ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) was formed in 1912, when it was initially known as the
Department of Irrigation. As one of the South African government’s departments, the DWS is responsible for the water resources of the country, particularly for formulating and implementing policies within the sector.The DWS aim to ensure that South African have access to clean water and sanitation services, as well as water resources management for ensuring sustainable economic and social development in the country.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) have established a Learning Academy, whose aim it is to help students complete their tertiary students within the water and sanitation field, which is a scarce skills sector in the country.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.
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)
www.zacareers.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) Bursary.
MORE ABOUT THE DWS BURSARY PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED, SERVICE CONTRACT & SELECTION
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 in relation to the students qualification.
On completion of their studies, bursary recipients will be required to join the Water Learning Academy for up to 3 years.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 months of the bursary closing date. If you do not receive any written communication feedback by then, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DWS BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- 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
- North West 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 be in receipt of 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
Download and complete the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary Application Form 2025 (.pdf)
Enter “www.zacareers.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DWS Bursary.
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 be 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 institutes letterhead)
- Honours students in first year: academic record of undergraduate and proof acceptance (on institutes letterhead)
- Parents/ guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)
Applications must be submitted via email to: bursaries@dws.gov.za
(Insert the words “DWS Bursary Application 2025” in the email subject line).
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.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Water and Sanitation directly:
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
