Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary SA

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), established in 1912 as the Department of Irrigation, is one of the South African government’s key departments. It is responsible for the country’s water resources, focusing on policy development and implementation in the water sector.
The department aims to provide all South Africans with access to clean water and sanitation services, while ensuring the sustainable management of water resources to support economic and social development. Through its Learning Academy, the DWS helps students pursue tertiary qualifications in the water and sanitation sector, which is regarded as a scarce skills field in South Africa.

About the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Programme – Fields Covered

The DWS invites students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing qualifications in the water and sanitation sector. These include:

Undergraduate studies:

• Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Civil Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Environmental Management (BSc)
• Geohydrology (BSc)
• Hydrology (BSc)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
• Mechanical Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
• Water Project Management (BSc)
• Water Care (National Diploma)

Postgraduate studies:

• Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc Hons)
• Geohydrology (BSc Hons)
• Hydrology (BSc Hons)

More About the DWS Bursary Programme – Expenses Covered, Service Contract & Selection

The bursary covers all essential study-related expenses, including registration and tuition fees, book and stationery allowances, accommodation, meals (as guided by the university), and a monthly stipend.
Awards are based on academic performance, financial need, race, gender, and alignment between the student’s chosen qualification and the department’s human resource needs.
Upon graduation, bursary recipients are required to join the DWS Water Learning Academy for up to three years.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within three months of the bursary’s closing date. If no communication is received during this period, the application should be considered unsuccessful.

Eligibility Requirements for the DWS Bursary

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to apply:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
• Must be entering the first year of study in 2026 (undergraduate or Honours)
• Must plan to study full-time towards a qualification listed above
• Must be accepted or registered at one of the following 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
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • University of Venda
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of Zululand
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Walter Sisulu University
• Must have a strong academic record
• Must be financially needy
• Must not be receiving any other form of funding (e.g., NSFAS, bursary, scholarship)
• Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities

How to Apply for the DWS Bursary

Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2026.
Enter “www.bursariesguru.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the bursary.

Attach the following supporting documents (certified where required):

• South African ID document
• Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if still in school)
• Matric certificate (if completed)
• Proof of university application or acceptance (for new students)
• Academic record and Honours acceptance letter (for postgraduate applicants)
• Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or SASSA letter)

Closing Date

30 September 2025
Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.