The Department of Human Settlements has opened a new scholarship for 2026, and it’s just for South African students who are bright and need help paying for college. If you’re an undergraduate with great high‑school grades, but you can’t afford the cost of a degree that will help you build homes, design cities and plan communities, this scholarship could be your ticket. The deadline for applications is 7 January 2026, so you’ll want to start now.
What the Scholarship Looks Like
It’s a fully funded program, which means it pays for most of what you need while you study. The Department wants to grow a new group of people who can design and manage housing projects, improve neighborhoods and keep cities running smoothly. To do that, they are looking for students who want to make a difference in South Africa’s built environment.
Fields of Study That Count
- Architecture / Architectural Technology
- Construction Management / Construction Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Town and Regional Planning / Urban and Rural Studies
- Quantity Surveying / Land Surveying / Building Surveying
Who Can Apply?
Here are the rules you must follow:
- You have to be a South African citizen.
- Your high‑school results must be excellent.
- You should be a first‑time university student.
- You need to show that money is a problem for you.
- You must be under 35, which the Department considers “youth.”
What the Scholarship Pays For
When you’re accepted, the scholarship will cover these items:
- Registration fees and tuition.
- Books and other study materials that the university requires.
- Room and board at a university dorm.
- Meals while you’re on campus.
It does not cover:
- Monthly money to help you live.
- Travel costs.
- Copying or printing fees.
- Extra courses you might take outside your degree.
- Club or society memberships.
- Laundry or other household services.
What You Need to Send In
Make sure you have every document before you submit. Missing any paper means your application will be ignored.
- The completed “Human Settlements Scholarship Application Form.”
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- A certified copy of your June or December high‑school results.
- Proof that you live in South Africa (a utility bill, a school letter, or something similar).
- A provisional acceptance letter from a recognized university that says you are accepted for 2026.
- Proof that your parents or guardians do not have enough income to fund your studies (a pay slip or a formal statement).
- Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
How to Apply
Step 1 – Grab the Form
Download the official application form from the Department’s website: Get the Scholarship Application Form.
Step 2 – Send It In
Email your filled‑out form and all the required documents to scholarships2026@dhs.gov.za. Use a clear subject line like “Human Settlements Scholarship 2026 – John Doe.” Make sure everything is attached and the file names are easy to read. The last day to send in the paperwork is 7 January 2026. Anything after that will not be considered.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 22 December 2025 |
| Applications close | 7 January 2026 |
| Academic year begins | 2026 |
Quick Tips Before You Send
- Apply early. Technical problems can happen if you wait until the last minute.
- Scan or photograph all documents clearly and make sure the text is readable.
- Use a professional email subject line that includes your full name and the scholarship name.
- Check that every required document is attached before you hit send.
If you meet the criteria and put all the papers together, this scholarship could give you the chance to study a career that helps build better homes and cities in South Africa. Good luck!