Masakh’iSizwe Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Masakh’iSizwe, isiXhosa for “let us build the nation”, is the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure’s bursary programme for engineering and built-environment students. Established in 2006, it funds students at the province’s three universities in full and employs them in the department after graduation, building the engineers, planners and quantity surveyors the province needs for its roads, schools and hospitals.

About the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary

The bursary funds full-time degrees and diplomas at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in:

• Civil engineering, mechanical engineering and heavy-current electrical engineering.
• Architecture, construction and quantity surveying.
• City and regional planning, geomatics and property studies.

It covers tuition, prescribed textbooks and study material, support programmes, and accommodation and meals or transport costs. After graduating, bursars take up employment with the Department of Infrastructure and complete the professional development training needed for registration with their professional council.

Masakh’iSizwe Bursary eligibility requirements

• South African citizen.
• In Matric, or have completed Matric.
• Enrolled, or accepted, for full-time study in one of the fields above at UCT, Stellenbosch or CPUT.
• Preference for financially disadvantaged students, women, students with disabilities, and Western Cape residents from outside the Cape Town metro.

How to apply for the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary

1. Between 1 April and 31 August, register on the Masakh’iSizwe application portal linked from westerncape.gov.za.
2. Complete the online form and upload certified copies of: your ID; your latest Matric results or certificate; your academic record if already studying; proof of registration or application at the university; the course outline and prospectus for the year; an estimate of study costs; proof of residence not older than three months; your parents’ or guardians’ IDs and proof of income; a motivation letter; and, where relevant, proof of existing debt, other financial aid, disability or police clearance.
3. Submit before midnight on 31 August. Shortlisted applicants are assessed and interviewed between September and January.

Masakh’iSizwe Bursary closing date

31 August each year at midnight. The 2027 round closed on 31 August 2026; the 2028 round is expected to close on 31 August 2027.

Contact details

• Masakh’iSizwe office, Department of Infrastructure: 021 483 0964 or 021 483 9545
• Email: DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za
• Website: westerncape.gov.za/service/masakhisizwe-bursary-programme

Western Cape engineering students who missed the window should apply to the Garden Cities bursary and the funders on our civil engineering bursaries list.

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