The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA) is offering a bursary programme for the 2027 academic year aimed at supporting learners and students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing engineering degrees.
About the Bursary
The KZN EDTEA Engineering Bursary Programme provides six bursaries targeted at students who plan to study Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering. These bursaries cover a broad range of expenses including registration and tuition fees, accommodation, meals, prescribed books, study materials, and a monthly allowance. The bursary funding may be renewed annually based on the student’s academic performance and departmental policy.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants must be residents of KwaZulu-Natal and come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 34 years.
- Applicants need to have been accepted, or be in the process of securing acceptance, at either the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) or the University of Pretoria (UP) to study Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
- The responsibility of securing university admission rests entirely with the applicant.
Fields of Study Supported
- Aeronautical Engineering: Focuses on the design and development of flight-capable machines. Subjects like Mathematics and Physical Sciences are essential.
- Mechanical Engineering: Broad engineering discipline with opportunities across manufacturing, energy, mining, transport, and automotive sectors.
- Civil Engineering: Involves infrastructure development such as roads, bridges, water systems, and construction projects.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following documentation to support their bursary application:
- A completed bursary application form clearly indicating the chosen engineering discipline.
- A one-page motivation letter outlining why the bursary is needed, the applicant’s engineering ambitions, financial situation, and career goals.
- Proof of KwaZulu-Natal residence (e.g., municipal statement, police affidavit, or letter from traditional authority).
- Certified copies of the applicant’s and parent/guardian’s IDs.
- Proof of guardianship if applicable.
- Grade 12 June results and final Grade 12 results (final results must be emailed after release).
- Academic record if already registered at Wits or UP.
- Letter or communication from the university confirming admission (for Grade 12 learners).
- Parent/guardian proof of income or affidavit if unemployed.
Application Process and Important Dates
Applications must be submitted by post or hand-delivery; email submissions will not be accepted. Applications close strictly at 16:00 on 30 October 2026. Late applications will be disqualified.
Postal submissions should be addressed as follows:
Attention: Aeronautical Engineering-Bursary Programme | Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Private Bag X 9152
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Alternatively, applications can be hand-delivered to the KZN EDTEA Head Office at 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, or to various district offices across KwaZulu-Natal. These include sites in KwaDukuza, Durban, Dundee, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Richards Bay, Ixopo, Port Shepstone, Jozini, Mtubatuba, Ulundi, and others.
Applicants should use the official addresses exactly as specified in the bursary advertisement to avoid disqualification.
What to Know Before Applying
Since bursary selection is separate from university admission, applicants are advised to secure their acceptance to Wits or UP early. The one-page motivation letter is a critical element in the application and should clearly communicate the candidate’s passion for engineering and their financial needs.
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may result in rejection, so careful preparation and thorough review of the submission are essential.
Further Assistance
For any bursary-related enquiries, applicants can contact Mr Mbuyiseni Zwane via email at [email protected] or by phone at 060 565 3728.
Additional Resources
Applicants can explore engineering programmes, admission requirements, and related career pathways through tools such as the university programme explorers and career qualification explorers available online. These resources help candidates make informed decisions about their engineering career paths.
How to Access the Application Form
The official bursary application form is required for submission. Interested applicants should ensure they obtain and complete this form fully, specifying the bursary programme and chosen engineering field. The application form can be found via McNitols, one of the external resources linked with this bursary opportunity.
