The Western Cape Government is inviting eligible students to apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.
The bursary supports students pursuing qualifications in engineering and the built environment at selected universities in the Western Cape. It provides financial assistance for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and other approved study-related expenses.
Applications close on 31 August 2026.
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary 2027 Overview
- Bursary provider: Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure
- Programme: Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme
- Academic year: 2027
- Study level: Diploma or Degree
- Study areas: Engineering and Built Environment
- Eligible institutions: UCT, CPUT and Stellenbosch University
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
- Application method: Online
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Students who do not satisfy the compulsory criteria may not be considered.
To qualify for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary 2027, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
- Be studying or intending to study full-time during the 2027 academic year.
- Be pursuing a recognised Degree or Diploma in one of the approved engineering or built environment fields.
- Be studying at, or have applied and been accepted to study at, one of the approved Western Cape universities.
- Submit all the required supporting documents before the closing date.
- Provide accurate and complete information in the online application.
Applicants should carefully check the entry requirements for their chosen university and qualification before applying for the bursary.
Who Will Receive Preference?
Although all qualifying applicants may apply, preference may be given to students from historically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups.
Preference may be given to:
- Financially disadvantaged students.
- Female students.
- Students living with disabilities.
- Students from the Western Cape who reside outside the Cape Town metropolitan area.
Meeting one of these preference categories does not automatically guarantee that an applicant will receive a bursary. Selection will also depend on academic performance, financial need, the availability of funding and compliance with the programme’s requirements.
Approved Fields of Study
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary supports Degree and Diploma studies within the engineering and built environment sector.
The approved fields include:
- Architecture
- City and Regional Planning
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering, specialising in Heavy Current
- Geomatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
Applicants studying qualifications outside these fields may not qualify for the programme.
Approved Universities
Applicants must be studying at, or accepted to study at, one of the following Western Cape-based universities:
- University of Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Stellenbosch University
Students who have applied to more than one university or more than one field of study must submit a separate bursary application for each university or discipline.
What Does the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Cover?
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary may cover approved study-related expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Prescribed study materials
- Academic support programmes
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport costs, where applicable
The exact value of the bursary may depend on the student’s individual circumstances, course costs and approved funding allocation.
Documents Required for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Application
Applicants must upload clear and complete copies of all compulsory supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African identity document.
- Certified copy of the latest Matric results, if currently in Matric.
- Certified copy of the Matric certificate, if Matric has already been completed.
- Certified copy of the latest tertiary academic record, if currently studying.
- Proof of registration, acceptance or application at an approved university.
- Full course outline or prospectus for the 2027 academic year.
- Estimated study costs for the 2027 academic year.
- Proof of residential address not older than three months.
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ identity documents.
- Death certificates if one or both parents or guardians are deceased.
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income.
- Recent payslips if employed.
- An affidavit if unemployed.
- Proof of a SASSA grant or pension, where applicable.
- A motivational letter supporting the bursary application.
- Proof of existing study debt, where applicable.
- Proof of any other financial assistance received.
- Medical proof of disability, where applicable.
- Police clearance certificate if the applicant has a criminal record.
Applications with missing, unclear or incomplete documents may be disregarded.
How to Apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary 2027
Applications must be submitted through the official Masakh’iSizwe online application portal.
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Open the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary online application portal.
- Register a new account using an active email address.
- Log in using the registered details.
- Select the relevant qualification and university.
- Complete every section of the application form.
- Upload all compulsory supporting documents.
- Review the information for accuracy.
- Submit the application before 31 August 2026.
- Save the application confirmation or reference number.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because technical difficulties, missing documents or internet problems could prevent successful submission.
Motivational Letter Requirements
A strong motivational letter can help explain why the applicant deserves financial support.
The letter should briefly cover:
- The qualification the applicant intends to study.
- The reasons for choosing the engineering or built environment field.
- Academic achievements and relevant strengths.
- The applicant’s financial circumstances.
- Career goals after graduation.
- How the qualification could contribute to infrastructure development and public service.
- Why the applicant should be considered for the bursary.
The motivational letter should be professional, honest and specific to the applicant’s circumstances.
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Obligations
Successful bursary recipients may be required to participate in programme activities while studying.
These activities may include:
- Attending workshops.
- Participating in events and meetings.
- Taking part in academic experiential training.
- Participating in outreach programmes.
- Attending certain activities over weekends.
After completing their studies, bursary recipients may be required to take up employment with the Department of Infrastructure.
Graduates may also be required to participate in a Professional Development Training Programme to work towards professional registration in their respective fields.
Applicants should therefore read and understand the bursary programme policies and contractual obligations before accepting the bursary.
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Selection Process
Applications will be assessed according to the programme’s requirements, available funding, academic performance and other selection considerations.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the bursary programme.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by 12 February 2027 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme is:
31 August 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and make sure that all supporting documents have been uploaded successfully.
Contact Details
Applicants with questions about the bursary may contact the Department of Infrastructure Masakh’iSizwe Office.
Telephone: 021 483 0964 or 021 483 9545
Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
Applicants should first read the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary frequently asked questions and programme policies before submitting an enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary?
South African citizens who are currently in Matric, have completed Matric or are already studying an approved engineering or built environment qualification may apply.
Can students from outside the Western Cape apply?
The stated criteria do not completely exclude applicants from other provinces. However, preference may be given to Western Cape students residing outside the Cape Town metropolitan area.
Which universities are accepted?
The bursary supports approved studies at the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Stellenbosch University.
Does the bursary support postgraduate studies?
Applicants should confirm whether their specific postgraduate qualification is approved by the programme before applying. The programme primarily supports approved Degree and Diploma qualifications in engineering and the built environment.
Can I apply before receiving university acceptance?
Applicants may submit proof of application where permitted, but they will need to meet the programme’s university admission requirements and provide the required proof of registration or acceptance.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The bursary may cover approved accommodation and meal expenses or transport costs, depending on the student’s circumstances.
Can I submit one application for two universities?
No. Applicants who apply to more than one university or more than one discipline must submit a separate application for each option.
Will bursary recipients have to work for the government?
Successful recipients may be required to work for the Department of Infrastructure after graduation and participate in a professional development programme.
Final Application Checklist
Before submitting the application, applicants should confirm that they:
- Meet the citizenship requirements.
- Are studying or planning to study an approved qualification.
- Have applied to or been accepted by UCT, CPUT or Stellenbosch University.
- Have prepared all certified documents.
- Have included proof of household income.
- Have written a strong motivational letter.
- Have uploaded the correct course outline and study cost estimate.
- Have checked that all details are accurate.
- Have submitted the application before 31 August 2026.
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary provides valuable financial and professional support to students pursuing careers in engineering and the built environment. Eligible students should prepare their documents early and submit a complete application before the deadline.