The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government invites eligible students residing in KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Bursary Location: KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
About the KwaZulu-Natal Government
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was established in 1994 following the merger of the former KwaZulu bantustan and Natal Province. It is South Africa’s second most populous province, with Durban as its largest city and Pietermaritzburg as the provincial capital.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government consists of several departments, including Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Provincial Treasury, Human Settlements, Health, Education, Public Works, Social Development, and others.
Fields of Study Covered (2026)
The KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary will be awarded to students studying in approved fields linked to specific departments, as outlined below:
Department of Human Settlements
- Construction Studies
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Agricultural Entomology (BSc)
- Agricultural Engineering (BSc)
- Industrial Engineering (National Diploma)
- Veterinary (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Department of Provincial Treasury
- Accounting (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Students with disabilities: Any field related to the department
Department of Transport
- Civil Engineering (BSc)
- Maritime Studies (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Transport and Logistics (BCom)
- Transport Economics (BCom Honours)
- Urban and Regional Planning (Degree)
What the KZN Government Bursary Covers
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals or a stipend
- Prescribed textbooks (where required)
Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract with the KwaZulu-Natal Government and, upon completion of their studies, serve the relevant department for the same duration as funded.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 18–35 years
- Must be resident in KwaZulu-Natal
- Must have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time in 2026
- Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa
- Preference will be given to students studying within KwaZulu-Natal
- Youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary 2026
Application forms can be collected from the following locations:
- Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
- Department of Education District Offices
- Student Funding Offices at Higher Education Institutions
- Local Municipalities
- Public Libraries
👉 When completing the form, enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the section asking how you heard about the bursary.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear certified copies of the following documents with their application form:
- South African ID document
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic results/transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents (or death certificates if deceased)
- Proof of household income and expenses
- Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal (letter from ward councillor)
- Profiling certificate (if applicable)
Note: Missing documents may result in automatic disqualification.
Where to Submit Applications
Applications must be submitted to the relevant department, depending on your field of study:
Department of Human Settlements
- Post: The Director, Organisational Development, Private Bag X54367, Durban, 4000
- Hand Delivery: 14th Floor, Eagle Building, 353–363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Post: The Director, Human Resource Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand Delivery: R103 Cedara Off-Ramp, Pietermaritzburg
Department of Transport
- Post: The Bursary Section, Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand Delivery: Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumalo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg
Department of Provincial Treasury
- Post: The Bursary Unit, P.O. Box 3613, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand Delivery: Treasury House, 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Road, Pietermaritzburg
Closing Date
15 February 2026
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Contact Details
For enquiries, contact the relevant department directly:
Human Settlements:
Ms MP Phama – 031 336 5195
Ms X Bhengu – 031 336 5380
Ms T Hlophe – 031 319 3700
Agriculture and Rural Development:
Mr TE Majola – 033 343 8012 / 076 940 9526
Mrs Z Mthembu – 035 780 6727 / 064 305 8019
Ms NNT Khambula – 033 355 9272 / 076 937 7373
Transport:
Nomasonto Gwananda – 033 355 8828
Nokwabelwa Ngcobo – 033 355 8899
Reshika Sing – 033 355 8771
Provincial Treasury:
Mrs T Suleman – 033 897 4372
Ms C Sibisi – 033 897 4391