KZN Department of Health Bursary 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 31 August 2026
Provider: KZN Department of Health
Field of study: Audiology, Dietetics and Nutrition, Dentistry, Medicine
Academic year: 2027
Applications open: 1 May 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The department takes applications from 1 May to 31 August each year for the following academic year, so the 2027 window closed on 31 August 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 31 August 2026 the department takes applications from 1 May to 31 August each year for the following academic year, so the 2027 window closed on 31 August 2026. Latest update ↓

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is the largest employer of health professionals in the province, and it funds KZN residents to qualify in the scarce skills its hospitals and clinics need, from doctors and pharmacists to nurses, therapists and radiographers. Bursars work for the department after qualifying. Applications run through the hospital in the applicant’s home district rather than online.

About the KZN Department of Health Bursary

The bursary funds scarce health skills advertised for each district. Past rounds have covered medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, clinical psychology, medical orthotics and other health professions. What it pays depends on parental income:

Up to R120 000 a year: tuition, meals, books and accommodation.
R121 000 to R150 000: tuition, meals and accommodation.
R151 000 to R200 000: tuition, accommodation and books.
R201 000 to R250 000: tuition and accommodation.
R251 000 to R300 000: tuition only.

Bursars sign a contract to work for the department after qualifying for a period equal to the years funded.

KZN Health Bursary eligibility requirements

From KwaZulu-Natal, applying through the hospital in your family’s home district.
A good academic record.
Proof of application or registration at a tertiary institution for a field advertised for your district.
Not holding another bursary, and not already holding a degree or diploma.

How to apply for the KZN Health Bursary

Between 1 May and 31 August, go to the government hospital in your family’s home district (not the district where you study). You or a family member must collect the form in person and sign for it.
Complete the form and attach certified copies of your ID, Matric results or latest academic record, proof of application or registration, your parents’ or guardians’ IDs and proof of their income, and proof of residence.
Return the application to the same hospital’s Human Resources office before 31 August. The department’s bursary section in Pietermaritzburg handles selection.

KZN Health Bursary closing date

31 August each year for the following academic year. The 2028 window runs from 1 May to 31 August 2027.

Contact details

Bursary section: 033 395 2733
Head office: Natalia Building, 330 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Website: kznhealth.gov.za/bursaries

Health science students should also see our nursing bursaries list, the Gauteng Department of Health bursary and our government bursaries page.

FAQs

1. When does the KZN Department of Health bursary close for 2027? +

The department takes applications from 1 May to 31 August each year for the following academic year, so the 2027 window closed on 31 August 2026. The next window, for 2028, runs from 1 May to 31 August 2027.

2. Which fields are funded? +

Scarce health skills the department needs in each district, advertised each year on posters at provincial hospitals, clinics and municipal offices. Past rounds have covered medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, clinical psychology and other health professions.

3. What does it cover? +

It depends on parental income: up to R120 000 gets tuition, meals, books and accommodation; up to R150 000 gets tuition, meals and accommodation; up to R200 000 gets tuition, accommodation and books; up to R250 000 gets tuition and accommodation; and up to R300 000 gets tuition only.

4. Who qualifies? +

Applicants from KwaZulu-Natal with a good academic record and proof of application or registration at a tertiary institution, who hold no other bursary and no previous degree or diploma, and who are studying a field advertised for their home district.

5. How do I apply? +

Collect the form in person, or through a family member, from the government hospital in your family's home district (not the district where you study), sign for it, and return it completed to the same hospital with certified documents before 31 August.

6. Is there a service obligation? +

Yes. Bursars sign a contract to work for the department after qualifying for a period equal to the years funded.

Update note (checked September 2026): the department takes applications from 1 May to 31 August each year for the following academic year, so the 2027 window closed on 31 August 2026. The next window, for 2028, opens on 1 May 2027 and closes on 31 August 2027. Fields for each district are advertised on posters at hospitals, clinics and municipal offices when the window opens.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About KZN Department of Health

Provincial government department (KwaZulu-Natal)

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is the largest employer of health professionals in the province, running hospitals and clinics that serve urban and rural communities. The department funds KwaZulu-Natal residents to qualify in the scarce skills its facilities…

Read the full KZN Department of Health profile →