Engineering and Built Environment Bursary in South Africa
About the Bursary
The Masakh’iSizwe (MIS) Bursary Programme is one of the leading government-funded bursaries for students pursuing careers in engineering, infrastructure, and the built environment.
The bursary is designed to address critical skills shortages within South Africa while supporting students through full-time tertiary studies.
Students awarded the bursary will be required to complete a work-back obligation after graduation. For every year funded, recipients will generally be expected to work back one year of service.
About the Bursary Provider
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure is responsible for public works, transport systems, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives across the Western Cape.
The department uses the Masakh’iSizwe bursary programme to help develop future engineers, planners, and infrastructure professionals who may later contribute to government and related sectors.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary supports studies within engineering, transport, and built environment fields, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Construction
- Quantity Surveying
- Urban Planning
Funding is generally available for studies at approved Western Cape institutions, including:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements before applying:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be studying or intending to study full-time in an approved field
- Must have applied to or been accepted at a recognised Western Cape university
- Financial need may be considered during selection
- Preference may be given to disadvantaged students
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following supporting documents during the application process:
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or latest results
- Academic record from university (if currently studying)
- Full course outline or prospectus
- Estimated cost of studies
- Proof of university application or registration
- Salary slips of parent, guardian, or spouse
- Affidavit if parent or guardian is unemployed
- Proof of residential address
- Motivational letter
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
Applicants may also be required to submit:
- Proof of financial aid
- Proof of existing student debt
- Medical proof of disability
- SAPS police clearance certificate
Applications with missing supporting documents may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed online through the official Masakh’iSizwe bursary application portal.
Applicants will first need to register an account before submitting their application and supporting documents.
Application Period
📅 Applications open: 1 April 2026
📅 Applications close: 31 August 2026
Late applications may not be accepted.
Work-Back Obligation
Successful bursary recipients will be expected to complete a service obligation after graduation.
Typically, recipients are required to work for the department or associated organisations for the same number of years that they received funding.
Helpful Job Application Guides
