Umgeni Water Bursary South Africa For 2026. Umgeni Water, established in 1974, is a state-owned public entity providing water services to institutions across KwaZulu-Natal. As the province’s largest bulk potable water supplier, Umgeni Water serves an area of over 21,000 sq km.
Reporting directly to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the company is headquartered in Pietermaritzburg with additional offices in Ulwandle and Izintaba. Umgeni Water manages significant infrastructure including 13 dams, 11 water treatment works, 18 small water treatment works, 19 borehole schemes, over 700 km of pipelines, and more than 60 km of tunnels.
The organization actively invests in student development by offering bursaries for deserving South African students pursuing studies in science and engineering.
About the Umgeni Water Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The Umgeni Water Bursary South Africa 2026 supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in the following fields:
- Biochemistry / Chemistry (BSc)
- Chemical Engineering (BSc)
- Civil Engineering (BSc)
- Computer Science / Data Science / Cyber Security (BSc)
- Electrical Engineering (BSc)
- Environmental Science / Ecology / Biology (BSc)
- Hydrology (BSc)
- Mechanical Engineering (BSc)
The bursary aims to nurture skilled professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s water and environmental sectors.
Coverage and Benefits of the Umgeni Water Bursary
Selected students will receive bursary support covering:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Prescribed books and stationery
Shortlisted candidates are contacted within four weeks after the closing date. If no feedback is received by this time, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Umgeni Water Bursary 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African citizen
- Completed Matric
- Studying full-time towards a qualification in one of the bursary fields
- Must have completed the 1st year of study
- Starting 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in 2026
- Enrolled at a recognized and accredited South African tertiary institution
- Maintain a strong academic record throughout the year
- Be in financial need and unable to fund studies independently
- Willing to enter into a bursary contract with Umgeni Water
Preference is given to:
- Students permanently residing in KwaZulu-Natal
- Students from designated groups
- Female students are strongly encouraged to apply
How to Apply
Step 1 – Download Application Form
Download and complete the Umgeni Water Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf).
Step 2 – Prepare Supporting Documents
Submit clear copies of the following documents along with your completed application:
- 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 supporting your application
- Proof of residential address (letter from Traditional Authority or Municipality; water bills will not be accepted)
- Parents/guardians proof of income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, proof of grant/pension/death certificate if applicable)
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
Step 3 – Submit Application
Applications must be emailed only to:
Ms. Nokuphiwa Mkhize (Skills Development Facilitator)
Email: [email protected]
Include the subject line: “Umgeni Water Bursary Application”
Note: Applications submitted in person will not be accepted.
Closing Date
Applicants are advised to apply before the official closing date on the Umgeni Water website. Late submissions will not be accepted, so ensure you submit your application on time.
Contact Information
For bursary-related queries, contact Umgeni Water directly:
- Contact Person: Ms. Nokuphiwa Mkhize (Skills Development Facilitator)
- Telephone: 033 341 1208 / 033 341 1118
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The Umgeni Water Bursary South Africa 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for students pursuing BSc degrees in science, engineering, and technology fields. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and study materials, giving students the financial support to focus fully on their studies.
