The cost of tertiary education remains one of the biggest barriers for many young people in South Africa. For students from KwaZulu-Natal who want to study in fields that directly contribute to the province’s development, the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to access higher education while building a clear path into public sector employment.
This bursary is not only about financial support. It is a strategic investment by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to develop scarce and critical skills needed across key departments and communities in the province.
About the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially opened applications for its 2026 bursary intake, covering several provincial departments. The programme is aimed at young people who are committed to completing their studies and serving the province through work-back agreements after graduation.
The bursary supports undergraduate students, including first-year and continuing students, who are studying qualifications that align with provincial skills shortages.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support to enable them to focus on their studies without constant financial pressure. The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed textbooks, and approved allowances. Funding is provided for full-time study only at recognised public institutions.
Departments and Fields of Study Funded
One of the key strengths of this bursary is that it is department-specific, meaning each qualification is linked to real employment needs within the KwaZulu-Natal Government.
Department of Human Settlements
The Department of Human Settlements funds studies in Construction Studies.
Applications must be submitted to:
Director: Organisational Development
Private Bag X54367
Durban, 4000
Applications may also be hand-delivered to the Eagle Building, 353–363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
This department supports qualifications aligned with agricultural development and veterinary services, including:
- BVSc or Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- BSc Agricultural Engineering
- National Diploma in Industrial Engineering
- BSc Agricultural Entomology
Applications must be submitted to:
Human Resource Development
Private Bag X9059
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury
The Provincial Treasury funds Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for this field.
Applications must be submitted to:
Bursary Unit
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury
P.O. Box 3613
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Department of Transport
The Department of Transport supports qualifications related to infrastructure, planning, and logistics, including:
- BSc Civil Engineering
- BCom in Transport and Logistics
- BCom Honours in Transport Economics
- Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies
- Degree in Urban and Regional Planning
Applications must be submitted to:
The Bursary Section
Private Bag X9043
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered. You may apply if you are a South African citizen who resides in KwaZulu-Natal and is between 18 and 35 years old. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 and must already have admission or provisional acceptance from a recognised public university or TVET college.
You must be studying, or planning to study, one of the listed qualifications and come from a financially needy household. Preference is given to students who are studying at institutions within KwaZulu-Natal.
Required Supporting Documents
Applications must include certified copies of all required documents. Missing documents result in automatic disqualification.
Required documents include a certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID, certified copies of the parent or guardian’s ID or a death certificate if applicable, Matric certificate or latest academic results, proof of household income such as payslips, SASSA confirmation, or affidavit, proof of unemployment where applicable, an admission or acceptance letter from the institution, proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal such as a ward councillor letter, and proof of CAO application if applicable.
All certifications must be clear and valid.
Where to Get the Application Form
Bursary application forms are available from Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms, Department of Education District Offices, student funding offices at universities and TVET colleges, local municipal offices, public libraries, provincial department offices, and official KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government platforms.
Applicants are encouraged to collect the correct form for the department they are applying to.
Important Conditions to Understand
Before applying, applicants must understand that the bursary supports full-time study only. Successful candidates will be required to sign a service contract and work for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government after completing their studies. Funding is limited, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Only successful applicants will be contacted, usually within a few months after the closing date.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications for the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026 is 15 February 2026.
Conclusion
The KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026 is a powerful opportunity for young people who want to study in fields that directly support provincial development while securing a future career in government. By offering full financial support and structured work-back opportunities, the programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment. For eligible students from KwaZulu-Natal, this bursary can be the foundation for both academic success and long-term professional stability.
