you must have achieved an APS of between 28 and 32
  • Water Management / Water and Waste Management students: you must have achieved an APS of between 26 and 30
  • You must have a passion for the water sector
  • You must be from a disadvantaged background
  • You must NOT be receiving any other bursary funding or financial assistance
  • Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Preference will be given to: female students, students with disabilities and students who reside in Vaal Central Water’s fence-line communities in the Free State and Northern Cape (communities surrounding Vaal Central Water operations)

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE VCW BURSARY

Applications must be submitted online at: Vaal Central Water Bursary Application 2026

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Vaal Central Water bursary.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate or latest academic results (certified copy)
  • Proof of registration or acceptance at an institution
  • Proof of residence
  • Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ proof of pension or sassa grant if applicable)
  • Motivational letter outlining your career goals and how the bursary will help you achieve these goals (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE VCW BURSARY

6 February 2026 (extension).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Vaal Central Water directly:
Manager Training & Development
Tel: 051 403 0800
Email: bursary@vcwater.co.za
 

Please do NOT contact Vaal Central Water if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in January 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.