Masakh’iSizwe (MiS) Bursary South Africa 2026

The MiS Bursary, launched by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure, addresses critical skills shortages by supporting talented students pursuing engineering and built‑environment studies in the Western Cape. This programme empowers youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to become qualified professionals who contribute to infrastructure development and economic growth.

Fields of Study Supported

Eligible fields include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
• Architecture
• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Geomatics
• Property Studies
• Town, City & Regional Planning
• Transport Economics/Studies

Additional disciplines classified as scarce or critical by the Department may also qualify.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Be accepted or applying FULL‑TIME to one of the following Western Cape universities: University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University (SU), or Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• Be studying or intending to study in one of the supported fields
• Demonstrate financial need
• Preference is given to: women, persons with disabilities, rural applicants, and learners from disadvantaged communities

Failure to meet all requirements results in disqualification.

What the Bursary Covers

The MiS Bursary provides:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Prescribed textbooks and study materials
• Financial support for accommodation and meals, or transport costs if living at home
• Access to academic and professional support programmes
• Internship opportunities and experiential training during studies

This support ensures learners can focus on their education and gain practical experience relevant to their field.

Service Obligation & Post‑Graduation Plans

Recipients are expected to:

• Attend occasional weekend workshops, outreach programmes, and training sessions
• Undertake academic placements or internships arranged by the Department
• Upon graduation, participate in a Professional Development Training Programme for professional registration
• Serve for a period matching the bursary duration in the public service or partner entities—unless the Department waives the obligation due to capacity

How to Apply

Applicants must:

• Register and complete the online form via the MiS bursary portal
• Submit certified copies of required documents including:
  • Applicant and parent/guardian ID
  • Matric certificate or latest results
  • Academic transcripts (for current tertiary students)
  • Proof of registration or application at UCT, SU, or CPUT
  • Course outline/prospectus and cost estimate
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of parent/guardian income or affidavit
  • A motivational letter
  • Additional documents if applicable (medical proof, disability, debt statement, financial aid proof, police clearance)

If applying for multiple disciplines or institutions, separate applications are required.

Timeline & Deadlines

• Applications open on 1 April and close on 31 August 2025
• Applicants receive decisions by 13 February 2026; no response indicates an unsuccessful application
• Late or incomplete submissions are not considered

Final Thoughts
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary is a standout opportunity for determined students pursuing studies in critical technical fields. By covering all education costs, offering academic support, and securing post-graduation training and placement, it significantly reduces barriers and builds career pathways. If you’re committed to making a tangible impact through infrastructure, planning, or engineering, and want support all the way from university to professional qualification, this bursary could be the launchpad you need.