Right now the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is offering a limited engineering bursary that could change your future, but the deadline is fast approaching.
What the opportunity is
The KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme 2027 provides six fully‑funded bursaries for the 2027 academic year. The funding covers registration, tuition, accommodation, books, meals, a monthly allowance and other study costs. It is open for students who want to study Aeronautical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering at either the University of the Witwatersrand or the University of Pretoria.
Who can apply
You must be a resident of KwaZulu‑Natal, aged between 15 and 34, and come from a disadvantaged background. The bursary is available to:
- Grade 12 learners who have secured or are applying for admission to the eligible engineering programmes.
- Undergraduate students already enrolled at Wits University or the University of Pretoria in the approved disciplines.
Both the bursary application and the university admission process are separate, so you must apply to the university as well.
What you gain
Successful applicants receive financial support for the full duration of their degree, subject to renewal each year based on academic performance. The bursary can help you focus on your studies without the worry of tuition fees, living costs or study materials.
How to apply – step by step
- Download the official application form: KZN EDTEA Bursary Application Form 2027.
- Complete the form and clearly state the engineering discipline you are applying for.
- Prepare the required documents:
- One‑page motivation letter.
- Proof of KwaZulu‑Natal residence (water, electricity, rates bill, police affidavit or letter from a traditional authority).
- Certified copies of your ID and of a parent/guardian ID (or proof of guardianship).
- June Grade 12 results and proof of household income.
- If you are already at Wits or UP, an academic record.
- If you are a Grade 12 learner, a university admission or acceptance letter (if available).
- Send your complete application by post or hand‑delivery (email is not accepted). Use the exact address shown below.
Postal address
Attention: Aeronautical Engineering‑Bursary Programme | Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X9152
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Hand‑delivery address
KZN EDTEA Head Office
270 Jabu Ndlovu Street
Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Alternative hand‑delivery offices
| District | Area | Physical Address |
|---|---|---|
| iLembe | KwaDukuza | Albert House, Corner of Link Road and R102, Stanger |
| eThekwini | Durban | 9th Floor & part of 8th Floor, The Marine, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street |
| eThekwini | Durban | 333 Anton Lembede Street |
| uMzinyathi | Dundee | 26 Beaconsfield Street |
| Amajuba | Newcastle | 50 Harding Street, Harding Office Park |
| uThukela | Ladysmith | 73 Murchison Street |
| Zululand | Vryheid | 241 Utrecht Street |
| King Cetshwayo | Richards Bay | ERF 11637, Veldenvlei South Ext 3, 7 Aloe Loop Street |
| Harry Gwala | Ixopo | 1 Northway Drive |
| Ugu | Port Shepstone | 38 Main Harding Road |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | ex-Joshua Doore Centre, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | 217 Burger Street |
| uMgungundlovu | Pietermaritzburg | 181 Berg Street |
| uMkhanyakude | Umkhuze | ERF 60 Mzolozolo Avenue |
| uMkhanyakude | Mtubatuba | Lot 55D Kiepersol Street |
| Zululand | Ulundi | LA Building Unit B |
Important – no email submissions
Initial applications must be posted or hand‑delivered. Final Grade 12 results can be emailed later, but the original bursary submission cannot be sent by email.
Key dates
All applications must be received by 30 October 2026 at 16:00. Late submissions will not be considered.
Tips to improve your chances
- Write a clear, honest motivation letter that explains why you chose the specific engineering field.
- Double‑check that all documents are certified and that your proof of residence matches the required formats.
- Submit your Grade 12 results as soon as they are released, following the department’s instructions.
- Use the exact postal address shown above to avoid misrouting.
- Contact the bursary officer only for genuine queries; only short‑listed candidates will be notified.
Next steps
Gather your documents, fill out the application form, and send it before the deadline. This bursary could be the gateway to a professional engineering career – take the first step today.
Bursary enquiries
For any questions, you can call Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane at 060 565 3728 or email mbuyiseni.zwane@kznedtea.gov.za. Remember, only applicants who meet the criteria will be contacted.
