Government Date Unconfirmed

Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary

Provided by: Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa

Status: Date Unconfirmed Closing date: Not confirmed

Note: The official DWS Bursary page (dws.gov.za/learninga/DWABursary.aspx) does not currently display confirmed opening/closing dates for the 2027 cycle, and its downloadable advert link is inactive. Several third-party bursary sites report a 2027-cycle closing date around 30 September 2026, but this could not be verified directly on the department's own site, so it is left unconfirmed here. Historically, DWS opens applications around mid-year with closing dates in the September-November range.

Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa logo

Overview

The Department of Water and Sanitation funds full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering, hydrology and environmental/water sciences at partner universities, covering tuition, residence, meals and a personal allowance, with recipients later serving the department's Water Learning Academy.

What it covers

Full tertiary registration and tuition costs, residence and meal fees, book allowance, and an annual personal allowance

Eligibility

South African citizens enrolled or intending to enrol full-time in a water-related, engineering or environmental science qualification at one of the department's 23 partner universities. Selection weighs academic performance, race and gender, financial need, and DWS's demand for the specific qualification. Recipients commit to a fixed-term service contract with the Water Learning Academy after graduating.

Required documents

Completed application form, certified ID copy, certified academic/matric results, proof of residence, bank details, proof of registration/acceptance (submitted as a single PDF)

Who Can Apply

South African citizens enrolled or intending to enrol full-time in a water-related, engineering or environmental science qualification at one of the department's 23 partner universities. Selection weighs academic performance, race and gender, financial need, and DWS's demand for the specific qualification. Recipients commit to a fixed-term service contract with the Water Learning Academy after graduating.

Supported Study Fields

Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Hydrology; Geohydrology; Environmental Management; Environmental and Water Sciences; Water Care and Environmental Management; Aquatic Sciences; Biochemistry; Project Management

What the Bursary Covers

Full tertiary registration and tuition costs, residence and meal fees, book allowance, and an annual personal allowance

Required Documents

Completed application form, certified ID copy, certified academic/matric results, proof of residence, bank details, proof of registration/acceptance (submitted as a single PDF)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly on the official provider website — SA Education Hub does not process applications.

Go to Official Application Page

SA Education Hub does not award bursaries or process applications. Information is provided for guidance. Always confirm requirements and closing dates on the funder’s official website before applying. Read our full disclaimer.