The Department of Water and Sanitation, DWS is now accepting applications for its 2025 academic year bursary program. The DWS aims to ensure that South Africans have access to clean water and sanitation services, as well as water resources management to ensure sustainable economic and social development in the country.
The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, book allowance, stationery allowance, accommodation, food (per university guidance), and a monthly stipend. Bursaries will be awarded based on the following main criteria: academic performance, race and gender, financial need, and need of the Department about the student’s qualifications. On completion of their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years.
Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the water and sanitation field, particularly the following fields:
Undergraduate studies:
- Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Civil Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Environmental Management (BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Water Project Management (BSc)
- Water Care (National Diploma)
Postgraduate studies:
- Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc (Hons)
- Geohydrology (BSc (Hons)
- Hydrology (BSc (Hons)
Application Requirements for DWS Bursary
Applicants must meet the criteria below before applying. Below are the application requirements for the Amazon Bursary;
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed Matric or be currently in Matric
- You must intend on studying full-time towards one of the qualifications listed above
- You must be entering your first year of study in 2025 (undergraduate or Honours)
- You must be studying or intend on studying at one of these public institutions:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- Northwest University
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of the Free State
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Pretoria
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Venda
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- You must have a strong academic record
- You must be in financial need
- You must NOT receive any other funding (including NSFAS, bursary, scholarship or other award)
- Students living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities
How to Apply for The DWS Bursary 2024
Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2025 (.pdf)
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Grade 11 final results AND Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copies)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- First-time/ new students: proof of application/ provisional acceptance letter/ firm offer from university (on institute letterhead)
- Honors students in the first year: the academic record of undergraduate and proof acceptance (on institute letterhead)
- Parents/guardian’s proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)
Applications must be submitted via email to: bursaries@dws.gov.za
Closing Date for The DWS Bursary
30 September 2024.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
Also See: Knight Piésold Bursary 2025 – Apply Now
Contact Details
If you have any inquiries or require support, the institution’s help center is readily available to address your concerns. Feel free to reach out and connect with the dedicated team at the specified address for prompt and efficient assistance.
Contact person: Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator)
Tel: 012 336 7149
Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
Contact person: Wisane Mavasa (Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation)
Cell: 060 561 8935
