The Western Cape Government’s Masakh’iSizwe Bursary Programme is open for the 2027 academic year, and the deadline is fast approaching. If you want help paying for an engineering or built‑environment degree, read on now.
What is the Masakh’iSizwe Bursary?
This bursary is funded by the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. It supports South African students who will study a recognised Diploma or Degree in engineering or the built environment during 2027. The funding can cover tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals and other approved study costs.
- Provider: Western Cape Government – Department of Infrastructure
- Programme: Masakh’iSizwe Bursary
- Academic year: 2027
- Study level: Diploma or Degree
- Study areas: Engineering and Built Environment
- Closing date: 31 August 2026
- Application method: Online
Eligibility – who may apply?
You must meet every point below. If one is missing, your application may be rejected.
- You are a South African citizen.
- You are currently completing Matric or have already finished Matric.
- You will study full‑time in 2027.
- You are enrolling in a recognised Diploma or Degree in one of the approved engineering or built‑environment fields.
- You have applied to, been accepted by, or are already registered at an approved Western Cape university.
- You will upload all required documents before the deadline.
- You will give accurate and complete information on the online form.
Fields of study and approved universities
The bursary only supports the following disciplines:
- Architecture
- City and Regional Planning
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)
- Geomatics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Property Studies
- Quantity Surveying
You must be studying at, or have a confirmed place at, one of these universities:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
If you apply for more than one university or discipline, you must submit a separate application for each.
What the bursary covers
Funding may be paid for any approved study‑related expense, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Academic support programmes
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport costs (where applicable)
The exact amount depends on your personal circumstances, course costs and the amount of funding allocated.
Preference categories
All eligible applicants can apply, but extra points may be given to students who fall into one or more of these groups:
- Financially disadvantaged
- Female
- Living with a disability
- Western Cape residents outside the Cape Town metro area
Being in a preferred group does not guarantee a bursary. Selection also looks at academic performance, financial need and available funding.
Your obligations if you receive the bursary
Recipients may need to take part in programme activities while studying, for example:
- Workshops and training sessions
- Community outreach events
- Academic experiential training
- Occasional weekend activities
After graduation, you may be required to work for the Department of Infrastructure and to complete a Professional Development Training Programme to help you achieve professional registration.
Documents you must upload
All files should be clear, legible and certified where required.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified Matric result (if you are still in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed).
- Certified tertiary academic record (if you are already studying).
- Proof of registration, acceptance or application at an approved university.
- Full course outline or prospectus for 2027.
- Estimated study cost for 2027.
- Proof of residential address (not older than three months).
- Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs.
- Death certificates (if a parent/guardian is deceased).
- Proof of parents’/guardians’ income (or payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed).
- Proof of any SASSA grant or pension (if applicable).
- Motivational letter.
- Proof of existing study debt or other financial assistance (if any).
- Medical proof of disability (if applicable).
- Police clearance certificate (if you have a criminal record).
Missing or unclear documents will lead to disqualification.
How to apply – step by step
All applications go through the official portal:
Masakh’iSizwe online application portal
- Open the portal link above.
- Register a new account using a working email address.
- Log in with your new credentials.
- Select the qualification and university you intend to study.
- Complete every section of the form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Double‑check all information for accuracy.
- Submit before 31 August 2026.
- Save the confirmation or reference number you receive.
Don’t wait until the last day – technical glitches or missing files can stop a successful submission.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Start gathering documents early – certifications can take time.
- Write a clear, honest motivational letter. Mention your chosen course, why you love engineering or the built environment, your academic strengths, your financial need and your career goals.
- Highlight any preference category you belong to, but also show strong grades.
- Ensure all PDFs are legible and the file size meets portal limits.
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application before you hit submit.
- Keep a copy of every document for your records.
Selection timeline
Applications are assessed against eligibility, funding availability and academic performance. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard back by 12 February 2027, you can assume the application was not successful.
Final checklist
- South African citizenship confirmed.
- Qualified Matric status.
- Full‑time enrolment in an approved qualification.
- Accepted or registered at UCT, CPUT or Stellenbosch University.
- All certified documents ready.
- Proof of household income included.
- Motivational letter written.
- Course outline and cost estimate uploaded.
- All details double‑checked for accuracy.
- Application submitted before 31 August 2026.
Contact and further help
If you have questions, you can call the Department of Infrastructure Masakh’iSizwe Office on 021 483 0964 or 021 483 9545, or email DoIBursary@westerncape.gov.za. Before reaching out, read the bursary FAQs and programme policies on the official site.
The Masakh’iSizwe Bursary offers valuable financial and professional support for students aiming to build South Africa’s infrastructure. Prepare your documents early, follow the steps carefully, and submit before the deadline. Good luck!
