Vaal Central Water invites South African unemployed learners and students to apply for the Vaal Central Water Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 16 January 2026
Bursary Location: Free State & Northern Cape Provinces, South Africa
About Vaal Central Water
Vaal Central Water (VCW) is a Schedule 3B National Government Business Entity accountable to the Minister of Water and Sanitation and Parliament. The entity provides bulk water services to municipalities in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces.
Through its bursary programme, Vaal Central Water recognises education as a key driver of socio-economic transformation and aims to develop a skilled, diverse and future-ready technical workforce for the water sector.
About the Bursary Programme
Vaal Central Water will award 20 full-time bursaries for the 2026 academic year to deserving South African students pursuing qualifications relevant to the water and environmental sector.
The programme supports academic excellence, transformation of technical professions and the development of scarce and critical skills aligned with VCW’s strategic priorities.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports full-time undergraduate studies in the following areas:
- Water Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil Engineering (Water Infrastructure focus)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment & Waste Management
- Hydrology
- Chemical Engineering (Water-related specialisation)
- Cyber Security
Bursary Coverage
The Vaal Central Water Bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation or residence costs
- Living allowance
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Be in Grade 12 or have completed Matric (NSC or equivalent)
- Achieve at least 60% in Mathematics, Physical Science and related subjects
- Intend to study full-time at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution in 2026
- Demonstrate a strong passion for the water sector
- Come from a historically disadvantaged background
- Not be a recipient of another bursary or financial assistance
Preference will be given to:
- Female students
- Students with disabilities
- Students from Vaal Central Water fence-line communities in the Free State and Northern Cape
Academic Requirements (APS)
Applicants must meet the following APS thresholds:
- Engineering fields (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental Engineering): APS 32–36
- Minimum 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science
- Hydrology & Cyber Security: APS 30–34
- Environmental Science: APS 28–32
- Water Management / Water & Waste Treatment: APS 26–30
Selection Process
Selection is competitive and based on:
- Academic performance and APS score
- Financial need
- Career motivation and alignment with water sector priorities
- Alignment with VCW’s strategic skills pipeline
- Interviews or assessments (if required)
Bursary Conditions
- Funding is awarded for one academic year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance
- Students must maintain academic progress as required by VCW and their institution
- Participation in vacation work, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) or job shadowing may be required
- A minimum work-back period of two (2) years applies after completion of studies
- VCW reserves the right to withdraw funding if conditions are not met
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
- Motivational letter outlining career goals and how the bursary will help
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or latest academic results
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution (if available)
- Proof of residence
- Evidence of financial need (e.g. household income documents)
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Vaal Central Water Bursary Programme 2026:
👉 https://vaalcentralwater.simplify.hr/Vacancy/164292
Applications must be submitted online via the Vaal Central Water portal.
Bursary Closing Date
Closing Date: 16 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Meta Description (Rank Math SEO)
Vaal Central Water Bursary Programme 2026: Apply for fully funded bursaries covering tuition, accommodation and living allowance for water, engineering, environmental and cyber security studies. Closing date 16 January 2026.