Hey there! If you’re a South African student living in KwaZulu‑Natal and you’re about to start your first year of university in 2026, you might want to check out the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Bursary Programme. It’s a scholarship that helps you pay for your studies and gives you extra support while you’re at uni.
Application deadline: 16 February 2026
This bursary is mainly for people from the local communities around iSimangaliso – especially those who belong to land‑claimant groups or live in nearby districts – who are excited about wildlife protection, tourism, or jobs that help keep the environment healthy.
Who Gives This Bursary?
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a huge protected area in KwaZulu‑Natal. It was once called Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, but now it’s known as iSimangaliso – a word that means “miracle” or “wonder” in isiZulu. In 1999, the park became South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beautiful landscapes and huge variety of wildlife.
Some highlights:
- Three big lake systems
- Eight connected habitats, from wetlands to dunes
- South Africa’s largest estuary where rivers meet the sea
- More than 500 species of birds visit every year
- Coastal dunes that are over 20,000 years old
Since 2010, the park’s bursary programme has helped more than 140 students study subjects that support conservation and community growth.
What the Bursary Covers
It’s not just money – it’s a package of help. If you get the bursary, you’ll receive partial funding to cover:
- New laptop and internet data
- Travel costs to and from university
- Meals and basic supplies while you’re studying
Besides the money, you’ll also get:
- Advice and counseling to settle into university life
- Extra study help to boost your grades and chances of graduating on time
- Training on job skills, workshops, and chances to volunteer in your community during breaks
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Live in a qualifying area – either in an iSimangaliso land‑claimant community, the uMkhanyakude District, or the Sokhulu area of the Mfolozi Local Municipality
- Plan to study Conservation, Tourism or a related field in 2026
- Be accepted into one of these universities: University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN), University of Zululand (UniZulu), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), or Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Have applied for or already received NSFAS funding
- Show a real interest in nature and protecting the environment
How to Apply
Step 1 – Download the Form
Click here to download the bursary application form. Fill it out carefully and print it if you need to sign it.
When asked how you heard about the bursary, type in www.zabursaries.co.za.
Step 2 – Gather Your Documents
You will need clear copies of:
- Your ID (certified copy)
- Proof that you applied for NSFAS or a letter that shows you’ve been awarded NSFAS money
- Proof you are accepted at one of the listed universities (a letter of acceptance or registration proof)
- Proof of where you live (a utility bill, for example)
- If you’re from a land‑claimant community: a letter from the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees that confirms you’re a member
- If you’re from a neighboring community: a letter from a local leader or councillor that confirms you live in the area and how long you’ve lived there
Step 3 – Send Your Application
Email your completed form and all the documents to nosipho@isimangaliso.com. Put “iSimangaliso Bursary 2026” in the subject line so we know what it’s about.
Apply Before the Deadline
The final date is 16 February 2026. No late applications will be accepted, so it’s best to finish everything early. Good luck!