Department of Water and Sanitation External Bursary Programme
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.
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2025
Apply on 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 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Government bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
City of Cape Town External Bursary Programme
City of Cape Town (Metropolitan Municipality, administered in-house by the City's Human Resources / Skills Development department via the HR Service Desk)
The City of Cape Town runs an annual external bursary programme for Cape Town residents studying full-time towards qualifications in advertised scarce-skills fields such as engineering, accounting, IT, data science, environmental management and the built environment. The bursary covers registration, tuition and examination fees plus capped allowances for study aid, transport and meals, and can lead to year-for-a-year work experience with the City after graduation. Funding spans undergraduate through postgraduate study at accredited South African institutions, including TVET colleges.
View details →City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (administered in-house via the CoJ Human Resources / Skills Development office)
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Bursary Programme is a metropolitan government bursary that funds undergraduate study for academically capable students who permanently reside within the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng. Approximately 200 bursaries are awarded each cycle, covering registration, tuition and prescribed study material up to R40,000 per year across scarce-skills fields relevant to the City. It is distinct from the Gauteng Provincial Government GCRA bursary.
View details →Compensation Fund Bursary
Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour)
The Compensation Fund Bursary is a government bursary administered by the Compensation Fund under the Department of Employment and Labour. It funds unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, plus dependants of COID beneficiaries who were fatally injured or permanently disabled at work.
View details →