The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has announced its Economics Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This bursary targets academically deserving students from financially challenged backgrounds who wish to pursue or continue undergraduate studies in Economics.
About the KZN EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme
This bursary initiative supports South African citizens residing in KwaZulu-Natal who are committed to studying Economics at a recognised public university in South Africa. It is designed to promote careers in economics-related fields such as economic research, policy analysis, development planning, and economic growth within the province and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
- Grade 12 learners who plan to begin an undergraduate Economics degree in 2027 and come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Current undergraduate Economics students intending to continue their studies in the 2027 academic year and meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen currently residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Demonstrate strong academic potential and commitment to Economics.
- Show evidence of financial need due to a disadvantaged background.
- Meet the bursary programme’s minimum academic requirements for Economics studies.
- Willingness and ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the study period.
- Compliance with all terms and conditions set by the EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme.
Field of Study and Institutions
The bursary exclusively supports undergraduate study in Economics. Applicants should ensure their intended university degree explicitly qualifies as an Economics programme rather than a general Commerce or Business degree that only includes some Economics modules. Eligible applicants can study at any recognised public university in South Africa that offers an accredited Economics undergraduate degree.
Location and Duration
This bursary is aimed at residents of KwaZulu-Natal and supports study at recognised public universities across South Africa for the 2027 academic year.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official EDTEA Economics Bursary application form, which can be accessed from the KwaZulu-Natal EDTEA’s official website. The completed application form, along with all required supporting documents, must be hand-delivered to the KZN EDTEA Head Office at 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, or to one of the KZN EDTEA District Offices. It is important to note that emailed applications will not be accepted.
Applications should be clearly marked with the reference: EDTEA Economics Bursary Programme 2027 and addressed to Mr. Mbuyiseni Zwane.
Closing Date
The deadline for submitting applications is 30 November 2026. Early submission is advised to allow time for gathering and verifying all required documents.
Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly research Economics careers and related qualifications before applying. This bursary forms part of a broader study and funding strategy, and applying to university and bursary programmes should be done concurrently.
Contact for Enquiries
For questions related to the bursary programme, applicants may contact Mr. Mbuyiseni Zwane via email at [email protected] or by phone at 060 565 3728. Please use the email address only for enquiries; do not submit applications via email.
For more details and to access the application form, visit the official KZN EDTEA website.
