Apply For Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) Bursary 2027

July 8, 2026 / Kings

The South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)

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The South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced its 2027 Bursary Programme. Applications are now open to eligible South African citizens, with the closing date set for 30 September 2026.

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The bursary is available to students pursuing qualifications in water and sanitation-related fields. Like most government bursaries, the DWS Bursary provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, covering almost all study-related expenses.

The bursary covers the following expenses:

  • Registration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Book allowance
  • Stationery allowance
  • Accommodation
  • Meals (according to university guidelines)
  • Monthly stipend

Successful bursary recipients should note that they will be required to participate in the Water Learning Academy for up to three years upon completing their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Although the bursary is open to South African students nationwide, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Applications that do not satisfy these requirements will not be considered.

Preference will be given to students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those from poor and rural communities.

  • Must be a South African citizen.
  • Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric.
  • Must intend to study full-time towards one of the approved qualifications listed below.
  • Must be entering the first year of undergraduate or Honours study in 2027.
  • Must have a strong academic record.
  • Must demonstrate financial need.
  • Must not be receiving any other form of funding, including NSFAS, another bursary, scholarship, or award.
  • Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
  • Must intend to study at one of the following South African public institutions:
    • 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

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary is available for selected undergraduate and Honours qualifications in 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)

Honours Studies

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

Selection Process

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will assess applications based on several factors, including:

  • Academic performance.
  • Race and gender considerations.
  • Financial need.
  • The Department’s skills requirements in relation to the applicant’s chosen qualification.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within three months after the closing date. If you do not receive any communication within this period, please consider your application unsuccessful.

How to Apply

  1. Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2027 (PDF).
  2. Complete the application form accurately.
  3. Email your completed application and supporting documents to bursaries@dws.gov.za.
  4. Use “DWS Bursary 2027” as the subject line of your email.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit certified copies of the following documents. Failure to provide all the required documents may result in disqualification.

  • South African ID document.
  • Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if currently in Matric).
  • Matric certificate (if Matric has been completed).
  • Proof of application, provisional acceptance letter, or firm offer from a university (for first-year students).
  • Undergraduate academic record and proof of acceptance into an Honours programme (for Honours applicants).
  • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA grant confirmation letter).

Contact Details

For enquiries regarding the DWS Bursary Programme, contact:

  • Bursary Coordinator: Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki
  • Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
  • Application Email: bursaries@dws.gov.za