Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS): Bursaries 2025

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the water and sanitation field, particularly the following fields:

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)
• 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)

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Registration fees,
• Tuition fees,
• Book allowance,
• Stationery allowance,
• Accommodation,
• Food (per university guidance) and a monthly stipend.

Bursaries will be awarded based on the following main criteria:

• Academic performance,
• Race and gender,
• Financial need
• Need of the Department in relation to the students qualification.

NB. On completion of their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
• You must intend on studying full time towards one of the qualifications listed above
• You must be entering your first year of study in 2025 (undergraduate or Honours)
• You must be studying or intend on studying at one of these public institutions:

1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2. Central University of Technology
3. Durban University of Technology
4. Nelson Mandela University
5. North West University
6. Rhodes University
7. Sol Plaatje University
8. Tshwane University of Technology
9. University of Cape Town
10. University of Fort Hare
11. University of the Free State
12. University of Johannesburg
13. University of KwaZulu-Natal
14. University of Limpopo
15. University of Mpumalanga
16. University of Pretoria
17. University of Stellenbosch
18. University of Venda
19. University of the Western Cape
20. University of Witwatersrand
21. University of Zululand
22. Vaal University of Technology
23. Walter Sisulu University

• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be in financial need
• You must NOT be in receipt of any other funding (including NSFAS, bursary, scholarship or other award)
• Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities