Department of Water and Sanitation External Bursary Programme
Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy)
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) External Bursary Programme is a full-cost government bursary for South African students in engineering and water-related sciences, aligned to the department's mandate to manage the country's water resources. Priority is given to financially needy applicants from poverty-stricken and rural communities, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates join the DWS Water Learning Academy as graduate trainees after qualifying.
- Amount
- Full-cost bursary (no fixed figure published; covers all study-related costs plus a monthly stipend)
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Grade 12 / Matric completed or currently in Matric aiming for first-year study (undergraduate or postgraduate applicants also considered)
- ✓ Accepted or provisionally accepted for full-time study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology
- ✓ Studying towards a qualifying engineering or water-related science qualification
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need - priority is given to previously disadvantaged applicants from poverty-stricken and rural communities, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- ✓ Cannot hold more than one bursary (must choose between DWS and any other funding)
What's Included
- ✓ Registration and tuition fees
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ Meals/food as per university guidance
- ✓ Book and stationery allowance
- ✓ Monthly personal stipend
- ✓ Placement in the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee after qualifying
Work Commitment
Successful recipients must serve the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee for up to 3 years after graduation (work-back obligation).
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) bursary application
- 1
Visit the DWS Learning Academy page (dws.gov.za/learninga) to confirm the current closing date
- 2
Download the official 'Application for External Bursary: Full-Time Studies' form (PDF hosted on dws.gov.za/learninga)
- 3
Complete the application form in full
- 4
Attach all certified supporting documents
- 5
Email the completed application and documents to [email protected]
- 6
Submit before the published closing date (the 2026 academic year cycle closed 30 September 2025)
Required Documents
- 📄 Fully completed DWS external bursary application form
- 📄 Certified ID copy
- 📄 Certified Grade 12 / Matric certificate or latest results
- 📄 Certified academic transcripts (for current tertiary students)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a recognised South African university or university of technology
- 📄 Proof of parents'/guardians' income
- 📄 Motivational letter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which fields does the DWS bursary fund?
- The DWS External Bursary funds water-related engineering and science qualifications, including Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Water Care, Hydrology, Geohydrology, Water Project Management, Environmental and Water Sciences, and Environmental Management - fields aligned with the department's mandate to manage South Africa's water resources.
- When does the DWS bursary close?
- The application window typically closes on 30 September each year. The cycle for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025. Always check the DWS Learning Academy page (dws.gov.za/learninga) for the current year's closing date.
- Is there a work-back commitment?
- Yes. Successful recipients must serve the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee for up to 3 years after graduation. You also cannot hold more than one bursary, so you must choose between DWS funding and any other bursary.
- How do I apply for the DWS bursary?
- Download the official 'Application for External Bursary: Full-Time Studies' form from dws.gov.za/learninga, complete it, attach your certified documents, and email everything to [email protected] before the closing date. For enquiries, the bursary coordinator can be reached on 012 336 7149.
When do 2027 applications open?
Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 30 September 2025. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) before you rely on them.
Check Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 336 7149
Information verified 2025-09-30. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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