Want to jump‑start a career in South Africa’s water and sanitation sector? The Department of Water and Sanitation is accepting applications for its DWS Bursary Programme 2027, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the DWS Bursary Programme 2027 offers
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will fund undergraduate and postgraduate studies that support the country’s water sector. The bursary covers a range of water‑related, engineering and environmental programmes at selected public universities across South Africa.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be studying or planning to study full‑time
- Apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
- Enroll at one of the participating public universities listed below
- Choose a qualification that relates to the water sector
- Meet the admission criteria of the chosen university
- Meet DWS’s skills requirements for the intake
What the bursary covers
If you are selected, you could receive full financial support for:
- University registration and tuition fees
- Residence accommodation and meal fees
- Book allowance
- Annual personal allowance
Fields of study funded
The bursary supports qualifications that help the water sector. Typical fields include:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Aquatic Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical – Heavy Current, Mechanical)
- Project Management
- Environmental Management & Science
- Geo‑chemistry, Geology, Geo‑hydrology
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Hydrology
- Microbiology
- Water Care, Water Resource Management, Water Utilisation
Check the official application form to confirm the exact programmes funded for the 2027 intake.
Participating universities
You may apply if you intend to study at any of the following public institutions:
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu‑Natal
- University of the Free State
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Limpopo
- Nelson Mandela University
- Walter Sisulu University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology
- University of Venda
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Zululand
- Rhodes University
- University of Fort Hare
- North‑West University
- University of Mpumalanga
- Sol Plaatje University
Bursary obligations after graduation
Successful students are usually required to join the Water Learning Academy on a fixed‑term contract. The contract can last up to three years, giving you hands‑on experience while the Department builds a skilled workforce.
Documents you will need
Prepare the following documents before you start the application:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest school or university results
- Matric certificate (if you have it)
- Proof of university acceptance or current registration
- Full academic record (if already enrolled)
- Proof of household income
- Completed DWS bursary application form
- Any other documents requested by DWS
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official application form from the Department’s website.
- Complete the form accurately and attach all required documents.
- Save the file as a single PDF (or as instructed).
- Email the complete application to bursaries@dws.gov.za.
- Make sure you send the email before the closing date.
Click here to download the DWS Bursary 2027 application form
Tips to improve your chances
- Maintain a strong academic record – grades are a key selection factor.
- Provide clear evidence of financial need; this can boost your ranking.
- Highlight any volunteer work or projects related to water, sanitation or the environment.
- Tailor your application to match the Department’s current skills priorities.
- Check the form for completeness; incomplete applications are often rejected.
Next steps
The application deadline is 30 September 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Start gathering your documents today, follow the steps above, and submit your application before the cut‑off. This could be the first step toward a rewarding career protecting South Africa’s water resources.
