Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPW&I) Bursary 2026

By | February 12, 2024

The Eastern Cape Department of Public Works (ECDPW)  has opened its 2026 academic year bursary application and is inviting all interested applicants to apply Now.

The ECDPW implemented the bursary scheme to promote skill development within fields of study related to Engineering Sciences and Property related professions. This year the department will be awarding bursaries to 50 students who reside within the province of the Eastern Cape.

Closing Date: 20 February 2026.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies towards these qualifications:

  • Land Surveying (Advanced Diploma)
  • Real Estate (Advanced Diploma)
  • Interior Design (Advanced Diploma)
  • Architecture (Masters)

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Below are the requirements for this bursary application:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must reside within the Eastern Cape province
  • You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
  • You must have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time, towards one of the qualifications listed above, in 2026
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
  • Land Surveying (Advanced Diploma) students: you must have completed a National Diploma in Land Surveying
  • Real Estate (Advanced Diploma) students: you must have completed a National Diploma in Real Estate
  • Interior Design (Advanced Diploma) students: you must have completed a National Diploma in Interior Design
  • Architecture (Masters) students: you must have completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours
  • Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply

BURSARY COVERAGE:

This bursary covers the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, meals and a living allowance.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted – if you do not receive any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

Download and complete the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

Note: this bursary is being re-advertised – students who previously applied towards the end of 2026, are encouraged to reapply. The same application form is being used from the original bursary advert.

Supporting Documents

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)
  • Matric certificate (certified copy)
  • National Diploma/ Bachelor degree certificate (certified copy)
  • Full tertiary academic record (certified copy)
  • Proof of acceptance or admission from a tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
  • Proof of physical home address (letter from Traditional Authority Offices if residing in a village, letter from Municipal Offices if residing in a town, township or farm) (NOT a rates bill or statement of account)
  • Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
  • Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, death certificate if deceased)
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Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:
– Hand delivery:
Amatola Business Village
Unit 5
Bhisho
5605

– Post:
The Director: Human Resources Utilisation and Capacity Development
Private Bag X0022
Bhisho
5605

Note: applications received via email or fax will NOT be accepted.

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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.
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✅ 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.