Umgeni Water
Umgeni Water Bursary
Role Overview
uMngeni-uThukela Water, established in 1974, is a state-owned enterprise (SOE) that provides bulk water and related services to residents within KwaZulu-Natal. As KwaZulu-Natal’s biggest supplier of bulk potable water, they service an area of more than 21 000 sqkm, and are South Africa’s second-largest Water Board.
The company reports to the Department of Water and Sanitation directly, is headquartered in Pietermaritzburg and is supported by offices in Ulwandle and Izintaba.
uMngeni-uThukela Water’s assets include: 13 dams, 11 water treatment works, 18 small water treatment works, 19 borehole schemes, over 700 km of pipelines and over 60 km of tunnels.
Umgeni Water was officially renamed uMngeni-uThukela Water on July 1, 2023, following the incorporation of Mhlathuze Water.
uMngeni-uThukela Water is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following fields:
Through the Bursary Programme, the organisation aims to develop professional engineers and scientists.
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 satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be studying full-time towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above
• You must have completed your 1st year of study
• You must be in your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study
• You must be studying at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record, which you have maintained throughout the year
• You must be in financial need and unable to afford your studies
• You must be willing to enter into a bursary contract with Umgeni Water
• Preference will be given to students who permanently reside is within KwaZulu-Natal Province
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from ZABursaries. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Download and complete the uMngeni-uThukela Water Bursary Application Form 2025 (.pdf) Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the uMngeni-uThukela Water Bursary. Submit the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified): ID document (certified copy) Matric certificate (certified copy) Most recent academic record/ statement of results (not older than 3 months: certified copy) Proof of registration (certified copy) Motivational letter to support your application (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application) Proof of residential address (letter from Traditional Authority Offices if residing in a village, letter from Municipality Office if residing in a Town/ Township / Farm (note that statement of account, e.g. water bill will not be accepted) Applications must be submitted via email to: graduaterecruitment@uuw.co.za (Insert the words “uMngeni-uThukela Water 2025” in the email subject line).
About Umgeni Water
This bursary is offered by Umgeni Water.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from Umgeni Water 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
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Apply as soon as possible — positions may close without notice
- 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?
No closing date specified. Apply as soon as possible as positions may fill quickly.
Similar Opportunities
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application directly on Umgeni Water's careers portal.
Apply on Company Site