The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) funds engineers, scientists and built-environment graduates to run South Africa’s dams, pipelines and treatment works. Its external bursary is a full package, from tuition to a monthly stipend, and graduates join the department’s Water Learning Academy for up to three years of paid work experience.
About the Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary
- Undergraduate: civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, environmental and water sciences, geohydrology and hydrology (degree or national diploma).
- Postgraduate: honours in construction project management, environmental and water sciences and geohydrology.
- Covers registration and tuition fees, a book and stationery allowance, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend.
- Graduates join the Water Learning Academy for up to three years.
DWS Bursary eligibility requirements
- South African citizen, in Matric or with Matric.
- Entering first-year undergraduate or honours study full-time in 2027 at one of the 22 public universities on the department’s list.
- Strong academic results and proven financial need.
- Not funded by NSFAS or another bursary.
- Preference for previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities and for students with disabilities.
How to apply for the DWS Bursary
- Download the 2027 application form from the learning academy pages at dws.gov.za.
- Attach a certified ID, certified Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results or a Matric certificate, proof of university application or acceptance, an academic record and acceptance letter for honours applicants and your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income (payslips, an affidavit or a SASSA letter).
- Email the application to bursaries@dws.gov.za with the subject line “DWS Bursary 2027” before 30 September 2026.
DWS Bursary closing date
30 September 2026 for the 2027 academic year.
Contact details
- Ms Nobulali Mtikitiki, bursary coordinator: 012 336 7149, MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
- Website: www.dws.gov.za
Water students should also apply to the Johannesburg Water bursary, the Umgeni Water bursary and the funders on our civil engineering bursaries page.
FAQs
1. When does the Department of Water and Sanitation bursary close for 2027? +
30 September 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
2. Which fields does the DWS bursary fund? +
Undergraduate degrees and diplomas in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, environmental and water sciences, geohydrology and hydrology, and honours degrees in construction project management, environmental and water sciences and geohydrology.
3. What does it cover? +
Registration and tuition fees, a book and stationery allowance, accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend. Graduates join the department's Water Learning Academy for up to three years.
4. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens in Matric or with Matric, entering first-year or honours study full-time in 2027 at one of the public universities on the department's list, with strong results, financial need and no other bursary or NSFAS funding. Preference goes to previously disadvantaged students from poor and rural communities and students with disabilities.
5. How do I apply? +
Download the 2027 form from dws.gov.za and email it with your documents to bursaries@dws.gov.za with the subject line 'DWS Bursary 2027'.
6. Which documents are needed? +
A certified ID, certified Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results or a Matric certificate, proof of university application or acceptance, an academic record for honours applicants and your parents' or guardians' proof of income (payslips, an affidavit or a SASSA letter).
Update note (checked September 2026): the 2027 call is open and closes on 30 September 2026. Applications are by email using the department’s 2027 form.
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