Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary South Africa

Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary South Africa

ABOUT THE COMPANY – 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.

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

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.

The DWS will be awarding bursaries in the following fields of study:
Undergraduate:

  • Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng/ National Diploma)
  • Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng/ National Diploma)
  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng/ National Diploma)
  • Hydrology (BSc)
  • Geohydrology (BSc)
  • Water Economics (BSc)
  • Project Management (BSc)
  • Environmental Management (BSc)
  • Environmental Sciences (BSc)
  • Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc)
  • Water Care (National Diploma)
  • Environmental Management (National Diploma)
  • Biochemistry (National Diploma)
  • Land Surveying (National Diploma)

Postgraduate:

  • Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng (Hons))
  • Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng (Hons))
  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng (Hons))
  • Hydrology (BSc (Hons))
  • Geohydrology (BSc (Hons))
  • Environmental Management (BSc (Hons))
  • Water Economics (BSc (Hons))
  • Project Management (BSc (Hons))
  • Environmental Sciences (BSc (Hons))
  • Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc (Hons))

 

MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE & SERVICE CONTRACT

Bursaries are awarded each year and renewed based on satisfactory academic performance. The following expenses are covered by the bursary programme: registration fees, tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, accommodation in residence, meals and a personal allowance.

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 via written correspondence. Should you not receive feedback within 3 months of the application deadline, regard your application as unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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):

  • South African citizen
  • Completed Matric OR currently in Matric
  • Studying or intend on studying full time within one of the aforementioned fields of study
  • Studying or intend on studying at one of the tertiary institutes listed below
  • Strong academic performance
  • Proven financial need
  • *Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities
  • Students with disability should also apply

 

Students must pursue their studies at one of the following universities:

  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Witwatersrand
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • Rhodes University
  • University of Fort Hare
  • University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
  • University of Limpopo
  • University of the Free State
  • Walter Sisulu University
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • North West University
  • University of Zululand
  • University of Venda
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY

Download and complete the Dept of Water & Sanitation Bursary Application Form (.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 be disregarded):

  • ID document (certified copy of)
  • Grade 11 final results AND Matric latest results (if currently in Matric) (certified copies of)
  • Matric certificate (if completed Matric) (certified copy of)
  • Proof of University application/ firm offer/ provisional acceptance letter (if a new student)
  • Full tertiary academic record to date (if currently at University) (certified copy of)
  • Parents/ guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)

 

Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: bursaries@dws.gov.za
(Insert the words “DWS Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the email subject line).

2) Post:
Department of Water and Sanitation
Director: Learning Academy
Private Bag X313
Pretoria
0001

CLOSING DATE

(Applications for  will reopen on May .)
(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

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: