Which fields does the DWS bursary fund?

The DWS External Bursary funds water-related engineering and science qualifications, including Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Water Care, Hydrology, Geohydrology, Water Project Management, Environmental and Water Sciences, and Environmental Management - fields aligned with the department's mandate to manage South Africa's water resources.

When does the DWS bursary close?

The application window typically closes on 30 September each year. The cycle for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025. Always check the DWS Learning Academy page (dws.gov.za/learninga) for the current year's closing date.

Is there a work-back commitment?

Yes. Successful recipients must serve the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee for up to 3 years after graduation. You also cannot hold more than one bursary, so you must choose between DWS funding and any other bursary.

How do I apply for the DWS bursary?

Download the official 'Application for External Bursary: Full-Time Studies' form from dws.gov.za/learninga, complete it, attach your certified documents, and email everything to bursaries@dws.gov.za before the closing date. For enquiries, the bursary coordinator can be reached on 012 336 7149.

Government

Department of Water and Sanitation External Bursary Programme

Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy)

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) External Bursary Programme is a full-cost government bursary for South African students in engineering and water-related sciences, aligned to the department's mandate to manage the country's water resources. Priority is given to financially needy applicants from poverty-stricken and rural communities, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates join the DWS Water Learning Academy as graduate trainees after qualifying.

Amount: Full-cost bursary (no fixed figure published; covers all study-related costs plus a monthly stipend)
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Renewable: Yes

Applications closed

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) supports students in the following disciplines

Civil Engineering (BSc/BEng, National Diploma/BEng Tech)

Mechanical Engineering (BSc/BEng, National Diploma/BEng Tech)

Electrical Engineering (BSc/BEng, National Diploma/BEng Tech - Heavy Current)

Water Care (National Diploma)

Hydrology (BSc/BSc Hons)

Geohydrology (BSc/BSc Hons)

Water Project Management (BSc/BSc Hons)

Environmental and Water Sciences (BSc/BSc Hons)

Environmental Management (BSc)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Grade 12 / Matric completed or currently in Matric aiming for first-year study (undergraduate or postgraduate applicants also considered)
✓ Accepted or provisionally accepted for full-time study at a recognised South African public university or university of technology
✓ Studying towards a qualifying engineering or water-related science qualification
✓ Demonstrate financial need - priority is given to previously disadvantaged applicants from poverty-stricken and rural communities, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
✓ Cannot hold more than one bursary (must choose between DWS and any other funding)

What's Included

✓ Registration and tuition fees
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals/food as per university guidance
✓ Book and stationery allowance
✓ Monthly personal stipend
✓ Placement in the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee after qualifying

Work Commitment

Successful recipients must serve the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee for up to 3 years after graduation (work-back obligation).

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy) bursary application

1
Visit the DWS Learning Academy page (dws.gov.za/learninga) to confirm the current closing date
2
Download the official 'Application for External Bursary: Full-Time Studies' form (PDF hosted on dws.gov.za/learninga)
3
Complete the application form in full
4
Attach all certified supporting documents
5
Email the completed application and documents to bursaries@dws.gov.za
6
Submit before the published closing date (the 2026 academic year cycle closed 30 September 2025)

Required Documents

📄 Fully completed DWS external bursary application form
📄 Certified ID copy
📄 Certified Grade 12 / Matric certificate or latest results
📄 Certified academic transcripts (for current tertiary students)
📄 Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a recognised South African university or university of technology
📄 Proof of parents'/guardians' income
📄 Motivational letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fields does the DWS bursary fund?: The DWS External Bursary funds water-related engineering and science qualifications, including Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Water Care, Hydrology, Geohydrology, Water Project Management, Environmental and Water Sciences, and Environmental Management - fields aligned with the department's mandate to manage South Africa's water resources.
When does the DWS bursary close?: The application window typically closes on 30 September each year. The cycle for the 2026 academic year closed on 30 September 2025. Always check the DWS Learning Academy page (dws.gov.za/learninga) for the current year's closing date.
Is there a work-back commitment?: Yes. Successful recipients must serve the DWS Water Learning Academy as a graduate trainee for up to 3 years after graduation. You also cannot hold more than one bursary, so you must choose between DWS funding and any other bursary.
How do I apply for the DWS bursary?: Download the official 'Application for External Bursary: Full-Time Studies' form from dws.gov.za/learninga, complete it, attach your certified documents, and email everything to bursaries@dws.gov.za before the closing date. For enquiries, the bursary coordinator can be reached on 012 336 7149.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 September 2025

Apply on Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy)'s official site

Need help? Contact Department of Water and Sanitation (administered by the DWS Water Learning Academy):

Email: bursaries@dws.gov.za

Phone: 012 336 7149

Information verified 2025-09-30. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other Government bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

National Treasury External Bursary

National Treasury of South Africa

The National Treasury External Bursary funds South African students studying economics, accounting, taxation and internal audit - fields aligned with the Treasury's mandate to manage the country's fiscal policy and public finances.

View details →

Gauteng Department of Health Bursary

Gauteng Department of Health

The Gauteng Department of Health runs one of the largest provincial bursary programmes in the country, funding South African citizens from Gauteng studying towards in-demand health professions including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health sciences. Recipients enter a service-binding agreement to work in Gauteng's public health system after qualifying.

View details →

SANAS External Bursary Programme

South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) (a statutory body under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; administered in-house by the SANAS Human Resources Department)

The SANAS External Bursary Programme is a government bursary funded by the South African National Accreditation System, the country's single national accreditation body operating under the dtic. It supports unemployed South African youth studying towards a National Diploma, Degree, Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in any field of study. The bursary covers tuition fees only, up to R50,000 for a National Diploma or Degree and up to R70,000 for an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma.

View details →

View all government bursaries →