The KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Government is looking for students who want to study full‑time in 2026.
They will give out a KwaZulu‑Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026 that can cover tuition, a place to stay, food or a small monthly allowance, and even the books you need. If you win, you’ll sign a contract with the government and, after you finish school, you’ll work for the department that gave you the bursary for the same amount of time.
Bursary deadline: 15 February 2026
Where it’s for: Any public college or university in KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa
About KwaZulu‑Natal
KwaZulu‑Natal (KZN) was created in 1994 when the old KwaZulu bantustan and Natal Province joined together. It’s the second most populated province in South Africa. The biggest city is Durban, and the capital city is Pietermaritzburg. The provincial government runs a number of departments, such as Agriculture, Transport, Treasury, Health, Education, and Housing.
Which subjects can you study?
The bursary is only for certain subjects that match the government’s main work. If you’re interested in one of these, you’re in the running:
Human Settlements – no specific courses listed, but you can ask the department.
Agriculture and Rural Development
- Agricultural Entomology (BSc)
- Agricultural Engineering (BSc)
- Industrial Engineering (National Diploma)
- Veterinary (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Provincial Treasury
- Accounting (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Any field for students with disabilities – they are especially welcome.
Transport
- Civil Engineering (BSc)
- Maritime Studies (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Transport and Logistics (BCom)
- Transport Economics (BCom Honours)
- Urban and Regional Planning (Degree)
What the bursary pays for
- Your tuition fees
- A place to live while you study
- Food or a monthly stipend
- Required textbooks
After you finish your degree you’ll have to work for the same department that gave you the bursary for the same number of years you were funded.
Who can apply?
You must meet all of these:
- 18–35 years old
- Live in KwaZulu‑Natal
- Have finished high school (Matric)
- Enrolled or planning to enroll full‑time in 2026
- Accepted or accepted on a provisional basis to a public university in South Africa
- Preferable if you study inside KZN
- Young people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
If you do not meet any of these, you cannot be considered.
How to get the application
You can pick up the form from:
- Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
- Department of Education district offices
- Student funding offices at universities
- Local city councils
- Public libraries
When you fill out the form, put “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the question that asks how you heard about the bursary.
What paperwork do you need?
Send clear, certified copies of all of these with your application:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate
- Latest academic results or transcript (if you’re already studying)
- Proof that you’re registered or have been accepted to a public university
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID (or death certificates if a parent has died)
- Proof that your family makes the income listed in the application (like a pay slip or tax return)
- Proof that you live in KZN – a letter from your ward councillor is enough
- Profiling certificate if you have one
Missing any of these may get you automatically out of the running.
Where to send your application
Send it to the right department based on your chosen subject.
Human Settlements
- By mail: The Director, Organisational Development, Private Bag X54367, Durban, 4000
- Hand‑delivery: 14th Floor, Eagle Building, 353–363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban
Agriculture and Rural Development
- By mail: The Director, Human Resource Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand‑delivery: R103 Cedara Off‑Ramp, Pietermaritzburg
Transport
- By mail: The Bursary Section, Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand‑delivery: Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumalo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg
Provincial Treasury
- By mail: The Bursary Unit, P.O. Box 3613, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
- Hand‑delivery: Treasury House, 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Road, Pietermaritzburg
One more reminder
The last day to submit is 15 February 2026. If you send your application after that, it will not be considered.
Need help or more details?
You can call the people in the departments. Below are a few contacts:
Human Settlements
- Ms MP Phama – 031 336 5195
- Ms X Bhengu – 031 336 5380
- Ms T Hlophe – 031 319 3700
Agriculture and Rural Development
- Mr TE Majola – 033 343 8012 / 076 940 9526
- Mrs Z Mthembu – 035 780 6727 / 064 305 8019
- Ms NNT Khambula – 033 355 9272 / 076 937 7373
Transport
- Nomasonto Gwananda – 033 355 8828
- Nokwabelwa Ngcobo – 033 355 8899
- Reshika Sing – 033 355 8771
Provincial Treasury
- Mrs T Suleman – 033 897 4372
- Ms C Sibisi – 033 897 4391
Want to apply?
Head over to www.zabursaries.co.za and download your application form. After you finish the form, you can drop it in one of the places above or hand it over in person. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, give one of the contact numbers a call.
Good luck – this bursary could cover all the costs of your studies and set you on a clear career path with the KZN government. Remember, the application deadline is 15 February 2026 – don’t wait too long.
And if you’re wondering where this opportunity is listed, you can always check the main page of the program by clicking here.