DWS Bursary 2025 Application – The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is offering bursaries to support the next generation of water and sanitation leaders. This program provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing relevant fields of study.
About The Bursary Provider
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) manages South Africa’s water resources and implements policies to ensure access to clean water and sanitation services.
Recognizing the critical role of water and sanitation in sustainable development, DWS established the Learning Academy to support students pursuing studies in these fields. By nurturing talent in this scarce skills sector, DWS aims to build a strong foundation for the future of water management in South Africa.
DWS Bursary Program
DWS is inviting underprivileged students who want to further their education to apply for their bursary program for the 2025 academic year. Applications from students who wish to study within the water and sanitation fields are welcome. Bursaries will also be awarded for studies within the following fields:
Undergraduate studies:
- Civil Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Civil Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Electrical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Environmental Management (BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (BSc/ BEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (National Diploma/ BEng Tech)
- Water Project Management (BSc)
- Water Care (National Diploma)
Postgraduate studies:
- Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc (Hons)
- Geohydrology (BSc (Hons)
- Hydrology (BSc (Hons)
The bursary awarded by DWS will help students cover expenses such as registration fees, tuition fees, book allowance, stationery allowance, accommodation, food, and a monthly stipend. Here is a list of eligible institutions students must be studying or planning to study at:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- North West University
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Fort Hare
- University of the Free State
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Pretoria
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Venda
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Witwatersrand
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
Eligibility – DWS Bursary Requirements
The following minimum requirements are to be met by applicants who wish to apply for the DWS bursary. Failure to do so will lead to your application not being considered. To qualify for the DWS Bursary, you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in Matric.
- Be entering your first year of study (undergraduate or honors) in 2025.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Not be receiving any other financial aid (such as NSFAS, bursaries, scholarships, or awards).
Applications from students with disabilities and those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in poor and rural communities are encouraged.
How To Apply
Interested applicants will have to download and complete the DWS Bursary Application Form 2025 in PDF format. After completing the application form, send it and all required documents via email to bursaries@dws.gov.za.
Required Documents:
- 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 institute letterhead)
- Honors students in the first year: an academic record of undergraduate and proof acceptance (on institute letterhead)
- Parents/guardians’ proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ SASSA grant letter)
Applicants should ensure they submit clear copies of these supporting documentation along with their completed application form. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to disqualification of your application.
DWS Bursary Closing Date
The closing date for the DWS Bursary 2025 application is September 30, 2024. Please note that applications received after September 30, 2024, will not be considered. To ensure your application is processed, please submit it well before the deadline.
Contact Details
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Department of Water and Sanitation directly:
Contact person: Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki (Bursary Coordinator)
Tel: 012 336 7149
Email: MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
Contact person: Wisane Mavasa (Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation)
Cell: 060 561 8935