The Department of Human Settlements (DHS) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Human Settlements Scholarship Programme, targeting talented and financially deserving students who want to study in Human Settlements–related fields.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
Applications are open from 22 December 2025 to 7 January 2026 — and competition is expected to be high.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Department of Human Settlements Scholarship Programme |
| Academic Year | 2026 |
| Application Period | 22 December 2025 – 7 January 2026 |
| Who Can Apply | South African youth, first-time undergraduates |
| Fields Covered | Built environment & planning disciplines |
| Funding Covers | Tuition, registration, textbooks, residence & meals |
| Does NOT Cover | Stipends, transport, photocopying |
| Application Mode | Manual application (download & submit documents) |
| Official Website | www.dhs.gov.za |
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
To qualify for the 2026 Human Settlements Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Youth applicant
- Undergraduate student (no previous tertiary qualification)
- Exceptional matric results
- Demonstrated financial need
- Admitted or provisionally accepted at a recognised institution of higher learning
- No previous degree, diploma, or completed tertiary qualification
This scholarship is not for postgraduate students and not for second-degree applicants.
Fields of Study Funded (Very Important)
Funding is strictly limited to Human Settlements–related disciplines:
- Architecture / Architectural Technology
- Construction Management / Construction Science
- Civil Engineering
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Town & Regional Planning
- Urban and Rural Studies
- Quantity Surveying
- Land Surveying
- Building Surveying
If your qualification does not fall within these fields, your application may be declined.
What the Scholarship Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
Covered by the Human Settlements Scholarship:
- Registration fees
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks & course materials
- University residence accommodation
- Meals (as per institutional policy)
NOT Covered:
- Monthly stipend / allowance
- Transport costs
- Photocopying & printing
- Bridging courses
- Membership or professional affiliation fees
- Laundry services
Important: You must plan how you will cover personal and transport expenses.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit all required documents. Missing items may lead to disqualification.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form (downloaded from DHS website)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of June or December Matric results
- Proof of residence
- Provisional or final acceptance letter from a higher education institution
- Proof of financial status (parent/guardian salary slip or affidavit)
- Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ ID documents
Certification should be recent and clear.
How to Apply
- Download the Human Settlements Scholarship application form here
- Complete the form neatly and honestly
- Attach all required certified documents
- Submit your application before 7 January 2026
- Email your application to: scholarships2026@dhs.gov.za
Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (Read This Carefully)
This scholarship is highly competitive.
Our advice:
- Apply early
- Submit complete, certified documents
- Choose a funded field only
- Be honest about financial need
- Prepare for follow-up communication
Remember: Opportunities reward preparation. Even if you don’t succeed this time, the process builds experience for future funding.
Career Growth Path After This Scholarship
Graduates funded through this programme can progress into roles such as:
- Architect / Architectural Technologist
- Civil Engineer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Town or Regional Planner
- GIS Specialist
- Construction Manager
- Land Surveyor
Long-term opportunities include:
- Government departments
- Municipalities
- Property developers
- Infrastructure companies
- Consulting firms
- Professional registration (SACAP, ECSA, SACQSP, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply if I’m still waiting for acceptance?
Yes. A provisional acceptance letter is acceptable.
- Does the scholarship pay a monthly allowance?
No. There is no stipend.
- Can TVET students apply?
Only if progressing into a qualifying undergraduate programme in the listed fields.
- Can I apply if I already studied at university?
No. This scholarship is for first-time undergraduates only.
- Is NSFAS required?
No, but financial need must be proven.
CLOSING DATE: 07 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
- Edupstairs is not affiliated with the Department of Human Settlements
- We do not process applications
- Information is shared for education and awareness purposes
- Always verify details on the official DHS website
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE