The Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) bursary program supports deserving South African students pursuing careers in water and sanitation, critical fields for our nation’s development.
If you’re interested in contributing to sustainable water management and sanitation solutions, the DWS Bursary could be your stepping stone.
About the Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary
The Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary offers comprehensive financial support to eligible students enrolled in full-time undergraduate and postgraduate studies related to water and sanitation.
The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and book allowances – easing the financial burden and allowing you to focus on your academic pursuits.
Furthermore, the Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary provides valuable internship opportunities within the department, equipping you with practical experience and building your professional network.
Upon graduation, bursary recipients are considered for employment within the DWS, offering a clear path to a rewarding career in the water and sanitation sector.
Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary Application Form
Applications for the DWS Bursary typically open in July and close in November of each year.
To apply, you’ll need to download the official application form from the DWS website and complete it online.
On the DWS website, you will find the “DWABursary.aspx” page and download the relevant application form based on your study level (undergraduate or postgraduate).
You will also be required to provide certified copies of certain important documents along with your form. They include:
- 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).
After you’re done with all that, have your application submitted via email to: [email protected]. Use the phrase “DWS Bursary Application 2024” as your email subject.
Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary Requirements
To be eligible for the DWS Bursary, you must meet all of the following requirements. If you miss even one, you will not be considered.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have passed your Matric or equivalent qualification with good academic results.
- Be accepted for full-time study at a recognized South African university in an approved field of study relevant to water and sanitation (a list of eligible fields is available on the DWS website).
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Not be receiving financial support from any other bursary scheme.
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Department of Water & Sanitation Bursary Closing Date
Applications for the DWS Bursary typically open in July and close in November of each year.
However, the 2024 application period has already closed on November 30, 2023. I encourage checking the DWS website regularly for updates on the 2025 application cycle.
If you want to make any further inquiries about the DWS Bursary, you can contact the department at:
1. Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator): 012 336 7149
Email: [email protected]
2. Wisane Mavasa (Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation): 060 561 8935