About Department Of Water And Sanitation
The Department of Water and Sanitation, or DWS, is responsible for adequate water resources in South Africa. It formulates and then implements the policies that are beneficial for the sector.
Formerly known as the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Water and Sanitation was set up in 1912. Since then, it strives to provide clean water to South African households. The department is also involved in water resources management.
The DWS has set up an academy called the Learning Academy. Its goal is to assist students financially in completing their tertiary education in the water and sanitation sector. The bursary is a part of that effort.
About The DWS Bursary 2024
The Department of Water and Sanitation Bursary programme is meant for students who want to complete their undergrad or postgrad education in the field of water or sanitation.
For the year 2024, the Department of Water and Sanitation will consider applications only for 1st and 2nd years of study only for the following qualifications:
BSc/BEng in Civil; Mechanical and Electrical
BSc (Hons) in Civil; Mechanical and Electrical
BSc in Hydrology; Geohydrology; Environmental Management; Project Management, Environmental Sciences, Environmental and Water Sciences
BSc (Hons) in Hydrology; Geohydrology; Environmental Management; Project Management, Environmental Sciences, Environmental and Water Sciences
National Diploma/BEng Tech in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current); National Diploma in Water Care and Environmental Management and Biochemistry.
Another factor to consider is that the bursaries will be awarded to students to will be studying at the following universities in 2024:
University of Pretoria
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
University of the Free State
University of Cape Town
University of Stellenbosch
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 Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
University of Zululand
Rhodes University
University of Fort Hare
North West University
University of Mpumalanga
Sol Plaatje University
The bursaries are awarded to students on a year-to-year basis with excellent academic performance. It covers expenses like tuition fees, programme registration fees, textbook fees, accommodation costs, and meals expenses. Besides that, it also offers an annual allowance for personal use.
After completing their studies, the students must be willing to join the Water Learning Academy for up to three years.
Eligibility Criteria Of DWS Bursary 2024
To apply for the bursary, you need to meet its eligibility criteria. Ensure that you meet all of them. Otherwise, you’ll application will be deemed invalid.
The eligibility requirements for DWS bursary are:
Must be a citizen of South Africa
Must have passed Grade 12
Must be accepted to one of the universities mentioned above and enrolled in one of the eligible degrees
Should have an excellent academic record
Must be in need of financial assistance
Must not be receiving benefits from any other bursary programmes like NSFAS
Students will disabilities are encouraged to apply
Students from rural and poor communities will be given preference.
Apply for the scholarship if you meet all of the criteria. But this doesn’t guarantee selection. The final decision will be taken by the committee.
DWS Bursary: How To Apply?
The application process for the DWS bursary programme is simple. You can apply for it within an hour or two. Here are the steps involved:
Complete The Application Form
The first step is to complete the application form. You can download it from the DWS official website or by clicking here: DWS Bursary Application Form 2024.
It’s a basic form that asks about your personal and academic details.
Prepare Necessary Documents
The next step is to submit the necessary documents, which are:
ID documents
Grade 11 and Matric results (if currently Matric)
Matric certificate, if graduated Matric
Tertiary academic records to date, if studying at university
Provisional acceptance letter from the university
Proof of household income
The first four documents should be certified copies.
E-Mail Your Application
Scan all the documents and the application form and mail them to bursaries@dws.gov.za. In the subject field, insert “DWS Bursary Application – Full Name.”
Closing Date
The last date to apply for the DWS bursary is 30 November 2023.
Contact Details
For any queries, contact bursary coordinator, Ms. Nobulali Mtikitiki, at:
Telephone – 012 336 7149
E-mail – MtikitikiN@dws.gov.za
Let me know if you need assistance.