The Department of Water and Sanitation invites South African students to apply for the DWS Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
About the DWS Bursary Programme 2027
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to students who want to build careers in the water sector.
The bursary supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies in water-related, engineering, environmental science and related fields at selected South African public universities.
This bursary is aimed at talented South African students who are committed to contributing to the country’s water and sanitation sector.
What the DWS Bursary Covers
Successful applicants may receive financial support for:
- Full university registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Residence accommodation fees
- Meal fees
- Book allowance
- Annual personal allowance
Fields of Study Funded
The Department of Water and Sanitation funds qualifications that support South Africa’s water sector. Fields may include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Aquatic Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering, Heavy Current
- Mechanical Engineering
- Project Management
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Geo-chemistry
- Geographical Information Systems
- Geo-hydrology
- Geology
- Hydrology
- Microbiology
- Water Care
- Water Resource Management
- Water Utilisation
Applicants should check the official application form to confirm the fields funded for the 2027 intake.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time
- Must be applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies
- Must study at a participating South African public university
- Must be studying towards a qualification related to the water sector
- Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen university
- Must meet the Department’s skills requirements for the bursary intake
Selection Criteria
Applications may be assessed according to:
- Academic performance
- Race
- Gender
- Financial need
- Departmental demand for specific qualifications
Strong academic performance can improve an applicant’s chances, but financial need and the Department’s skills priorities are also important.
Universities Covered
The bursary supports students studying at selected South African public universities, including:
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Free State
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Limpopo
- Nelson Mandela University
- Walter Sisulu University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology
- University of Venda
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Zululand
- Rhodes University
- University of Fort Hare
- North-West University
- University of Mpumalanga
- Sol Plaatje University
Bursary Obligations
After successfully completing their qualifications, bursary recipients may be required to join the Water Learning Academy on a fixed-term contract.
The contract period may be for up to three years.
This gives graduates practical workplace exposure while helping the Department develop skilled professionals for the water sector.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the documents requested on the official bursary application form. These may include:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Latest academic results
- Matric certificate, if applicable
- Proof of university acceptance or registration, if available
- Full academic record, if already studying
- Proof of household income
- Completed bursary application form
- Any additional documents required by DWS
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email.
Applicants must complete the official Department of Water and Sanitation bursary application form and email it with all required supporting documents to:
Click here to apply for Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting their application.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.