iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – ISIMANGALISO

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is one of the largest protected area in the country. The park was previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, but in 2007 was renamed to iSimangaliso Wetland Park – iSimangaliso means “miracle” and “wonder” in Zulu.

In 1999, the Park was listed as the first World Heritage Site in South Africa, owing to its exquisite beauty. The Park houses 3 major lake systems, 8 interlinking ecosystems, historic fishing traditions, majority of the countries remaining swamp forests, the continents biggest estuarine system, over 500 bird species and over 20 000 year old coastal dunes.

Since the inception of the bursary programme in 2010, iSimangaliso has provided bursaries and support to 140 students.
 

ABOUT THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing in KwaZulu-Natal, who are verifiable members of either; the Land Claimants Communities of iSimangaliso Wetland Park or a resident of the uMkhanyakude District
Municipality within areas that are close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Mfolozi Local Municipality particularly the Sokhulu area.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within Conservation, Tourism, or related discipline (not limited to Conservation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Tourism, Finance, IT, HR, Engineering, Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management etc). Students must study at one of the following institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology.
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

iSimangaliso will award partial bursaries to students who are NSFAS funded. The bursary may provide cover for the following expenses: laptops, data, travel expenses and meals.

The bursary will also provide psycho-social support to helps students adjust to university life and give them support to pass their courses and graduate. Students will also receive opportunities to improve their work readiness through skills development workshops and community service initiatives during the holidays.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK 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 a verifiable member of either: The Land Claimants Communities from iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (Sokhulu, Bhangazi, Dukuduku, Western Shores, Mdletsheni, Makhasa, Mnqobokazi, Nside, Ngwenya, Jobe, Mabaso, Emandleni, (Mbila) and Triangle (Mbila), and Coastal Reserves); OR be a resident of areas of Mkhanyakude District Municipality that are close to iSimangaliso Wetland Park or the Mfolozi Local Municipality particularly in the Sokhulu area
  • You must intend on studying towards a qualification within the Conservation, Tourism or a related discipline
  • You must entering your 1st year of study in 2026
  • You must be accepted to study at one the following institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology
  • You must have applied for NSFAS bursary, or have confirmation that you have been awarded a NSFAS bursary
  • You must have a passion for nature

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK BURSARY

Download and complete the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the iSimangaliso Wetland Park 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 may application be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Proof of NSFAS bursary application
  • Proof of registration or acceptance to UKZN, UniZulu, MUT or DUT
  • Proof of residence
  • If you are a member of a land claimant community: official letter from the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of your land claim Trust confirming that you are a member of the land claim community
  • If you are a member of iSimangaliso neighbouring communities: official letter from your local leader / councillor confirming that you are from the area and the length of time you have been living there

 

Applications must be submitted via email to: nosipho@isimangaliso.com
(Insert the words “iSimangaliso Bursary 2026” in the email subject line).
 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE BURSARY

16 February 2026.
(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 iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority directly:
Tel: 035 590 1633
Email: nosipho@isimangaliso.com
 

Please do NOT contact the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority 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 February 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.