Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION BURSARY COVER?

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the water and sanitation field, particularly the following fields:

Undergraduate studies:

  • 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 studies:

  • Construction Project Management (BSc Hons)
  • Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc Hons)
  • Geohydrology (BSc Hons)

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE DWS BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, book allowance, stationery allowance, accommodation, food (per university guidance) and a monthly stipend.

On completion of their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years.

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 Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) Bursary.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE DWS BURSARY?

Bursaries will be awarded based on the following main criteria: academic performance, race and gender, financial need and need of the Department in relation to the students qualification.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 months of the bursary closing date. If you do not receive any written communication feedback by then, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE DWS 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 have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
  • You must intend on studying full time towards one of the qualifications listed above
  • You must be entering your 1st year of study in 2027 (undergraduate or Honours)
  • You must intend on studying at one of these public institutions in South Africa:
    • 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
    • University of Stellenbosch
    • University of Venda
    • University of the Western Cape
    • University of Witwatersrand
    • University of Zululand
    • Vaal University of Technology
    • Walter Sisulu University
  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must be in financial need
  • You must NOT be in receipt of any other funding (including NSFAS, bursary, scholarship or other award)
  • Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE DWS BURSARY?

Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2027 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DWS Bursary.

Applications must be submitted via email to: bursaries@dws.gov.za
(Insert the words “DWS Bursary 2027” in the email subject line).

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE DWS BURSARY?

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

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Grade 11 final results AND Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copies)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
  • First time/ new students: proof of application/ provisional acceptance letter/ firm offer from university (on institutes letterhead)
  • Honours students in first year: academic record of undergraduate and proof acceptance (on institutes letterhead)
  • Parents/ guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE DWS BURSARY?

30 September 2026.

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

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Water and Sanitation directly:
Contact person: Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator)
Tel: 012 336 7149
Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za

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

WHAT DOES THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION DO?

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is the South African government department responsible for managing the country’s water resources and ensuring sustainable access to water and sanitation services. Its origins date back to 1912, when it was established as the Department of Irrigation, before evolving through several name changes to become the Department of Water and Sanitation in 2014.

The DWS is responsible for developing and implementing national policies, legislation and strategies relating to water resource management, water supply, sanitation, and water conservation. Its mission is to ensure that all South Africans have equitable access to safe, reliable water and dignified sanitation services while promoting the sustainable use and protection of the country’s water resources to support social and economic development.

Through its Learning Academy and other skills development initiatives, the Department of Water and Sanitation supports the development of qualified professionals in the water sector. The department offers bursaries and training opportunities to students pursuing studies in scarce and critical skills fields related to water and sanitation, helping to build the expertise needed to manage South Africa’s future water resources.

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This bursary listing was last updated in July 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.