East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT) Bursary Requirements and How to Apply

The ERWAT Bursary is offered by East Rand Water Care Company in Gauteng. 

It aims to assist South African students in undergraduate degrees in fields linked to water-care, engineering or the sciences. 

This funding supports the development of skills for the water and sanitation sector.

East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT) is a major wastewater treatment and water-care utility operating in the Ekurhuleni area in Gauteng.

Through its bursary programme, ERWAT invites applications from students who plan to study or are studying degrees aligned with the company’s operational needs, particularly in water-care, chemical/biological sciences and engineering.

Which fields of study are eligible?

For the 2026 programme, eligible fields include:

1. Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology or Microbiology.
2. Chemical Engineering or Water Care engineering.
3. Electrical Engineering.
   Applicants should ensure their planned degree is in one of these fields and at a recognised public university in Gauteng.

ERWAT Bursary Eligibility requirements

To apply for the ERWAT bursary you must meet several criteria:

1. You must be a South African citizen.
2. You must be between roughly 18 and 26 years old (in past rounds) when applying.
3. You must have completed the Matric (National Senior Certificate).
4. You must be studying or intend to study a relevant degree in one of the eligible fields at a public university in Gauteng.
5. You must not be receiving any other bursary at the time of application.
6. Preference may be given to students residing within the Ekurhuleni municipal area.

What does the bursary cover?

Information for recent years shows that the ERWAT bursary covers: tuition fees, accommodation, books, and a monthly stipend.

While the exact award amount for 2026 is not publicly specified in all sources, applicants should assume that it offers full support for key costs related to study in the eligible fields.

How to apply for the ERWAT Bursary

Here are the general steps:

1. Prepare certified copies of required documents: your South African ID, Matric certificate, proof of registration at the university (or provisional admission), full academic record, CV, proof of residence.
2. Submit your documents via email to the bursary address specified by ERWAT. For past rounds this was [email protected] using the subject line “External Bursary”.
3. Ensure you apply before the closing date. For previous years the deadline was 15 December for earlier cycles.
4. Keep copies of everything you submit and follow up if required.

What the selection committee will consider

The selection panel at ERWAT will review:

1. Your academic standing, year of study, and results so far.
2. The relevance of your chosen field to ERWAT’s operational needs (engineering, water-care, science).
3. Your proof of registration or admission at a recognised university.
4. Your residency status and link to Gauteng / Ekurhuleni area.
5. Your compliance with criteria (age range, no other bursary, South African citizenship).
6. The completeness and professionalism of your documentation and application.

Closing Date for the ERWAT Bursary 

Applications typically open during the year prior to the academic year of study; for 2026, applicants should target applying in late 2025.

Example previous closing date: 15 December (in one past round). Shortlisted candidates are notified shortly after the closing date.

It is essential to check the official ERWAT website or contact the bursary office directly for the exact 2026 closing date and any changes.