Department of Public Works Bursary 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

If you’re a South African student passionate about a career in the built environment, the Department of Public Works Bursary program might be a great fit for you.

This bursary program financially assists deserving students pursuing qualifications critical to the Department’s mission.

About the Organisation

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is a South African government department. 

Since 2014, it has awarded bursaries to learners from disadvantaged, rural, township, or farm schools. 

The bursary is part of its strategy to build critical skills in the built environment.

Fields of Study Funded

Here are some careers and study fields the bursary has funded:

1. Engineering (Civil, Structural, Transport, Electrical, Water Care, Mechanical, Chemical, Hydrology)
2. Analytical Chemistry
3. Construction Management
4. Quantity Surveying
5. Architecture; Landscape Architecture
6. Urban and Regional Planning; Interior Design; Horticulture
7. Actuarial Science; Property Studies

Benefits for Recipients

The bursary offers strong support:

1. Each student receives R130,000 per year
2. It covers tuition fees, residential fees, meals, textbooks, project and compulsory study resources, and an allowance
3. Recipients are part of additional programmes: the DPW Schools programme and winter school camps (for Grade 8-12 from adopted schools) that help with Maths and Science preparation
4. There is a Young Professionals Programme offering mentorship, structured training, and exposure to national and international projects in built-environment careers.

Eligibility Criteria

From the fact sheet, eligibility includes:

• Learners from disadvantaged schools (rural, township, farm schools)
• Interested in studying a career in the built-environment fields listed above

How to Apply

1. The bursary is linked with the DPW Schools programme, which adopts 15 schools each year. Learners from these adopted schools are involved in winter school camps during the June holidays.
2. Applications are tied to the winter school process and to being one of those learners interested and selected for built-environment careers. The official application route/form is via DPW when advertised (linked to the DPW Schools programme).

Required Documents

From historic practice, you will likely need:

1. Proof of learner status in a disadvantaged school (e.g. rural / township/farm school)
2. Evidence of subject strength in Maths and Science (to benefit from winter school camps, etc.)
3. Possibly proof of residential status/school enrolment in an adopted school by DPW

Closing Date

There are currently no official application dates for 2026.

Contact Details

For further inquiries, you can contact the Department of Public Works at their general enquiries number: +27 (0) 12 444 5000.