• The Department of Water and Sanitation is looking to sponsor a full ride for learners fresh out of matric who are interested in engineering for next year.
• The bursaries from the department cover tuition costs, food, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
• Applications close on 30th September 2024.

Are you in matric right now or know of a matric learner looking to enter the field of engineering or water-related sciences next year? The South African government via the Department of Water and Sanitation says it has launched applications for matrics to apply for the 2024 academic year for its fully comprehensive tertiary bursaries.

These government bursaries are set to support the previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from poverty-stricken and rural communities across the country with full tuition coverage and other expenses, and applications are set to close on 30th September 2024 after launching much earlier in the year.

“The bursary programme covers full tuition fees, accommodation and food as per university guidance, books and stationery allowance and a monthly stipend,” the department says in a statement.

It is looking to cover the expenses only for brand new university students, fresh from matric looking to enter the following qualifications:

• “BSc/BEng in Civil; Mechanical and Electrical,
• BSc in Hydrology; Geohydrology; Water Project Management, Environmental and Water Sciences,
• BSc (Hons) in Hydrology; Geohydrology; Water Project Management, Environmental and Water Sciences, and
• National 3-year Diploma/BEng Tech in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current) and Water Care.”

If you manage to complete a qualification with Water and Sanitation covering the costs, you will be required to enter its Learning Academy on a fixed contract for three years minimum, where you will be exposed to general and soft skill training programmes, orientation and induction into the department.

“After completion, the trainees will be placed in various functional areas (base stations) within the Department and allocated mentors within the various line functions to receive the job training,” it adds.

This means that career opportunities are attached to the bursary for students that are able to complete their studies, which is extra exciting as the current job situation in South Africa can be intimidating for new graduates.

“The experience and expertise gained during this time will assist with the professionalisation of scientists and engineers, and give workplace exposure and additional training until they are ready to register as professionals with their relevant professional bodies,” the department concludes.

Bursary application forms can be sent by email to bursaries@dws.gov.za.

[Image – Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash]