The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA) invites qualifying Grade 12 learners and undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds in KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the Engineering Bursary Programme 2027.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 October 2026 at 16:00
Bursary Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme 2027
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, through KZN EDTEA, is offering six bursaries for the 2027 academic year.
The bursaries are aimed at academically deserving learners and undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are domiciled in KwaZulu-Natal.
Funding is specifically available for students pursuing:
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
and
Civil Engineering
at either the University of the Witwatersrand or the University of Pretoria.
Bursary Overview
Provider: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Academic Year: 2027
Number of Bursaries: X6
Eligible Age: 15–34 years
Target Group: Grade 12 learners and undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Universities: Wits University or University of Pretoria
Closing Date: 30 October 2026 at 16:00
Application Method: Post or hand delivery
Email Applications: Not accepted
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary is limited to three engineering disciplines.
| Field | Study Institution |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineering | Wits University or University of Pretoria |
| Mechanical Engineering | Wits University or University of Pretoria |
| Civil Engineering | Wits University or University of Pretoria |
Applicants are responsible for applying for and securing admission at the relevant university.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be residents of KwaZulu-Natal and come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Candidates must be between 15 and 34 years old and must have been accepted, or be in the process of securing admission, to study one of the approved engineering programmes at Wits University or the University of Pretoria.
The bursary application and university admission process are separate, so applicants must ensure that they also apply directly to the university.
What the KZN EDTEA Bursary Covers
Successful students may receive funding for:
- Registration fees.
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Prescribed books.
- Other study materials.
- Meals.
- Monthly allowance.
The bursary may be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance and the Department’s approved bursary policy.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a completed bursary application together with the required supporting documents, including a one-page motivation letter, proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence, certified applicant ID, certified parent or guardian ID, proof of guardianship where applicable, June Grade 12 results and proof of household income.
Applicants already studying at Wits or UP must also provide an academic record.
Grade 12 learners should provide a university admission or acceptance letter where available.
Final Grade 12 results must be submitted after they are released, as instructed by the Department.
Proof of Residence
Proof that the applicant resides in KwaZulu-Natal may include a municipal water, electricity or rates statement, police affidavit or a letter from a traditional authority or local councillor.
How to Apply for KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants must complete the official bursary application form.
Click here to download the KZN EDTEA Bursary Application Form 2027
Applicants must clearly indicate that they are applying for the Aeronautical Engineering Bursary Programme and state their specific engineering discipline.
Applications can be posted to:
Attention: Aeronautical Engineering-Bursary Programme | Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X9152
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Applications may alternatively be hand delivered to:
KZN EDTEA Head Office
270 Jabu Ndlovu Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Alternative Hand-Delivery Offices
Applicants may also submit applications at the following listed KZN EDTEA district or local offices:
| District | Area | Physical Address |
|---|---|---|
| iLembe | KwaDukuza | Albert House, Corner of Link Road and R102, Stanger |
| eThekwini | Durban | 9th Floor & part of 8th Floor, The Marine, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street |
| eThekwini | Durban | 333 Anton Lembede Street |
| uMzinyathi | Dundee | 26 Beaconsfield Street |
| Amajuba | Newcastle | 50 Harding Street, Harding Office Park |
| uThukela | Ladysmith | 73 Murchison Street |
| Zululand | Vryheid | 241 Utrecht Street |
| King Cetshwayo | Richards Bay | ERF 11637, Veldenvlei South Ext 3, 7 Aloe Loop Street |
| Harry Gwala | Ixopo | 1 Northway Drive |
| Ugu | Port Shepstone | 38 Main Harding Road |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | ex-Joshua Doore Centre, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | 217 Burger Street |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | 181 Berg Street |
| uMkhanyakude | Umkhuze | ERF 60 Mzolozolo Avenue |
| uMkhanyakude | Mtubatuba | Lot 55D Kiepersol Street |
| Zululand | Ulundi | LA Building Unit B |
Applicants should use the address exactly as it appears in the official bursary advertisement.
Important: Email Applications Are Not Accepted
Initial bursary applications must not be submitted by email.
The advert indicates that final Grade 12 results may later be emailed once released, but this does not change the application method for the original bursary submission.
Applications must be posted or hand delivered.
Bursary Application Closing Date
Applications close strictly on:
30 October 2026 at 16:00
Late applications will not be accepted.
Bursary Enquiries
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Telephone: 060 565 3728
Email: mbuyiseni.zwane@kznedtea.gov.za
Only selected candidates will be contacted.