KwaZulu-Natal Government
KwaZulu-Natal Government: Bursaries 2026
Role Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government invites eligible students residing in KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 15 February 2026Bursary Location: KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was established in 1994 following the merger of the former KwaZulu bantustan and Natal Province. It is South Africa’s second most populous province, with Durban as its largest city and Pietermaritzburg as the provincial capital.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government consists of several departments, including Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Provincial Treasury, Human Settlements, Health, Education, Public Works, Social Development, and others.
The KwaZulu-Natal Government Bursary will be awarded to students studying in approved fields linked to specific departments, as outlined below:
Industrial Engineering (National Diploma)
Students with disabilities: Any field related to the department
Maritime Studies (Bachelor’s Degree)
Transport Economics (BCom Honours)
Urban and Regional Planning (Degree)
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, which may include:
Prescribed textbooks (where required)
Successful applicants will be required to sign a bursary contract with the KwaZulu-Natal Government and, upon completion of their studies, serve the relevant department for the same duration as funded.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Must be resident in KwaZulu-Natal
Must be studying or intending to study full-time in 2026
Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa
Preference will be given to students studying within KwaZulu-Natal
Youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification.
Application forms can be collected from the following locations:
Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms
Department of Education District Offices
Student Funding Offices at Higher Education Institutions
👉 When completing the form, enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the section asking how you heard about the bursary.
Applicants must submit clear certified copies of the following documents with their application form:
Latest academic results/transcript (if currently studying)
Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution
Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents (or death certificates if deceased)
Proof of household income and expenses
Proof of residence in KwaZulu-Natal (letter from ward councillor)
Profiling certificate (if applicable)
Note: Missing documents may result in automatic disqualification.
Applications must be submitted to the relevant department, depending on your field of study:
Post: The Director, Organisational Development, Private Bag X54367, Durban, 4000
Hand Delivery: 14th Floor, Eagle Building, 353–363 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban
Post: The Director, Human Resource Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Hand Delivery: R103 Cedara Off-Ramp, Pietermaritzburg
Post: The Bursary Section, Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Hand Delivery: Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumalo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg
Post: The Bursary Unit, P.O. Box 3613, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Hand Delivery: Treasury House, 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Road, Pietermaritzburg
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
For enquiries, contact the relevant department directly:
Human Settlements:Ms MP Phama – 031 336 5195Ms X Bhengu – 031 336 5380Ms T Hlophe – 031 319 3700
Agriculture and Rural Development:Mr TE Majola – 033 343 8012 / 076 940 9526Mrs Z Mthembu – 035 780 6727 / 064 305 8019Ms NNT Khambula – 033 355 9272 / 076 937 7373
Transport:Nomasonto Gwananda – 033 355 8828Nokwabelwa Ngcobo – 033 355 8899Reshika Sing – 033 355 8771
Provincial Treasury:Mrs T Suleman – 033 897 4372Ms C Sibisi – 033 897 4391
Key Responsibilities
You must represent the bursary programme positively in your professional conduct and fulfill any work-back obligations specified in your bursary contract after graduating. As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
• Aged 18–35 years
• Must be resident in KwaZulu-Natal
• Must have completed Matric
• Must be studying or intending to study full-time in 2026
• Must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa
• Preference will be given to students studying within KwaZulu-Natal
• Youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
• Failure to meet these requirements will result in disqualification.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from StudentRoom. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Application forms can be collected from the following locations: Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms Department of Education District Offices Student Funding Offices at Higher Education Institutions Local Municipalities Public Libraries 👉 When completing the form, enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the section asking how you heard about the bursary.
About KwaZulu-Natal Government
This bursary is offered by KwaZulu-Natal Government, based in Durban.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from KwaZulu-Natal Government can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Many bursary programmes also include vacation work placements and guaranteed employment after graduation, giving you both education and career security.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 15 February 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Yes, this opportunity requires a matric certificate.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 15 February 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.